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Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2006 Mar 19
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000080< 64 ~
81
82To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
83base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000084
85For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
86
87Note that in the command >
88 :if "foo"
89"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
90use strlen(): >
91 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000092< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
93List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000094
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 *E706*
96You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
97to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000098equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000100 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000101 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000103
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001041.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000105 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
108around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000109
110 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
111 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
114have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000116A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
117Dictionary entry. Example: >
118 :function dict.init() dict
119 : let self.val = 0
120 :endfunction
121
122The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
123function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
124
125A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
126 :call Fn()
127 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000128
129The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000131
132You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
133arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000134 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135
136
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001371.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000138 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000139A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
140can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
141position in the sequence.
142
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144List creation ~
145 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147Examples: >
148 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
149 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152nested List: >
153 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154
155An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
156
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157
158List index ~
159 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000160An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
162 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000165When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000166 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000167<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
169the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000170 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
171
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000172To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000173is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174 :echo get(mylist, idx)
175 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
176
177
178List concatenation ~
179
180Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
181 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000182 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183
184To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
185it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
186
187
188Sublist ~
189
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000190A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
191separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000192 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000193
194Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
195similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
196available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000197 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
198 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
199 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000200
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000201The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
202is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
203 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
204 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
205
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000206NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
207using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
208mylist[s : e].
209
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000210
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000211List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000212 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000213When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
214variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
215change "bb": >
216 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
217 :let bb = aa
218 :call add(aa, 4)
219 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000220< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000221
222Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
223works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000224a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000225 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
226 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
229 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000232< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000233
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239the same value. >
240 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
241 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
242 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000243< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000244 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000247Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
248same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
250different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
251variables. Example: >
252 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000253< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000254 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000255< 0
256
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
258can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
259
260 :let a = 5
261 :let b = "5"
262 echo a == b
263< 1 >
264 echo [a] == [b]
265< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000266
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000267
268List unpack ~
269
270To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
271square brackets, like list items: >
272 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
273
274When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
275this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
276and a variable name: >
277 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
278
279This works like: >
280 :let var1 = mylist[0]
281 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000282 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000283
284Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
285empty list then.
286
287
288List modification ~
289 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000290To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000291 :let list[4] = "four"
292 :let listlist[0][3] = item
293
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000294To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000295modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000296 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
297
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
299examples: >
300 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
301 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
302 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000303 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000304 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
305 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000306 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000308 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000309 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000311Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000312 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
313 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
314
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000315
316For loop ~
317
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000318The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
319to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000320 :for item in mylist
321 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :endfor
323
324This works like: >
325 :let index = 0
326 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000327 : let item = mylist[index]
328 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000329 : let index = index + 1
330 :endwhile
331
332Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000333results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000334the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000335
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000336If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000337function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000339Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
340requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
341 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
342 : call Doit(lnum, col)
343 :endfor
344
345This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
346must remain the same to avoid an error.
347
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000349 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
350 : call Doit(i, j)
351 : if !empty(rest)
352 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
353 : endif
354 :endfor
355
356
357List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000358 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000359Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000361 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000362 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
363 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
364 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000365 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
366 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000367 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
368 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000369 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
370 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000371 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
372 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000374Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
375example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
376 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
377
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000378
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003791.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000380 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000381A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
383ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384
385
386Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000387 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000388A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000389braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
390only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
392 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000393< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
395String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
397Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000398
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000400nested Dictionary: >
401 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
402
403An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
404
405
406Accessing entries ~
407
408The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
409 :let val = mydict["one"]
410 :let mydict["four"] = 4
411
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
414For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
415form can be used |expr-entry|: >
416 :let val = mydict.one
417 :let mydict.four = 4
418
419Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
420key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000421 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000422
423
424Dictionary to List conversion ~
425
426You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
427turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
428
429Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
430 :for key in keys(mydict)
431 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
432 :endfor
433
434The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
435 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
436
437To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
438 :for v in values(mydict)
439 : echo "value: " . v
440 :endfor
441
442If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000443a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000444 :for entry in items(mydict)
445 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
446 :endfor
447
448
449Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000450 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000451Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
452Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
453Dictionary: >
454 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
455 :let adict = onedict
456 :let adict['a'] = 11
457 :echo onedict['a']
458 11
459
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000460Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
461more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000462
463
464Dictionary modification ~
465 *dict-modification*
466To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
467use |:let| this way: >
468 :let dict[4] = "four"
469 :let dict['one'] = item
470
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000471Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
472Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
473 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
474 :unlet dict.aaa
475 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000476
477Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000478 :call extend(adict, bdict)
479This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
480in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000481Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
482expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
483adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000484
485Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000486 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000487This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000488
489
490Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000491 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000492When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
493special way with a dictionary. Example: >
494 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000495 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000496 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000497 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
498 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499
500This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
501Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
502the function was invoked from.
503
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000504It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
505Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
506
507 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
509assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
511 :function mydict.len() dict
512 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000513 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000514 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000515
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000516The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
517that references this function. The function can only be used through a
518|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
519remaining that refers to it.
520
521It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522
523
524Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 *E715*
526Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000527 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
528 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
529 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
530 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
531 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
532 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
533 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
534 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000535
536
5371.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000538 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000539If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
540function.
541
542When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
543start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
544stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
545
546When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
547start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
548stored in the session file |session-file|.
549
550variable name can be stored where ~
551my_var_6 not
552My_Var_6 session file
553MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
554
555
556It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
557|curly-braces-names|.
558
559==============================================================================
5602. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
561
562Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
563
564|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
565
566|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
567
568|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
569
570|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
571 expr5 != expr5 not equal
572 expr5 > expr5 greater than
573 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
574 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
575 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
576 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
577 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
578
579 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
580 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
581 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
582 matching case
583
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000584 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
585 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000586
587|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000588 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
589 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
590
591|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
592 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
593 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
594
595|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
596 - expr7 unary minus
597 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000598
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000599
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000600|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
601 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
602 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
603 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604
605|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000606 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000607 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000608 [expr1, ...] |List|
609 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000610 &option option value
611 (expr1) nested expression
612 variable internal variable
613 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
614 $VAR environment variable
615 @r contents of register 'r'
616 function(expr1, ...) function call
617 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
618
619
620".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
621Example: >
622 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
623
624All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
625
626
627expr1 *expr1* *E109*
628-----
629
630expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
631
632The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
633non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
634otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
637
638Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
639other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
640Example: >
641 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
642
643To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
644 :echo lnum == 1
645 :\ ? "top"
646 :\ : lnum == 1000
647 :\ ? "last"
648 :\ : lnum
649
650
651expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
652---------------
653
654 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
655The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
656are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
657
658 input output ~
659n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
660zero zero zero zero
661zero non-zero non-zero zero
662non-zero zero non-zero zero
663non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
664
665The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
666
667 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
668
669Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
670
671 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
672
673Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
674arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
675
676 let a = 1
677 echo a || b
678
679This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
680so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
681
682 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
683
684This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
685only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
686
687
688expr4 *expr4*
689-----
690
691expr5 {cmp} expr5
692
693Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
694if it evaluates to true.
695
696 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
697 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
698 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
699 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
700 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
701 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000702 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000703 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
704equal == ==# ==?
705not equal != !=# !=?
706greater than > ># >?
707greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
708smaller than < <# <?
709smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
710regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
711regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000712same instance is
713different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000714
715Examples:
716"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
717"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
718"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
719
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000720 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000721A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
722"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
723Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000724
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000725 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000726A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
727equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000728recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
729
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000730 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000731A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
732equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000733
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000734When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
735referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
736the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
737using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000738different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
739is false.
740
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000741When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
742and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
743because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
744
745When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
746results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
747necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
748
749When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
750'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
751
752When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
753'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
754
755The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
756argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
757This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
758matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
759portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
760single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
761Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
762(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
763can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
764 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
765 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
766
767
768expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
769---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000770expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000771expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
772expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000773
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000774For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000775result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000776
777expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
778expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
779expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000780
781For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
782
783Note the difference between "+" and ".":
784 "123" + "456" = 579
785 "123" . "456" = "123456"
786
787When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
788When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
789
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000790None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000791
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000792
793expr7 *expr7*
794-----
795! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
796- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
797+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
798
799For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
800For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
801For '+' the number is unchanged.
802
803A String will be converted to a Number first.
804
805These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
806 !-1 == 0
807 !!8 == 1
808 --9 == 9
809
810
811expr8 *expr8*
812-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000813expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000814
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000815If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
816expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000817Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000818
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000819Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
820text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
821cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000822 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
823
824If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000825String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
826compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
827
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000828If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000829for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
830error. Example: >
831 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
832
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000833Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
834|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
835error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000837
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000838expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000839
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000840If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
841from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000842expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
843encodings.
844
845If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
846string minus one is used.
847
848A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
849the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
850
851If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
852expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
853
854Examples: >
855 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
856 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
857 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
858 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
859
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000860If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
861the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
862just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000863 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
864 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
865 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
866
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000867Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
868error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000869
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000870
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000871expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000872
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000873If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
874name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
875expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000876
877The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
878but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
879
880There must not be white space before or after the dot.
881
882Examples: >
883 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
884 :echo dict.one
885 :echo dict .2
886
887Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
888always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
889
890
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000891expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000892
893When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
894
895
896
897 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000898number
899------
900number number constant *expr-number*
901
902Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
903
904
905string *expr-string* *E114*
906------
907"string" string constant *expr-quote*
908
909Note that double quotes are used.
910
911A string constant accepts these special characters:
912\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
913\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
914\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
915\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
916\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
917\X.. same as \x..
918\X. same as \x.
919\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
920 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
921\U.... same as \u....
922\b backspace <BS>
923\e escape <Esc>
924\f formfeed <FF>
925\n newline <NL>
926\r return <CR>
927\t tab <Tab>
928\\ backslash
929\" double quote
930\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
931
932Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
933
934
935literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
936---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000937'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000938
939Note that single quotes are used.
940
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000941This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000942meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000943
944Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
945to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
946 if a =~ "\\s*"
947 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000948
949
950option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
951------
952&option option value, local value if possible
953&g:option global option value
954&l:option local option value
955
956Examples: >
957 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
958 if &insertmode
959
960Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
961and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
962anyway.
963
964
965register *expr-register*
966--------
967@r contents of register 'r'
968
969The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
970Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000971register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
972registers.
973
974When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
975evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000976
977
978nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
979-------
980(expr1) nested expression
981
982
983environment variable *expr-env*
984--------------------
985$VAR environment variable
986
987The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
988result is an empty string.
989 *expr-env-expand*
990Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
991expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
992are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
993the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
994fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
995does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
996 :echo $version
997 :echo expand("$version")
998The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
999variable (if your shell supports it).
1000
1001
1002internal variable *expr-variable*
1003-----------------
1004variable internal variable
1005See below |internal-variables|.
1006
1007
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001008function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001009-------------
1010function(expr1, ...) function call
1011See below |functions|.
1012
1013
1014==============================================================================
10153. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1016 *E461*
1017An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1018cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1019|curly-braces-names|.
1020
1021An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001022An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1023|:unlet|.
1024Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1025been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001026
1027There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1028specified by what is prepended:
1029
1030 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1031|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1032|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1033|global-variable| g: Global.
1034|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1035|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1036|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1037|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1038
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001039The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1040delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001041 :for k in keys(s:)
1042 : unlet s:[k]
1043 :endfor
1044<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001045 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1046A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1047Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1048This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1049|:bdelete|.
1050
1051One local buffer variable is predefined:
1052 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1053b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1054 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1055 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1056 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1057 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1058 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1059 : call My_Update()
1060 :endif
1061<
1062 *window-variable* *w:var*
1063A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1064is deleted when the window is closed.
1065
1066 *global-variable* *g:var*
1067Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1068access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1069place if you like.
1070
1071 *local-variable* *l:var*
1072Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1073But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1074
1075 *script-variable* *s:var*
1076In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1077accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1078
1079They can be used in:
1080- commands executed while the script is sourced
1081- functions defined in the script
1082- autocommands defined in the script
1083- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1084 defined in the script (recursively)
1085- user defined commands defined in the script
1086Thus not in:
1087- other scripts sourced from this one
1088- mappings
1089- etc.
1090
1091script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1092Take this example:
1093
1094 let s:counter = 0
1095 function MyCounter()
1096 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1097 echo s:counter
1098 endfunction
1099 command Tick call MyCounter()
1100
1101You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1102that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1103"Tick" was defined is used.
1104
1105Another example that does the same: >
1106
1107 let s:counter = 0
1108 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1109
1110When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001111script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001112defined.
1113
1114The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1115function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1116
1117 let s:counter = 0
1118 function StartCounting(incr)
1119 if a:incr
1120 function MyCounter()
1121 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1122 endfunction
1123 else
1124 function MyCounter()
1125 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1126 endfunction
1127 endif
1128 endfunction
1129
1130This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1131when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1132called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1133
1134When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1135They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1136maintain a counter: >
1137
1138 if !exists("s:counter")
1139 let s:counter = 1
1140 echo "script executed for the first time"
1141 else
1142 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1143 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1144 endif
1145
1146Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1147variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1148
1149
1150Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1151
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001152 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1153v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1154 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1155 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1158v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1159 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1160
1161 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1162v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1163 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1164
1165 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001166v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1167 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1168 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1169 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001170 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1171 highlighted text is used.
1172 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
1174 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1175v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1176 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1177
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001178 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1179v:charconvert_from
1180 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1181 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1182
1183 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1184v:charconvert_to
1185 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1186 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1187
1188 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1189v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1190 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1191 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1192 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1193 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1194 possible to append this variable directly after the
1195 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1196 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1197 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1198 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1199 in 'printexpr'.
1200
1201 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1202v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1203 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1204 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1205 can be used.
1206
1207 *v:count* *count-variable*
1208v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1209 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1210 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1211< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1212 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001213 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001214 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1215
1216 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1217v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1218 used.
1219
1220 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1221v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1222 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1223 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1224 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1225 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1226 command.
1227 See |multi-lang|.
1228
1229 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1230v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1231 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1232 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1233 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1234 Example: >
1235 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1236<
1237 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1238v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1239 Example: >
1240 :let v:errmsg = ""
1241 :silent! next
1242 :if v:errmsg != ""
1243 : ... handle error
1244< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1245
1246 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1247v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1248 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1249 Example: >
1250 :try
1251 : throw "oops"
1252 :catch /.*/
1253 : echo "caught" v:exception
1254 :endtry
1255< Output: "caught oops".
1256
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001257 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1258v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1259 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1260 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1261 deleted file no longer exists
1262 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1263 changed and buffer is modified
1264 changed file contents has changed
1265 mode mode of file changed
1266 time only file timestamp changed
1267
1268 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1269v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1270 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1271 do with the affected buffer:
1272 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1273 the file was deleted).
1274 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1275 was no autocommand. Except that when
1276 only the timestamp changed nothing
1277 will happen.
1278 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1279 everything that needs to be done.
1280 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1281 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1282
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001283 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001284v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' file to be converted
1287 'diffexpr' original file
1288 'patchexpr' original file
1289 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001290 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001291
1292 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1293v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1294 evaluating:
1295 option used for ~
1296 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1297 'diffexpr' output of diff
1298 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1299 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1300 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1301 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1302 file and different from v:fname_in.
1303
1304 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1305v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1306 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1307
1308 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1309v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1310 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1311
1312 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1313v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1314 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001315 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001316
1317 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1318v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001319 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001320
1321 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1322v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001323 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001324
1325 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1326v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001327 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001328
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001329 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1330v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1331 events. Values:
1332 i Insert mode
1333 r Replace mode
1334 v Virtual Replace mode
1335
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001336 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001337v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001338 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1339 Read-only.
1340
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001341 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1342v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1343 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1344 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1345 The value is system dependent.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command.
1348 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1349 in a different language than what is used for character
1350 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1351
1352 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1353v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1354 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1355 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1356 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1357 command. See |multi-lang|.
1358
1359 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001360v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00001361 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'. Only valid
1362 while one of these expressions is being evaluated. Read-only
1363 when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001364
1365 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1366v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1367 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1368 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1369 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1370< Read-only.
1371
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001372 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1373v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1374 See |profiling|.
1375
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001376 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1377v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1378 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1379 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1380 Read-only.
1381
1382 *v:register* *register-variable*
1383v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1384 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1385
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001386 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1387v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1388 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1389 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1390 typed command.
1391 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1392 hit-enter prompt.
1393
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001394 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1395v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1396 Read-only.
1397
1398 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1399v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1400 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1401 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1402 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1403 executed. Read-only.
1404 Example: >
1405 :!mv foo bar
1406 :if v:shell_error
1407 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1408 :endif
1409< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1410
1411 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1412v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1413
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001414 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1415v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1416 the swap file found. Read-only.
1417
1418 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1419v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1420 for handling an existing swap file:
1421 'o' Open read-only
1422 'e' Edit anyway
1423 'r' Recover
1424 'd' Delete swapfile
1425 'q' Quit
1426 'a' Abort
1427 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1428 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1429 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1430
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001431 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001432v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001433 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1434 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1435 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001436 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001437
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001438 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1439v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1440 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1441 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1442 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1443 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1444 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1445 terminal.
1446 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1447 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1448 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1449 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1450 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1451
1452 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1453v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1454 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1455 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1456 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1457
1458 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1459v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1460 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1461 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1462 Example: >
1463 :try
1464 : throw "oops"
1465 :catch /.*/
1466 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1467 :endtry
1468< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1469
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001470 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001471v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1472 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001473 |filter()|. Read-only.
1474
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001475 *v:version* *version-variable*
1476v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1477 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1478 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1479 compatibility.
1480 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1481 if has("patch123")
1482< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1483 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1484 completely different.
1485
1486 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1487v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1488
1489==============================================================================
14904. Builtin Functions *functions*
1491
1492See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1493
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001494(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001495
1496USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1497
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001498add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001499append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001500append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001501argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001502argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001503argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1504browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1505 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001506browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001507bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001508buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1509bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1511bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1512bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1513byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001514byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001515call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1516 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001517changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001518char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001519cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001521complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001522complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1523complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001524confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1525 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001526copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001527count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1528 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001529cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1530 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001531cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1532 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1533cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001534deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001535delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1536did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001537diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1538diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001539empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001540escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001541eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001542eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001543executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1544exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1545expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1546filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001547filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1548 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001549finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1550 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001551findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001552 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1554fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1556foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001559foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001560function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001561get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001562get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001563getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1564 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001565getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1566getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001567getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1568getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1569getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001570getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001571getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001572getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1573getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001574getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001576getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001577getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1578getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001579getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001580getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001581getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001582getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001583getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001584getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1585getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1586getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1587glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1588globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1589has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001590has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001591hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1592 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1594histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1595histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1596histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1597hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1598hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1599hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001600iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1601indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001602index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1603 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001604input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1605 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001606inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001607inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1608inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001609inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001610insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001611isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001612islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001613items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001614join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001615keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001616len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1617libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001618libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1619line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1620line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001621lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001623map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001624maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1625 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1626mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1627 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001628match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001630matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001631 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001632matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1633 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001634matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1635 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001636max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1637min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001638mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1639 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001640mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1642nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1643prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001644printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001645pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001646range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1647 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001648readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1649 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1651 String send expression
1652remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1653remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1654 Number check for reply string
1655remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1656remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1657 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001658remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001659remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001660rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1661repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1662resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001663reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001664search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001665searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1666 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001667searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001668 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001669searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001670 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001671searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001672 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001673server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1674 Number send reply string
1675serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1676setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1677setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1678setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001679setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1680 Number modify location list using {list}
1681setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001682setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001683setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001684simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001685sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001686soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001687spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001688spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1689 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001690split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001691 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001692str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001693strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001694stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1695 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001696string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001697strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1698strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1699 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001700strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1701 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001702strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001703submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001704substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1705 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001706synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001707synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1708 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1709synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001710system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001711tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1712tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1713tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1714 Number number of current window in tab page
1715taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001716tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001717tempname() String name for a temporary file
1718tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1719toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001720tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1721 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001723values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001724virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1725visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1726winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1727wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1728winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1729winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001730winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001731winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001732winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1733winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001734winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001735writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1736 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001737
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001738add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001739 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1740 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001741 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1742 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001743< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001744 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001745 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001746
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001747
1748append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001749 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1750 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001751 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1752 the current buffer.
1753 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001754 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1755 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001756 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001757 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001758<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001759 *argc()*
1760argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1761 current window. See |arglist|.
1762
1763 *argidx()*
1764argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1765 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1766
1767 *argv()*
1768argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1769 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1770 Example: >
1771 :let i = 0
1772 :while i < argc()
1773 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1774 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1775 : let i = i + 1
1776 :endwhile
1777<
1778 *browse()*
1779browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1780 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1781 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1782 The input fields are:
1783 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1784 {title} title for the requester
1785 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1786 {default} default file name
1787 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1788 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1789
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001790 *browsedir()*
1791browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1792 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1793 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1794 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1795 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1796 to be used.
1797 The input fields are:
1798 {title} title for the requester
1799 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1800 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1801 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1802
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001803bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1804 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1805 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001806 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001807 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001808 exactly. The name can be:
1809 - Relative to the current directory.
1810 - A full path.
1811 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1812 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001813 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1814 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1815 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1816 long name to be able to find them.
1817 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1818 file name.
1819 *buffer_exists()*
1820 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1821
1822buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1823 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1824 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001825 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001826
1827bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1828 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1829 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001830 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001831
1832bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1833 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1834 ":ls" command.
1835 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1836 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1837 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1838 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1839 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1840 match an empty string is returned.
1841 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1842 alternate buffer.
1843 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1844 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1845 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1846 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1847 buffers are searched for.
1848 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1849 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1850 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1851< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1852 string is returned. >
1853 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1854 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1855 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1856 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1857< *buffer_name()*
1858 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1859
1860 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001861bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1862 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001863 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001864 above.
1865 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1866 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1867 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001868 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1869 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1870< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1871 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1872 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1873 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1874 *buffer_number()*
1875 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1876 *last_buffer_nr()*
1877 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1878
1879bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1880 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1881 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1882 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1883 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1884
1885 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1886
1887< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1888 |:wincmd|.
1889
1890
1891byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1892 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1893 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1894 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1895 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1896 one.
1897 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1898 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1899 feature}
1900
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001901byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1902 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1903 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1904 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1905 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1906 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1907 Example : >
1908 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1909< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1910 same: >
1911 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1912 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1913< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1914 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1915 is returned.
1916
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001917call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001918 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001919 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001920 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001921 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1922 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001923 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1924 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001925
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001926changenr() *changenr()*
1927 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
1928 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
1929 with the |:undo| command.
1930 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
1931 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
1932 one less than the number of the undone change.
1933
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001934char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1935 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1936 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1937 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1938< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001939 char2nr("?") returns 225
1940 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001941< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001942
1943cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1944 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1945 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1946 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1947 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1948 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1949 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001950 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001951
1952 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001953col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001954 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1955 . the cursor position
1956 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1957 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1958 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1959 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001960 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
1961 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001962 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1963 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1964 Examples: >
1965 col(".") column of cursor
1966 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1967 col("'t") column of mark t
1968 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1969< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1970 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1971 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1972 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1973 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1974 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1975 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1976 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1977<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001978
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001979complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
1980 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
1981 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
1982 with an expression argument |:map-<expr>| or CTRL-R =
1983 |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O.
1984 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
1985 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
1986 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
1987 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
1988 match.
1989 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
1990 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
1991 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
1992 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
1993 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
1994 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
1995 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
1996 Example: >
1997 inoremap <expr> <F5> ListMonths()
1998
1999 func! ListMonths()
2000 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2001 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2002 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2003 return ''
2004 endfunc
2005< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2006 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2007
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002008complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2009 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2010 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2011 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2012 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2013 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002014 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2015 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002016
2017complete_check() *complete_check()*
2018 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2019 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2020 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2021 zero otherwise.
2022 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2023 'completefunc' option.
2024
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002025 *confirm()*
2026confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2027 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2028 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2029 choice this is 1.
2030 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2031 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2032 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2033 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2034 used (and translated).
2035 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2036 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2037 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2038 by '\n', e.g. >
2039 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2040< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2041 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2042 not need to be the first letter: >
2043 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2044< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2045 the default shortcut key.
2046 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2047 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2048 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2049 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2050 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2051 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2052 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2053 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2054 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2055 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2056 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2057
2058 An example: >
2059 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2060 :if choice == 0
2061 : echo "make up your mind!"
2062 :elseif choice == 3
2063 : echo "tasteful"
2064 :else
2065 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2066 :endif
2067< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2068 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2069 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2070 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2071 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2072 the horizontal layout is always used.
2073
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002074 *copy()*
2075copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2076 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002077 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2078 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002079 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002080 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002081 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002082
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002083count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002084 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002085 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002086 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002087 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002088 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2089
2090
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002091 *cscope_connection()*
2092cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2093 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2094 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2095 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2096 if there are no cscope connections;
2097 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2098
2099 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2100 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2101
2102 {num} Description of existence check
2103 ----- ------------------------------
2104 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2105 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2106 {dbpath}.
2107 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2108 {dbpath}.
2109 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2110 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2111 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2112 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2113
2114 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2115
2116 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2117
2118 # pid database name prepend path
2119 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2120<
2121 Invocation Return Val ~
2122 ---------- ---------- >
2123 cscope_connection() 1
2124 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2125 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2126 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2127 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2128 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2129 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2130 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2131<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002132cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2133cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002134 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002135 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002136 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002137 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2138 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002139 Does not change the jumplist.
2140 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2141 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2142 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002143 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002144 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2145 line.
2146 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002147 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2148 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2149 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002150
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002151
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002152deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002153 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2154 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002155 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2156 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2157 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002158 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002159 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2160 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2161 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2162 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2163 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2164 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002165 *E724*
2166 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002167 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2168 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002169 Also see |copy()|.
2170
2171delete({fname}) *delete()*
2172 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002173 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2174 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002175 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002176
2177 *did_filetype()*
2178did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2179 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2180 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2181 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2182 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2183 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2184 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2185 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2186 file.
2187
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002188diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2189 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2190 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2191 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2192 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2193 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2194 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2195 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2196
2197diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2198 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2199 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2200 diff change zero is returned.
2201 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2202 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2203 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2204 line.
2205 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2206 syntax information about the highlighting.
2207
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002208empty({expr}) *empty()*
2209 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002210 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2211 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2212 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2213 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002214
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002215escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2216 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2217 backslash. Example: >
2218 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2219< results in: >
2220 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002221
2222< *eval()*
2223eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2224 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2225 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002226 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002227
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002228eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2229 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2230 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2231 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2232 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2233
2234executable({expr}) *executable()*
2235 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2236 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002237 arguments.
2238 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2239 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2240 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2241 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2242 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2243 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2244 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2245 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2246 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2247 extension.
2248 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2249 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002250 The result is a Number:
2251 1 exists
2252 0 does not exist
2253 -1 not implemented on this system
2254
2255 *exists()*
2256exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2257 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2258 which contains one of these:
2259 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2260 not if it really works)
2261 +option-name Vim option that works.
2262 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2263 done by comparing with an empty
2264 string)
2265 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2266 or user defined function (see
2267 |user-functions|).
2268 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002269 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002270 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2271 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2272 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002273 invoked cause an error message for an
2274 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002275 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2276 command or command modifier |:command|.
2277 Returns:
2278 1 for match with start of a command
2279 2 full match with a command
2280 3 matches several user commands
2281 To check for a supported command
2282 always check the return value to be 2.
2283 #event autocommand defined for this event
2284 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2285 pattern (the pattern is taken
2286 literally and compared to the
2287 autocommand patterns character by
2288 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002289 #group autocommand group exists
2290 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2291 event.
2292 #group#event#pattern
2293 autocommand defined for this group,
2294 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002295 ##event autocommand for this event is
2296 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002297 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2298
2299 Examples: >
2300 exists("&shortname")
2301 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2302 exists("*strftime")
2303 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2304 exists("bufcount")
2305 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002306 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002307 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002308 exists("#filetypeindent")
2309 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2310 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002311 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002312< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2313 name.
2314 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2315 variable itself! For example: >
2316 exists(bufcount)
2317< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2318 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2319 exists.
2320
2321expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2322 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2323 The result is a String.
2324
2325 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2326 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2327 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2328
2329 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2330 for a non-existing file is not included.
2331
2332 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2333 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2334 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2335
2336 % current file name
2337 # alternate file name
2338 #n alternate file name n
2339 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2340 <afile> autocmd file name
2341 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2342 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2343 <sfile> sourced script file name
2344 <cword> word under the cursor
2345 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2346 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2347 message |server2client()|
2348 Modifiers:
2349 :p expand to full path
2350 :h head (last path component removed)
2351 :t tail (last path component only)
2352 :r root (one extension removed)
2353 :e extension only
2354
2355 Example: >
2356 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2357< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2358 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2359 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2360< Use this: >
2361 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2362< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2363 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2364 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2365 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2366 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2367<
2368 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2369 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2370 to modify normal file names.
2371
2372 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2373 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2374 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2375 '/' added.
2376
2377 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2378 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2379 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2380 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002381 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2382 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2383 files in the current directory and below: >
2384 :echo expand("**/README")
2385<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002386 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2387 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2388 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2389 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2390 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2391 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2392 "$FOOBAR".
2393
2394 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2395 getting the raw output of an external command.
2396
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002397extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002398 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2399 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002400
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002401 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002402 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2403 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2404 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2405 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002406 Examples: >
2407 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2408 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002409< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2410 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002411 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002412<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002413 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002414 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2415 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2416 used to decide what to do:
2417 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2418 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002419 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002420 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2421
2422 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2423 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2424 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2425 Returns {expr1}.
2426
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002427
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002428filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2429 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2430 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2431 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2432 expression, which is used as a String.
2433 *file_readable()*
2434 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2435
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002436
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002437filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002438 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002439 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002440 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002441 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002442 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002443 Examples: >
2444 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2445< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2446 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2447< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2448 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002449< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002450
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002451 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2452 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2453 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2454
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002455 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2456 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002457 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002458
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002459< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002460 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2461 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002462
2463
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002464finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2465 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2466 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2467 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2468 {name} in {path}.
2469 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2470 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2471 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2472 Example: >
2473 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2474< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2475 the file "tags.vim".
2476 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2477
2478findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2479 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2480
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002481filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2482 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2483 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2484 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2485 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2486
2487fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2488 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2489 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2490 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2491 Example: >
2492 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2493< results in: >
2494 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2495< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2496 |expand()| first then.
2497
2498foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2499 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2500 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2501 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2502
2503foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2504 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2505 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2506 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2507
2508foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2509 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2510 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2511 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2512 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2513 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2514 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2515 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2516 previous line is usually available.
2517
2518 *foldtext()*
2519foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2520 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2521 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2522 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2523 The returned string looks like this: >
2524 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2525< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2526 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2527 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2528 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2529 options is removed.
2530 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2531
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002532foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2533 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2534 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2535 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2536 returned.
2537 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2538 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2539 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2540 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2541
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002542 *foreground()*
2543foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2544 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2545 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2546 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2547 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2548 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2549 Win32 console version}
2550
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002551
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002552function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002553 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002554 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2555
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002556
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002557garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002558 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002559 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2560 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2561 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2562 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2563 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002564 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2565 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2566 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002567
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002568get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002569 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002570 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2571 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002572get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002573 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002574 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2575 {default} is omitted.
2576
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002577 *getbufline()*
2578getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002579 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2580 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2581 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002582
2583 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2584
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002585 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2586 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002587
2588 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002589 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002590
2591 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2592 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002593 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002594 returned.
2595
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002596 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002597 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002598
2599 Example: >
2600 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002601
2602getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2603 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2604 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2605 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002606 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2607 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2608 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002609 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2610 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2611 returned, there is no error message.
2612 Examples: >
2613 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2614 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2615<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002616getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2617 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2618 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2619 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2620 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2621 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2622 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2623 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2624 not consumed. If a normal character is
2625 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2626 non-zero value is returned.
2627 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2628 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2629 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2630 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2631 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2632 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2633 user that a character has to be typed.
2634 There is no mapping for the character.
2635 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2636 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2637 sequence. Examples: >
2638 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2639 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2640< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2641 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2642 :function FindChar()
2643 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2644 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2645 : normal l
2646 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2647 : break
2648 : endif
2649 : endwhile
2650 :endfunction
2651
2652getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2653 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2654 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2655 These values are added together:
2656 2 shift
2657 4 control
2658 8 alt (meta)
2659 16 mouse double click
2660 32 mouse triple click
2661 64 mouse quadruple click
2662 128 Macintosh only: command
2663 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2664 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2665 with no modifier.
2666
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002667getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2668 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2669 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2670 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2671 Example: >
2672 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002673< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002674
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002675getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002676 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2677 byte count. The first column is 1.
2678 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2679 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002680 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2681
2682getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2683 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2684 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002685 : normal Ex command
2686 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2687 / forward search command
2688 ? backward search command
2689 @ |input()| command
2690 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002691 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2692 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2693 otherwise.
2694 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002695
2696 *getcwd()*
2697getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2698 working directory.
2699
2700getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2701 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2702 given file {fname}.
2703 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2704 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2705
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002706getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2707 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2708 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2709 |hl-Normal|.
2710 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2711 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2712 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2713 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2714 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2715 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2716 for a valid name does not work.
2717 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2718 function just after the GUI has started.
2719
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002720getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2721 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2722 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2723 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2724 empty string is returned.
2725 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2726 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2727 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2728 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2729 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2730 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2731< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2732 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002733
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002734getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2735 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2736 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2737 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2738 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2739 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2740
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002741getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2742 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2743 file of the given file {fname}.
2744 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2745 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2746 results:
2747 Normal file "file"
2748 Directory "dir"
2749 Symbolic link "link"
2750 Block device "bdev"
2751 Character device "cdev"
2752 Socket "socket"
2753 FIFO "fifo"
2754 All other "other"
2755 Example: >
2756 getftype("/home")
2757< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2758 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2759 "file" are returned.
2760
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002761 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002762getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2763 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2764 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002765 getline(1)
2766< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2767 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2768 To get the line under the cursor: >
2769 getline(".")
2770< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2771 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2772
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002773 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2774 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002775 including line {end}.
2776 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2777 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002778 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002779 Example: >
2780 :let start = line('.')
2781 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2782 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2783
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002784getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2785 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2786 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2787 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002788 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2789 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002790
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002791getqflist() *getqflist()*
2792 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2793 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2794 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2795 bufname() to get the name
2796 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2797 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002798 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2799 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002800 nr error number
2801 text description of the error
2802 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2803 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2804
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002805 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2806 returned.
2807
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002808 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2809 do something with them: >
2810 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2811 :for d in getqflist()
2812 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2813 :endfor
2814
2815
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002816getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002817 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002818 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002819 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2820< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002821 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002822 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2823 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2824 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002825 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2826
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002827
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002828getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2829 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2830 The value will be one of:
2831 "v" for |characterwise| text
2832 "V" for |linewise| text
2833 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2834 0 for an empty or unknown register
2835 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2836 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2837
2838 *getwinposx()*
2839getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2840 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2841 -1 if the information is not available.
2842
2843 *getwinposy()*
2844getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2845 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2846 information is not available.
2847
2848getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2849 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002850 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2851 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002852 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2853 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2854 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002855 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2856 Examples: >
2857 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2858 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2859<
2860 *glob()*
2861glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2862 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2863 characters.
2864 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2865 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2866
2867 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2868 any external command. Example: >
2869 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2870 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2871< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2872 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2873
2874 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2875 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2876
2877globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2878 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2879 the results. Example: >
2880 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2881< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2882 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2883 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2884 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2885 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2886 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2887 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2888 error message.
2889 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2890 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2891
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002892 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2893 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2894 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2895 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2896<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002897 *has()*
2898has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2899 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2900 string. See |feature-list| below.
2901 Also see |exists()|.
2902
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002903
2904has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002905 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
2906 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002907
2908
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002909hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002910 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2911 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2912 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2913 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002914 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002915 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
2916 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002917 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2918 buffer are checked for a match.
2919 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2920 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2921 n Normal mode
2922 v Visual mode
2923 o Operator-pending mode
2924 i Insert mode
2925 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2926 c Command-line mode
2927 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2928
2929 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2930 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2931 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2932 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2933 :endif
2934< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2935 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2936
2937histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2938 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2939 one of: *hist-names*
2940 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2941 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2942 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2943 "input" or "@" input line history
2944 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2945 shifted to become the newest entry.
2946 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2947 otherwise 0 is returned.
2948
2949 Example: >
2950 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2951 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2952< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2953
2954histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002955 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002956 for the possible values of {history}.
2957
2958 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2959 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2960 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2961 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2962 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2963 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2964 if it exists.
2965
2966 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2967 otherwise 0 is returned.
2968
2969 Examples:
2970 Clear expression register history: >
2971 :call histdel("expr")
2972<
2973 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2974 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2975<
2976 The following three are equivalent: >
2977 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2978 :call histdel("search", -1)
2979 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2980<
2981 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2982 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2983 :call histdel("search", -1)
2984 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2985
2986histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2987 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2988 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2989 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2990 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2991 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2992
2993 Examples:
2994 Redo the second last search from history. >
2995 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2996
2997< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2998 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2999 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3000<
3001histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3002 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3003 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3004 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3005
3006 Example: >
3007 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3008<
3009hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3010 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3011 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3012 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3013 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3014 item.
3015 *highlight_exists()*
3016 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3017
3018 *hlID()*
3019hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3020 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3021 zero is returned.
3022 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3023 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3024 "Comment" group: >
3025 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3026< *highlightID()*
3027 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3028
3029hostname() *hostname()*
3030 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003031 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003032 256 characters long are truncated.
3033
3034iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3035 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3036 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3037 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3038 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3039 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3040 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3041 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3042 can be done.
3043 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3044 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3045 UTF-8 and use: >
3046 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3047< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3048 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3049 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3050 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3051
3052 *indent()*
3053indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3054 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3055 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3056 |getline()|.
3057 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3058
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003059
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003060index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003061 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003062 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003063 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3064 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003065 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3066 case must match.
3067 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3068 Example: >
3069 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003070 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003071
3072
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003073input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003074 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3075 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3076 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003077 prompt to start a new line.
3078 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3079 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3080 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3081 for lines typed for input().
3082 Example: >
3083 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3084 : echo "Cheers!"
3085 :endif
3086<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003087 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3088 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003089 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3090
3091< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3092 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3093 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3094 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3095 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3096 more information. Example: >
3097 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3098<
3099 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3100 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003101 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3102 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3103 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3104 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3105 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3106 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3107 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3108
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003109 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003110 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3111 :function GetFoo()
3112 : call inputsave()
3113 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3114 : call inputrestore()
3115 :endfunction
3116
3117inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3118 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3119 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3120 Example: >
3121 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3122 :if n != ""
3123 : let &sw = n
3124 :endif
3125< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3126 omitted an empty string is returned.
3127 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3128 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003129 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003130
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003131inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
3132 {textlist} must be a list of strings. This list is displayed,
3133 one string per line. The user will be prompted to enter a
3134 number, which is returned.
3135 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3136 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3137 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3138 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3139 is returned.
3140 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3141 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3142 the start of the string. Example: >
3143 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3144 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3145
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003146inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3147 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3148 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3149 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3150 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3151
3152inputsave() *inputsave()*
3153 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3154 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3155 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3156 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3157 many inputrestore() calls.
3158 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3159
3160inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3161 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3162 two exceptions:
3163 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3164 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3165 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3166 |history| stack.
3167 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3168 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003169 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003170
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003171insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003172 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003173 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3174 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3175 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3176 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003177 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003178 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3179 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3180 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003181< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003182 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003183 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003184
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003185isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3186 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3187 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3188 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3189 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3190
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003191islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3192 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3193 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003194 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3195 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003196 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3197 :lockvar 1 alist
3198 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3199 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3200
3201< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3202 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3203
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003204items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003205 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3206 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3207 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3208 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003209
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003210
3211join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3212 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3213 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3214 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3215 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3216 add it there too: >
3217 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003218< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003219 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3220 The opposite function is |split()|.
3221
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003222keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003223 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003224 arbitrary order.
3225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003226 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003227len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3228 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3229 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003230 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003231 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003232 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3233 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003234 Otherwise an error is given.
3235
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003236 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3237libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3238 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3239 with single argument {argument}.
3240 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3241 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3242 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3243 limited.
3244 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3245 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3246 to Vim.
3247 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3248 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3249 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3250 null-terminated string.
3251 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3252
3253 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3254 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3255 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3256 very probably crash.
3257
3258 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3259 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3260 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3261 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3262 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3263 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3264 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3265 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3266 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3267 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3268
3269 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3270 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3271 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3272 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3273 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3274 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3275 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3276 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3277 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3278 feature is present}
3279 Examples: >
3280 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3281 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3282<
3283 *libcallnr()*
3284libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3285 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3286 int instead of a string.
3287 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3288 feature is present}
3289 Example (not very useful...): >
3290 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3291 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3292<
3293 *line()*
3294line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3295 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3296 . the cursor position
3297 $ the last line in the current buffer
3298 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3299 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003300 w0 first line visible in current window
3301 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003302 Note that a mark in another file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003303 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3304 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003305 Examples: >
3306 line(".") line number of the cursor
3307 line("'t") line number of mark t
3308 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3309< *last-position-jump*
3310 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3311 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3312 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003313
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003314line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3315 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3316 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3317 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3318 line returns 1.
3319 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3320 below the last line: >
3321 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3322< This is the file size plus one.
3323 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3324 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3325 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3326
3327lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3328 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3329 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3330 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3331 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3332 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3333 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3334
3335localtime() *localtime()*
3336 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3337 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3338
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003339
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003340map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003341 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003342 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3343 {string}.
3344 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003345 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003346 Example: >
3347 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003348< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003349
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003350 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003351 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003352 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3353 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003354
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003355 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3356 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003357 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003358
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003359< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003360 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3361 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003362
3363
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003364maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003365 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3366 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003367 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003368 "n" Normal
3369 "v" Visual
3370 "o" Operator-pending
3371 "i" Insert
3372 "c" Cmd-line
3373 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3374 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003375 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003376 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3377 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003378 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3379 command. The returned String has special characters
3380 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3381 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3382 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003383 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3384 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3385 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3386
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003387
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003388mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003389 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3390 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3391 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003392 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3393 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003394 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3395 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3396
3397 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3398 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3399 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3400 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3401 mapcheck("b") no no no
3402
3403 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3404 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3405 mapping for {name} exactly.
3406 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3407 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3408 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3409 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3410 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3411 then the global mappings.
3412 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3413 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3414 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3415 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3416 :endif
3417< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3418 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3419
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003420match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003421 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3422 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003423 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003424 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3425 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3426 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003427 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003428 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3429 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003430 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003431 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003432< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003433 *strpbrk()*
3434 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3435 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3436< *strcasestr()*
3437 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3438 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3439 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3440<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003441 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003442 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003443 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003444 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003445 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3446< result is again "4". >
3447 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3448< result is again "4". >
3449 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3450< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003451 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003452 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3453 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3454 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3455 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003456 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3457 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003458 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3459 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003460
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003461 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003462 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003463 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3464 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3465< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003466 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3467 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003468
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003469 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3470 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3471 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3472 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3473
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003474matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003475 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3476 the match. Example: >
3477 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3478< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003479 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3480 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3481 do it with matchend(): >
3482 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3483 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3484< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3485
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003486 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3487 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3488< results in "7". >
3489 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3490< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003491 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003492
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003493matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003494 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003495 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3496 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3497 in |:substitute|.
3498 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3499
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003500matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003501 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3502 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3503< results in "ing".
3504 When there is no match "" is returned.
3505 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3506 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3507< results in "ing". >
3508 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3509< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003510 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003511 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003512
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003513 *max()*
3514max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3515 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3516 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003517 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003518
3519 *min()*
3520min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3521 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3522 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003523 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003524
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003525 *mkdir()* *E749*
3526mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3527 Create directory {name}.
3528 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3529 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3530 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3531 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3532 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3533 for others.
3534 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3535 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3536 :if exists("*mkdir")
3537<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003538 *mode()*
3539mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3540 n Normal
3541 v Visual by character
3542 V Visual by line
3543 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3544 s Select by character
3545 S Select by line
3546 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3547 i Insert
3548 R Replace
3549 c Command-line
3550 r Hit-enter prompt
3551 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3552 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3553
3554nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3555 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3556 that is not blank. Example: >
3557 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3558< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3559 below it, zero is returned.
3560 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3561
3562nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3563 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3564 value {expr}. Examples: >
3565 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3566 nr2char(32) returns " "
3567< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3568 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3569< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3570 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3571 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003572 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003573
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003574 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003575getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3576 see |line()|.
3577 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3578 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3579 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3580 is the buffer number of the mark.
3581 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3582 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003583 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3584 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3585 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3586 character.
3587 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3588 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3589 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003590 call setpos(save_cursor)
3591< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003592
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003593prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3594 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3595 that is not blank. Example: >
3596 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3597< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3598 above it, zero is returned.
3599 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3600
3601
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003602printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3603 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3604 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003605 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003606< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003607 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003608
3609 Often used items are:
3610 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003611 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3612 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003613 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003614 %d decimal number
3615 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3616 %x hex number
3617 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3618 %X hex number using upper case letters
3619 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003620 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003621
3622 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3623 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3624 the result.
3625
3626 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003627 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003628
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003629 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003630
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003631 flags
3632 Zero or more of the following flags:
3633
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003634 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3635 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3636 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3637 of the number is increased to force the first
3638 character of the output string to a zero (except
3639 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3640 precision of zero).
3641 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3642 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3643 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003644
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003645 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3646 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3647 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3648 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3649 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003650
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003651 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3652 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3653 The converted value is padded on the right with
3654 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3655 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003656
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003657 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3658 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003659
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003660 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3661 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3662 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003663
3664 field-width
3665 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003666 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3667 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3668 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3669 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003670
3671 .precision
3672 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3673 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3674 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3675 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3676 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003677 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003678
3679 type
3680 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3681 be applied, see below.
3682
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003683 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3684 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3685 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3686 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3687 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3688 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003689 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003690< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003691 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003692
3693 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003694
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003695 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3696 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3697 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3698 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003699 conversions.
3700 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3701 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3702 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3703 zeros.
3704 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3705 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3706 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3707 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3708
3709 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3710 resulting character is written.
3711
3712 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3713 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3714 specified are used.
3715
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003716 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3717 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003718
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003719 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3720 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3721 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003722
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003723 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003724 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3725 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003726 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003727
3728
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003729pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3730 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3731 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003732 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
3733 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003734
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003735 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003736range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003737 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003738 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3739 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3740 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3741 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3742 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003743 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3744 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3745 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003746 Examples: >
3747 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3748 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3749 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3750 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003751 range(0) " []
3752 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003753<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003754 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003755readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003756 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3757 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003758 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3759 NL appears somewhere).
3760 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3761 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3762 added.
3763 - No CR characters are removed.
3764 Otherwise:
3765 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3766 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3767 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003768 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3769 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3770 lines of a file: >
3771 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3772 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3773 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003774< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3775 are returned, or as many as there are.
3776 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003777 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3778 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3779 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003780 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3781 the result is an empty list.
3782 Also see |writefile()|.
3783
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003784 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3785remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3786 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3787 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003788 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
3789 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
3790 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003791 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3792 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3793 remote_read() is stored there.
3794 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3795 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3796 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3797 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3798 and the result will be the empty string.
3799 Examples: >
3800 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3801 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3802<
3803
3804remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3805 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3806 This works like: >
3807 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3808< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3809 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3810 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003811 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3812 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003813 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3814 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3815 Win32 console version}
3816
3817
3818remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3819 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3820 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3821 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3822 name of a variable.
3823 Returns zero if none are available.
3824 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3825 See also |clientserver|.
3826 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3827 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3828 Examples: >
3829 :let repl = ""
3830 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3831
3832remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3833 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3834 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3835 See also |clientserver|.
3836 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3837 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3838 Example: >
3839 :echo remote_read(id)
3840<
3841 *remote_send()* *E241*
3842remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003843 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3844 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3845 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003846 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
3847 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
3848 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003849 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3850 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3851 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3852 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3853 up the display.
3854 Examples: >
3855 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3856 \ remote_read(serverid)
3857
3858 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3859 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3860 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3861 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003862<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003863remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003864 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003865 return it.
3866 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3867 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3868 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3869 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3870 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003871 Example: >
3872 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003873 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003874remove({dict}, {key})
3875 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3876 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3877< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3878
3879 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003880
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003881rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3882 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3883 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3884 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3885 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3886 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3887
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003888repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3889 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3890 result. Example: >
3891 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3892< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003893 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003894 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003895 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3896< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003897
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003898
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003899resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3900 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3901 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3902 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3903 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3904 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3905 stopped after 100 iterations.
3906 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3907 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3908 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3909 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3910 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3911
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003912 *reverse()*
3913reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3914 {list}.
3915 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3916 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3917
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003918search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003919 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003920 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003921
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003922 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3923 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003924 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
3925 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003926 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003927 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
3928 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003929 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3930 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
3931 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3932
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003933 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3934 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3935 flag.
3936
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003937 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
3938 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
3939 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
3940 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
3941 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
3942< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
3943 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
3944
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003945 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3946 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003947 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3948 *search()-sub-match*
3949 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
3950 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
3951 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003952 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003953
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003954 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3955 flag is used.
3956
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003957 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3958 :let n = 1
3959 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3960 : exe "argument " . n
3961 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3962 : " first search to find match at start of file
3963 : normal G$
3964 : let flags = "w"
3965 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3966 : s/foo/bar/g
3967 : let flags = "W"
3968 : endwhile
3969 : update " write the file if modified
3970 : let n = n + 1
3971 :endwhile
3972<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003973 Example for using some flags: >
3974 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
3975< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
3976 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
3977 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
3978 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
3979 line:
3980 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
3981 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
3982 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
3983 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
3984 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
3985
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003986
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00003987searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
3988 Search for the declaration of {name}.
3989
3990 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
3991 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
3992 first match in the function.
3993
3994 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
3995 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
3996 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
3997
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003998 Moves the cursor to the found match.
3999 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4000 Example: >
4001 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4002 echo getline('.')
4003 endif
4004<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004005 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004006searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004007 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4008 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4009 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004010 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4011 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4012 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4013 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4014 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4015 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004016
4017 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4018 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4019 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4020 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4021 typical use is: >
4022 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4023< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4024
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004025 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4026 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004027 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4028 outer pair
4029 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004030 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004031
4032 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4033 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4034 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4035 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4036 or a string.
4037 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4038 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4039 and -1 returned.
4040
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004041 For {stopline} see |search()|.
4042
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004043 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4044 patterns are used like it's on.
4045
4046 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4047 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4048 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4049 if 1
4050 if 2
4051 endif 2
4052 endif 1
4053< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4054 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4055 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4056 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4057 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4058 "endif 2".
4059 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4060 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4061 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4062 the matching start.
4063
4064 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4065
4066 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4067 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4068
4069< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4070 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4071 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4072 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4073 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4074 match.
4075 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4076
4077 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4078
4079< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4080 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4081 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4082
4083 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4084 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4085<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004086 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004087searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004088 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4089 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4090 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004091 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4092 returns [0, 0].
4093>
4094 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4095<
4096 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4097
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004098searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4099 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004100 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4101 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4102 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4103 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004104 Example: >
4105 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4106
4107< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4108 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4109 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4110< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4111 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4112
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004113server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4114 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4115 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4116 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4117 Note:
4118 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004119 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004120 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4121 See also |clientserver|.
4122 Example: >
4123 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4124<
4125serverlist() *serverlist()*
4126 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4127 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4128 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4129 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4130 Example: >
4131 :echo serverlist()
4132<
4133setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4134 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4135 {val}.
4136 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4137 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4138 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4139 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4140 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4141 Examples: >
4142 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4143 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4144< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4145
4146setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4147 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4148 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4149 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4150 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004151 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4152 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4153 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4154 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4155 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004156 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4157 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4158 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4159 line.
4160
4161setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004162 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4163 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004164 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4165 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004166 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4167 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004168 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004169< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004170 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4171 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4172< This is equivalent to: >
4173 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4174 : call setline(n, l)
4175 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004176< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4177
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004178setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4179 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4180 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004181 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4182 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004183 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004184
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004185 *setpos()*
4186setpos({expr}, {list})
4187 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4188 . the cursor
4189 'x mark x
4190
4191 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4192 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4193
4194 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
4195 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
4196 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4197 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4198 number.
4199
4200 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4201 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4202
4203 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4204 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4205 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4206 character.
4207
4208 Also see |getpos()|
4209
4210
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004211setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004212 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4213 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4214 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4215 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004216
4217 filename name of a file
4218 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004219 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004220 col column number
4221 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
4222 when zero: "col" is byte index
4223 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004224 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004225 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004226
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004227 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4228 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4229 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004230 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
4231 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
4232 handled as an error line.
4233 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4234 be used.
4235
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004236 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4237 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4238 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4239 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4240 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4241 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4242
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004243 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4244
4245 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4246 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4247 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4248
4249
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004250 *setreg()*
4251setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4252 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4253 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4254 then the value is appended.
4255 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4256 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4257 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4258 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4259 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4260 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4261 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4262 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4263
4264 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4265 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4266 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4267 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4268
4269 Examples: >
4270 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4271 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4272 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4273
4274< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4275 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004276 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004277 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4278 ....
4279 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4280
4281< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4282 nothing: >
4283 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4284
4285setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4286 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004287 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004288 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4289 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4290 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4291 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
4292 Examples: >
4293 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4294 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
4295< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4296
4297simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4298 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4299 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4300 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4301 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4302 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4303 not removed either.
4304 Example: >
4305 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4306< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4307 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4308 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4309 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4310 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4311
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004313sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004314 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4315 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4316 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4317< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004318 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004319 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004320 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004321 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4322 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004323 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4324 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4325 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4326 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4327 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4328 endfunc
4329 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004330<
4331
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004332 *soundfold()*
4333soundfold({word})
4334 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4335 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004336 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4337 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004338 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4339 the method can be quite slow.
4340
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004341 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004342spellbadword([{sentence}])
4343 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4344 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4345 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4346 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4347
4348 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4349 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4350 result is an empty string.
4351
4352 The return value is a list with two items:
4353 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4354 - The type of the spelling error:
4355 "bad" spelling mistake
4356 "rare" rare word
4357 "local" word only valid in another region
4358 "caps" word should start with Capital
4359 Example: >
4360 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4361< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4362
4363 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4364 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4365 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004366
4367 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004368spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004369 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004370 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4371 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4372
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004373 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4374 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4375 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4376
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004377 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4378 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004379 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4380 replace a line.
4381
4382 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004383 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4384 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004385
4386 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004387 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4388 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004389
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004390
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004391split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004392 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4393 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4394 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004395 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004396 removing the matched characters.
4397 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4398 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004399 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4400 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004401 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004402 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004403< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004404 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004405< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4406 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4407< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004408 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4409 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4410< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004411
4412
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004413str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4414 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4415 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4416 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4417 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4418 with the default String to Number conversion.
4419 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4420 different base the result will be zero.
4421 Text after the number is silently ignored.
4422
4423
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004424strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4425 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4426 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4427 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4428 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4429 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4430 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4431 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4432 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4433 Examples: >
4434 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4435 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4436 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4437 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4438 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4439 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004440< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4441 :if exists("*strftime")
4442
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004443stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4444 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4445 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004446 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4447 This can be used to find a second match: >
4448 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4449 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4450< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004451 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004452 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004453 See also |strridx()|.
4454 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004455 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4456 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4457 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004458< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4459 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4460 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4461
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004462 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004463string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4464 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4465 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004466 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004467 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004468 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004469 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004470 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004471 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004472 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004473
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004474 *strlen()*
4475strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004476 {expr} in bytes.
4477 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4478 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004479
4480 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004481<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004482 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4483 For other types an error is given.
4484 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004485
4486strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4487 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004488 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004489 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4490 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4491 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4492 end of the {src}. >
4493 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4494 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4495 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4496 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4497< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4498 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4499 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4500<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004501strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4502 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4503 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4504 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4505 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4506 match: >
4507 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4508 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4509< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004510 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4511 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004512 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004513 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004514 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004515< *strrchr()*
4516 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4517 function strrchr().
4518
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004519strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4520 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4521 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4522 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4523 echo strtrans(@a)
4524< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4525 starting a new line.
4526
4527submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4528 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4529 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4530 the whole matched text is returned.
4531 Example: >
4532 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4533< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4534 A line break is included as a newline character.
4535
4536substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4537 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4538 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4539 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4540 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4541 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4542 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4543 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4544 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4545 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4546 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4547 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4548 unmodified.
4549 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4550 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4551 Example: >
4552 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4553< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4554 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4555< results in "TESTING".
4556
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004557synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004558 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004559 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004560 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4561 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004562
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004563 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004564 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4565
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004566 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4567 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4568 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4569 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4570 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4571 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4572 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4573
4574 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4575 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4576<
4577synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4578 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4579 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4580 about a syntax item.
4581 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4582 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4583 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4584 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4585 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4586 {what} result
4587 "name" the name of the syntax item
4588 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4589 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4590 term: empty string)
4591 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4592 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4593 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4594 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4595 "bold" "1" if bold
4596 "italic" "1" if italic
4597 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4598 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4599 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004600 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004601
4602 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4603 cursor): >
4604 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4605<
4606synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4607 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4608 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4609 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4610 ":highlight link" are followed.
4611
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004612system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4613 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4614 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4615 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4616 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004617 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004618 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4619 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4620 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004621 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4622 The result is a String. Example: >
4623
4624 :let files = system("ls")
4625
4626< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4627 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4628 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4629 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4630 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4631 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4632 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4633 concatenated commands.
4634
4635 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4636 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004637
4638 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4639 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4640 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004641 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4642 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4643
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004644
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004645tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004646 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004647 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4648 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4649 omitted the current tab page is used.
4650 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4651 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4652 tablist = []
4653 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4654 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4655 endfor
4656< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4657
4658
4659tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004660 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4661 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4662 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4663 page is returned (the tab page count).
4664 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4665
4666
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004667tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4668 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4669 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4670 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4671 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4672 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4673 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4674 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4675 Useful examples: >
4676 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4677 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4678< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4679
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004680taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4681 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004682 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4683 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004684 name Name of the tag.
4685 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004686 defined.
4687 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4688 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004689 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004690 entry depends on the language specific
4691 kind values generated by the ctags
4692 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004693 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004694 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004695 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4696 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4697 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4698 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4699 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4700 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4701 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004702
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004703 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4704 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004705
4706 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4707
4708 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4709 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4710 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4711
4712 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4713 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4714 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4715
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00004716 *tagfiles()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004717tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4718 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00004719
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004720
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004721tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4722 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4723 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4724 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4725 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4726 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4727< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4728 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4729 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4730 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4731 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4732 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4733
4734tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4735 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4736 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4737 the string).
4738
4739toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4740 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4741 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4742 the string).
4743
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004744tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4745 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4746 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4747 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4748 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4749 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4750 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4751
4752 Examples: >
4753 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4754< returns "Hello THere" >
4755 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4756< returns "{blob}"
4757
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004758 *type()*
4759type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004760 Number: 0
4761 String: 1
4762 Funcref: 2
4763 List: 3
4764 Dictionary: 4
4765 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004766 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4767 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4768 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4769 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004770 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004771
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004772values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004773 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4774 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004775
4776
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004777virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4778 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4779 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4780 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4781 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4782 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4783 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4784 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004785 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004786 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4787 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004788 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4789 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4790 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4791 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004792 For the byte position use |col()|.
4793 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4794 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4795 The accepted positions are:
4796 . the cursor position
4797 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4798 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4799 plus one)
4800 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4801 returned)
4802 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4803 Examples: >
4804 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4805 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4806 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4807< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4808
4809visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4810 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4811 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4812 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4813 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4814 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4815 Example: >
4816 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4817< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4818 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4819 Visual mode that was used.
4820
4821 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4822 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4823 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4824 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4825
4826 *winbufnr()*
4827winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004828 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004829 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4830 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4831 Example: >
4832 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4833<
4834 *wincol()*
4835wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4836 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4837 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4838
4839winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4840 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4841 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4842 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4843 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4844 Examples: >
4845 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4846<
4847 *winline()*
4848winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4849 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4850 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004851 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4852 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004853
4854 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004855winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4856 window. The top window has number 1.
4857 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004858 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004859 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4860 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4861 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4862 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4863 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004864
4865 *winrestcmd()*
4866winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4867 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004868 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
4869 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004870 Example: >
4871 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4872 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4873 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004874<
4875 *winrestview()*
4876winrestview({dict})
4877 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
4878 the view of the current window.
4879 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
4880 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
4881
4882 *winsaveview()*
4883winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
4884 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
4885 restore the view.
4886 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
4887 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
4888 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
4889 option to temporarily switch of folding, so that folds are not
4890 opened when moving around.
4891 The return value includes:
4892 lnum cursor line number
4893 col cursor column
4894 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
4895 curswant column for vertical movement
4896 topline first line in the window
4897 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
4898 leftcol first column displayed
4899 skipcol columns skipped
4900 Note that no option values are saved.
4901
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004902
4903winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4904 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4905 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4906 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4907 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4908 Examples: >
4909 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4910 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4911 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4912 :endif
4913<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004914 *writefile()*
4915writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004916 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004917 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4918 Number.
4919 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4920 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4921 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4922 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4923 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4924 to writefile().
4925 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4926 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4927 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4928 fails.
4929 Also see |readfile()|.
4930 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4931 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4932 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4933<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004934
4935 *feature-list*
4936There are three types of features:
49371. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4938 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4939 :if has("cindent")
49402. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4941 Example: >
4942 :if has("gui_running")
4943< *has-patch*
49443. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4945 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4946 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4947 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4948
4949all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4950amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4951arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4952arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00004953autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004954balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004955balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004956beos BeOS version of Vim.
4957browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4958 work.
4959builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4960byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4961cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4962clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4963clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4964cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4965cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4966cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4967comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4968cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4969cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4970compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4971debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4972dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4973dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4974diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4975digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4976dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4977dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4978dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4979ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4980emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4981eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4982 true, of course!
4983ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4984extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4985 |'hlsearch'|
4986farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4987file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004988filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4989 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004990find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4991 |+find_in_path|.
4992fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4993 Windows this is not present).
4994folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4995footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4996fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4997gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4998gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4999gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005000gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5001gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00005002gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005003gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5004gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5005gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5006gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5007gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5008gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5009hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5010iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5011insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5012 Insert mode.
5013jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5014keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5015langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5016libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5017linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5018 support.
5019lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5020listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5021 and the argument list |arglist|.
5022localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5023mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5024macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5025menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5026mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5027modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5028mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5029mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5030mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5031mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5032mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5033mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5034mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5035multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5036multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5037multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005038mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005039netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005040netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005041ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5042os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5043osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5044path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5045perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5046postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5047printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005048profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005049python Compiled with Python interface.
5050qnx QNX version of Vim.
5051quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
5052rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5053ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5054scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5055showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5056signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5057smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005058sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005059statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5060 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5061sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005062spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5063syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005064syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5065 current buffer.
5066system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5067tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5068 |tag-binary-search|.
5069tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5070 |tag-old-static|.
5071tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5072 files |tag-any-white|.
5073tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5074terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5075termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5076textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5077tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5078 or terminfo file.
5079title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5080toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5081unix Unix version of Vim.
5082user_commands User-defined commands.
5083viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5084vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5085vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5086virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5087visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5088visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5089 |blockwise-operators|.
5090vms VMS version of Vim.
5091vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5092wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5093wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5094windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5095winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5096win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5097win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5098win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5099win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5100win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5101writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5102xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5103xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5104xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5105xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5106xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5107xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5108 xterm screen.
5109x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5110
5111 *string-match*
5112Matching a pattern in a String
5113
5114A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5115the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5116everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5117like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5118line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5119with ".". Example: >
5120 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5121 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5122 aa
5123 xx
5124 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5125 a
5126 x
5127
5128Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5129"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5130"\n".
5131
5132==============================================================================
51335. Defining functions *user-functions*
5134
5135New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5136functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5137commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5138
5139The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5140builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5141avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5142the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5143
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005144It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5145|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005146
5147 *local-function*
5148A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5149can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5150and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5151function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5152instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5153
5154 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5155:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5156
5157:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005158 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5159 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005160 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005161
5162:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5163 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5164 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005165<
5166 *:function-verbose*
5167When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5168last defined. Example: >
5169
5170 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5171 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5172 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5173<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005174See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005175
5176 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005177:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005178 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5179 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5180 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005181
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005182 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5183 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005184 :function dict.init(arg)
5185< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5186 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5187 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5188 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5189 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5190 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005191 *E127* *E122*
5192 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5193 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5194 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5195 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005196
5197 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5198
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005199 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5200 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5201 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5202 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5203 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5204 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5205 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005206
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005207 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5208 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005209
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005210 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005211 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005212 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5213 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005214
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005215 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5216 will not be changed by the function.
5217
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005218 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5219:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5220 by its own, without other commands.
5221
5222 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5223:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005224 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5225 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005226 :delfunc dict.init
5227< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5228 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5229 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005230 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5231:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5232 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5233 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5234 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5235 the number 0 is returned.
5236 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5237 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5238
5239 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5240 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5241 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5242 are executed first. This process applies to all
5243 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5244 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5245
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005246 *function-argument* *a:var*
5247An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5248be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5249 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5250Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5251arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5252may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5253as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005254can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5255that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005256 *E742*
5257The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005258However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5259Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5260it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5261|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005262
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005263When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5264to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5265may be larger.
5266
5267It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5268still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5269until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5270inside a function body.
5271
5272 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005273Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5274will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5275accessed with "g:".
5276
5277Example: >
5278 :function Table(title, ...)
5279 : echohl Title
5280 : echo a:title
5281 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005282 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5283 : for s in a:000
5284 : echon ' ' . s
5285 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005286 :endfunction
5287
5288This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005289 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5290 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005291
5292To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5293 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5294 : if a:n2 == 0
5295 : return "fail"
5296 : endif
5297 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5298 : return "ok"
5299 :endfunction
5300
5301This function can then be called with: >
5302 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5303 :if success == "ok"
5304 : echo div
5305 :endif
5306
5307An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5308with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5309 :function Foo()
5310 : execute Bar()
5311 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5312 :endfunction
5313
5314 :function Bar()
5315 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5316 :endfunction
5317
5318The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5319the caller to set the names.
5320
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005321 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005322:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5323 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5324 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5325 used.
5326 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5327 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5328 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5329 function.
5330 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5331 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5332 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5333 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5334 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5335 this works:
5336 *function-range-example* >
5337 :function Mynumber(arg)
5338 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5339 :endfunction
5340 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5341<
5342 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5343 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5344 the range.
5345
5346 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5347
5348 :function Cont() range
5349 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5350 :endfunction
5351 :4,8call Cont()
5352<
5353 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5354 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5355
5356 *E132*
5357The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5358option.
5359
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005360
5361AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005362 *autoload-functions*
5363When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005364only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5365the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5366
5367
5368Using an autocommand ~
5369
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005370This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5371
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005372The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5373You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5374That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5375again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5376
5377Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5378function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005379
5380 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5381
5382The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5383"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5384
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005385
5386Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005387 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005388This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5389
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005390Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5391exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5392like this: >
5393
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005394 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005395
5396When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5397"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5398"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5399then define the function like this: >
5400
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005401 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005402 echo "Done!"
5403 endfunction
5404
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005405The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005406exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5407called.
5408
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005409It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5410a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005411
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005412 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005413
5414Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5415
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005416This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5417
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005418 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005419
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005420However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5421for an unknown variable.
5422
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005423When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5424be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5425
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005426 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5427 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005428
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005429Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5430defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5431function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005432And you will get an error message every time.
5433
5434Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5435other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5436Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005437
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005438==============================================================================
54396. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5440
5441Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5442This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5443{} like this: >
5444 my_{adjective}_variable
5445
5446When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5447that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5448name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5449"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5450"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5451
5452One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5453value. For example, the statement >
5454 echo my_{&background}_message
5455
5456would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5457on the current value of 'background'.
5458
5459You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5460 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5461..or even nest them: >
5462 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5463where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5464
5465However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005466variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005467 :let foo='a + b'
5468 :echo c{foo}d
5469.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5470
5471 *curly-braces-function-names*
5472You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5473Example: >
5474 :let func_end='whizz'
5475 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5476
5477This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5478
5479==============================================================================
54807. Commands *expression-commands*
5481
5482:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5483 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5484 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5485 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5486 is created.
5487
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005488:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5489 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5490 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5491 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5492 the index can be repeated.
5493 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5494
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005495 *E711* *E719*
5496:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005497 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5498 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005499 correct number of items.
5500 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5501 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5502 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5503 end of the list, items will be added.
5504
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005505 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005506:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5507:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5508:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5509 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5510 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5511
5512
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005513:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5514 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5515 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005516:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5517 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5518 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5519 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005520
5521:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5522 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5523 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5524 must be the name of a writable register (see
5525 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5526 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5527 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5528 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5529 characterwise.
5530 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5531 :let @/ = ""
5532< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5533 that would match everywhere.
5534
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005535:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5536 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5537 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5538
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005539:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5540 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005541 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5542 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005543 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5544 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005545 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005546 Example: >
5547 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005548
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005549:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5550 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5551 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5552
5553:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5554:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5555 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5556 {expr1}.
5557
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005558:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005559:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5560:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5561:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005562 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5563 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5564
5565:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005566:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5567:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5568:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005569 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5570 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5571
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005572:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005573 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005574 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5575 {name2}, etc.
5576 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005577 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005578 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5579 command as mentioned above.
5580 Example: >
5581 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005582< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5583 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5584 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5585 :let x = [0, 1]
5586 :let i = 0
5587 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5588 :echo x
5589< The result is [0, 2].
5590
5591:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5592:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5593:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5594 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005595 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005596
5597:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005598 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005599 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5600 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5601 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005602 Example: >
5603 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5604<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005605:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5606:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5607:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5608 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005609 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005610 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005611:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005612 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5613 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005614 g: global variables
5615 b: local buffer variables
5616 w: local window variables
5617 s: script-local variables
5618 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005619 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005620
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005621:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5622 variable is indicated before the value:
5623 <nothing> String
5624 # Number
5625 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005626
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005627
5628:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5629 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5630 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005631 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005632 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5633 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005634 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005635 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5636 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005637< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005638 :unlet dict['two']
5639 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005640
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005641:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5642 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5643 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5644 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5645 :lockvar v
5646 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5647 :unlet v
5648< *E741*
5649 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5650 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5651
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005652 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5653 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5654 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005655 cannot add or remove items, but can
5656 still change their values.
5657 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005658 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5659 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005660 items, but can still change the
5661 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005662 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5663 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5664 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5665 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5666 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005667 *E743*
5668 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5669 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5670 loops.
5671
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005672 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5673 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
5674 locked when used through the other variable. Example:
5675 >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005676 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5677 :let cl = l
5678 :lockvar l
5679 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5680< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5681 See |deepcopy()|.
5682
5683
5684:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5685 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5686 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5687
5688
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005689:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5690:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5691 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5692
5693 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5694 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5695 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5696 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5697 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5698 part was not executed either.
5699
5700 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5701 versions: >
5702 :if version >= 500
5703 : version-5-specific-commands
5704 :endif
5705< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5706 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5707 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5708 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5709 avoid problems: >
5710 :if version >= 600
5711 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5712 :endif
5713<
5714 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5715 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5716
5717 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5718:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5719 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5720 executed.
5721
5722 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5723:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5724 is no extra ":endif".
5725
5726:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005727 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005728:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5729 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5730 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5731 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005732 Example: >
5733 :let lnum = 1
5734 :while lnum <= line("$")
5735 :call FixLine(lnum)
5736 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5737 :endwhile
5738<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005739 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005740 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005741
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005742:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005743:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5744 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005745 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005746 value of each item.
5747 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005748 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005749 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5750 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005751 :for item in copy(mylist)
5752< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5753 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5754 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5755 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5756 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5757 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5758 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005759 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5760 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005761< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5762 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5763 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005764 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5765 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5766 to allow multiple item types.
5767
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005768:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5769:endfo[r]
5770 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5771 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5772 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5773 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5774 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5775 :endfor
5776<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005777 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005778:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5779 to the start of the loop.
5780 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5781 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5782 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5783 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5784 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5785 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005786
5787 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005788:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5789 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5790 ":endfor".
5791 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5792 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5793 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5794 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5795 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5796 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005797
5798:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5799:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5800 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5801 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5802 or autocommand invocations.
5803
5804 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5805 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5806 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5807 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5808 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5809 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5810 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5811 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5812 Example: >
5813 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5814 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5815<
5816 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5817 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5818 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5819 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5820 processing is not terminated.
5821
5822 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5823 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5824 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5825 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5826 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5827 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5828 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5829 the error number.
5830 Examples: >
5831 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5832 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5833<
5834 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5835:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5836 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5837 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5838 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5839 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5840 commands are skipped.
5841 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5842 Examples: >
5843 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5844 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5845 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5846 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5847 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5848 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5849 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5850 :catch " same as /.*/
5851<
5852 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5853 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5854 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5855 {pattern}.
5856 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5857 an error message because it may vary in different
5858 locales.
5859
5860 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5861:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5862 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5863 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5864 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5865 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5866 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5867
5868 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5869:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5870 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5871 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5872 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5873 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5874 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5875 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5876 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5877 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5878 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5879 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5880 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5881 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5882 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5883 is terminated.
5884 Example: >
5885 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5886<
5887
5888 *:ec* *:echo*
5889:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5890 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5891 Also see |:comment|.
5892 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5893 cursor to the first column.
5894 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5895 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5896 Example: >
5897 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5898< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5899 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5900 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5901 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5902 command. Example: >
5903 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5904<
5905 *:echon*
5906:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5907 |:comment|.
5908 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5909 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5910 Example: >
5911 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5912<
5913 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5914 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5915 command: >
5916 :!echo % --> filename
5917< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5918 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5919< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5920 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5921 :echo % --> nothing
5922< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5923 :echo "%" --> %
5924< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5925 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5926< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5927
5928 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5929:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5930 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5931 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5932 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5933< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5934 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5935
5936 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5937:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5938 message in the |message-history|.
5939 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5940 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5941 displayed, not interpreted.
5942 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5943 Example: >
5944 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5945<
5946 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5947:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5948 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5949 script or function the line number will be added.
5950 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5951 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5952 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5953 (see |try-echoerr|).
5954 Example: >
5955 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5956< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5957 And to get a beep: >
5958 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5959<
5960 *:exe* *:execute*
5961:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5962 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5963 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5964 used as the processed command, command line editing
5965 keys are not recognized.
5966 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5967 Examples: >
5968 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5969 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5970<
5971 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5972 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5973 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5974
5975< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5976 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5977 command: >
5978 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5979< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5980
5981 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005982 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5983 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005984 :execute 'while i > 5'
5985 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5986<
5987 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5988 completely in the executed string: >
5989 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5990<
5991
5992 *:comment*
5993 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5994 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5995 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5996 comment. Example: >
5997 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5998
5999==============================================================================
60008. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6001
6002The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6003explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6004
6005Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6006|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6007exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6008
6009
6010TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6011
6012Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6013use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6014a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6015 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6016|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6017a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6018be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6019which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6020clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6021
6022 :try
6023 : ...
6024 : ... TRY BLOCK
6025 : ...
6026 :catch /{pattern}/
6027 : ...
6028 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6029 : ...
6030 :catch /{pattern}/
6031 : ...
6032 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6033 : ...
6034 :finally
6035 : ...
6036 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6037 : ...
6038 :endtry
6039
6040The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6041appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6042from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6043 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6044is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6045script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6046 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6047lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6048patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6049after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6050executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6051":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6052(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6053continues in the following line as usual.
6054 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6055":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6056that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6057finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6058the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6059the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6060see |try-nesting|.
6061 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6062remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6063not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6064try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6065a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6066execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6067exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6068 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6069thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6070clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6071catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6072following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6073clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6074
6075The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6076a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6077try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6078from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6079sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6080":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6081":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6082from the finally clause.
6083 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6084try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6085clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6086":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6087clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6088":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6089this pending exception or command is discarded.
6090
6091For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6092
6093
6094NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6095
6096Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6097conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6098clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6099catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6100of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6101checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6102try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6103otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6104nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6105one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6106the inner try conditional.
6107
6108When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6109finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6110An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6111thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6112implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6113as usual.
6114
6115For examples see |throw-catch|.
6116
6117
6118EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6119
6120Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6121'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6122script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6123finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6124a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6125(see |debug-scripts|).
6126
6127
6128THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6129
6130You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6131and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6132 :throw 4711
6133 :throw "string"
6134< *throw-expression*
6135You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6136first, and the result is thrown: >
6137 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6138 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6139
6140An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6141command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6142The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6143 Example: >
6144
6145 :function! Foo(arg)
6146 : try
6147 : throw a:arg
6148 : catch /foo/
6149 : endtry
6150 : return 1
6151 :endfunction
6152 :
6153 :function! Bar()
6154 : echo "in Bar"
6155 : return 4710
6156 :endfunction
6157 :
6158 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6159
6160This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6161executed. >
6162 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6163however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6164
6165Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6166abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6167exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6168 Example: >
6169
6170 :if Foo("arrgh")
6171 : echo "then"
6172 :else
6173 : echo "else"
6174 :endif
6175
6176Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6177
6178 *catch-order*
6179Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6180commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6181command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6182gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6183 Example: >
6184
6185 :function! Foo(value)
6186 : try
6187 : throw a:value
6188 : catch /^\d\+$/
6189 : echo "Number thrown"
6190 : catch /.*/
6191 : echo "String thrown"
6192 : endtry
6193 :endfunction
6194 :
6195 :call Foo(0x1267)
6196 :call Foo('string')
6197
6198The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6199An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6200specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6201specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6202
6203 : catch /.*/
6204 : echo "String thrown"
6205 : catch /^\d\+$/
6206 : echo "Number thrown"
6207
6208The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6209never taken.
6210
6211 *throw-variables*
6212If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6213in the variable |v:exception|: >
6214
6215 : catch /^\d\+$/
6216 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6217
6218You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6219|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6220exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6221 Example: >
6222
6223 :function! Caught()
6224 : if v:exception != ""
6225 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6226 : else
6227 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6228 : endif
6229 :endfunction
6230 :
6231 :function! Foo()
6232 : try
6233 : try
6234 : try
6235 : throw 4711
6236 : finally
6237 : call Caught()
6238 : endtry
6239 : catch /.*/
6240 : call Caught()
6241 : throw "oops"
6242 : endtry
6243 : catch /.*/
6244 : call Caught()
6245 : finally
6246 : call Caught()
6247 : endtry
6248 :endfunction
6249 :
6250 :call Foo()
6251
6252This displays >
6253
6254 Nothing caught
6255 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6256 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6257 Nothing caught
6258
6259A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6260number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6261
6262 :function! LineNumber()
6263 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6264 :endfunction
6265 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6266<
6267 *try-nested*
6268An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6269a surrounding try conditional: >
6270
6271 :try
6272 : try
6273 : throw "foo"
6274 : catch /foobar/
6275 : echo "foobar"
6276 : finally
6277 : echo "inner finally"
6278 : endtry
6279 :catch /foo/
6280 : echo "foo"
6281 :endtry
6282
6283The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6284clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6285conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6286
6287 *throw-from-catch*
6288You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6289catch clause: >
6290
6291 :function! Foo()
6292 : throw "foo"
6293 :endfunction
6294 :
6295 :function! Bar()
6296 : try
6297 : call Foo()
6298 : catch /foo/
6299 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6300 : throw "bar"
6301 : endtry
6302 :endfunction
6303 :
6304 :try
6305 : call Bar()
6306 :catch /.*/
6307 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6308 :endtry
6309
6310This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6311
6312 *rethrow*
6313There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6314"v:exception" instead: >
6315
6316 :function! Bar()
6317 : try
6318 : call Foo()
6319 : catch /.*/
6320 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6321 : throw v:exception
6322 : endtry
6323 :endfunction
6324< *try-echoerr*
6325Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6326exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6327Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6328denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6329the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6330
6331 :try
6332 : try
6333 : asdf
6334 : catch /.*/
6335 : echoerr v:exception
6336 : endtry
6337 :catch /.*/
6338 : echo v:exception
6339 :endtry
6340
6341This code displays
6342
6343 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6344
6345
6346CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6347
6348Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6349user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6350an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6351a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6352catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6353a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6354normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6355(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6356to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6357clause has been executed.)
6358Example: >
6359
6360 :try
6361 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6362 : set ts=17
6363 :
6364 : " Do the hard work here.
6365 :
6366 :finally
6367 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6368 : unlet s:saved_ts
6369 :endtry
6370
6371This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6372changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6373that function or script part.
6374
6375 *break-finally*
6376Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6377a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6378 Example: >
6379
6380 :let first = 1
6381 :while 1
6382 : try
6383 : if first
6384 : echo "first"
6385 : let first = 0
6386 : continue
6387 : else
6388 : throw "second"
6389 : endif
6390 : catch /.*/
6391 : echo v:exception
6392 : break
6393 : finally
6394 : echo "cleanup"
6395 : endtry
6396 : echo "still in while"
6397 :endwhile
6398 :echo "end"
6399
6400This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6401
6402 :function! Foo()
6403 : try
6404 : return 4711
6405 : finally
6406 : echo "cleanup\n"
6407 : endtry
6408 : echo "Foo still active"
6409 :endfunction
6410 :
6411 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6412
6413This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6414extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6415return value.)
6416
6417 *except-from-finally*
6418Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6419a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6420cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6421exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6422 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6423working correctly: >
6424
6425 :try
6426 : try
6427 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6428 : while 1
6429 : endwhile
6430 : finally
6431 : unlet novar
6432 : endtry
6433 :catch /novar/
6434 :endtry
6435 :echo "Script still running"
6436 :sleep 1
6437
6438If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6439think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6440|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6441
6442
6443CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6444
6445If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6446watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6447presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6448exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6449the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6450the error exception is.
6451 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6452
6453 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6454or >
6455 Vim:{errmsg}
6456
6457{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6458the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6459when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6460a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6461a space.
6462
6463Examples:
6464
6465The command >
6466 :unlet novar
6467normally produces the error message >
6468 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6469which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6470 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6471
6472The command >
6473 :dwim
6474normally produces the error message >
6475 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6476which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6477 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6478
6479You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6480 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6481or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6482 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6483
6484Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6485 :function nofunc
6486and >
6487 :delfunction nofunc
6488both produce the error message >
6489 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6490which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6491 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6492or >
6493 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6494respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6495command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6496 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6497
6498Some commands like >
6499 :let x = novar
6500produce multiple error messages, here: >
6501 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6502 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6503Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6504one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6505 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6506
6507You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6508 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6509
6510You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6511 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6512
6513You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6514 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6515<
6516 *catch-text*
6517NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6518 :catch /No such variable/
6519only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6520a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6521cite the message text in a comment: >
6522 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6523
6524
6525IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6526
6527You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6528
6529 :try
6530 : write
6531 :catch
6532 :endtry
6533
6534But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6535catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6536be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6537
6538 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6539
6540There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6541writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6542then hide the error from the user.
6543 It is much better to use >
6544
6545 :try
6546 : write
6547 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6548 :endtry
6549
6550which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6551intentionally.
6552
6553For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6554even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6555command: >
6556 :silent! nunmap k
6557This works also when a try conditional is active.
6558
6559
6560CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6561
6562When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6563the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6564script is not terminated, then.
6565 Example: >
6566
6567 :function! TASK1()
6568 : sleep 10
6569 :endfunction
6570
6571 :function! TASK2()
6572 : sleep 20
6573 :endfunction
6574
6575 :while 1
6576 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6577 : try
6578 : if command == ""
6579 : continue
6580 : elseif command == "END"
6581 : break
6582 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6583 : call TASK1()
6584 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6585 : call TASK2()
6586 : else
6587 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6588 : continue
6589 : endif
6590 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6591 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6592 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6593 : endtry
6594 :endwhile
6595
6596You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6597a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6598
6599For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6600your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6601command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6602
6603
6604CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6605
6606The commands >
6607
6608 :catch /.*/
6609 :catch //
6610 :catch
6611
6612catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6613explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6614a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6615 Example: >
6616
6617 :try
6618 :
6619 : " do the hard work here
6620 :
6621 :catch /MyException/
6622 :
6623 : " handle known problem
6624 :
6625 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6626 : echo "Script interrupted"
6627 :catch /.*/
6628 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6629 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6630 :endtry
6631 :" end of script
6632
6633Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6634strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6635specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6636 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6637by pressing CTRL-C: >
6638
6639 :while 1
6640 : try
6641 : sleep 1
6642 : catch
6643 : endtry
6644 :endwhile
6645
6646
6647EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6648
6649Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6650
6651 :autocmd User x try
6652 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6653 :autocmd User x catch
6654 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6655 :autocmd User x endtry
6656 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6657 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6658 :
6659 :try
6660 : doautocmd User x
6661 :catch
6662 : echo v:exception
6663 :endtry
6664
6665This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6666
6667 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6668For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6669command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6670of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6671abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6672 Example: >
6673
6674 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6675 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6676 :
6677 :try
6678 : write
6679 :catch
6680 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6681 :endtry
6682
6683Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6684you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6685autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6686script displays: >
6687
6688 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6689<
6690 *except-autocmd-Post*
6691For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6692command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6693an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6694is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6695 Example: >
6696
6697 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6698 :
6699 :try
6700 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6701 :catch
6702 : echo v:exception
6703 :endtry
6704
6705This just displays: >
6706
6707 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6708
6709If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6710fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6711 Example: >
6712
6713 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6714 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6715 :
6716 :try
6717 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6718 :catch
6719 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6720 :endtry
6721<
6722You can also use ":silent!": >
6723
6724 :let x = "ok"
6725 :let v:errmsg = ""
6726 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6727 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6728 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6729 :try
6730 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6731 :catch
6732 :endtry
6733 :echo x
6734
6735This displays "after fail".
6736
6737If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6738autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6739
6740 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6741 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6742 :
6743 :try
6744 : write
6745 :catch
6746 : echo v:exception
6747 :endtry
6748<
6749 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6750For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6751autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6752of the command.
6753 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6754had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6755some way. >
6756
6757 :if !exists("cnt")
6758 : let cnt = 0
6759 :
6760 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6761 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6762 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6763 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6764 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6765 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6766 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6767 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6768 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6769 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6770 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6771 :endif
6772 :
6773 :try
6774 : write
6775 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6776 : if &modified
6777 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6778 : else
6779 : echo "Error after writing"
6780 : endif
6781 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6782 : echo "Error on writing"
6783 :endtry
6784
6785When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6786first >
6787 File successfully written!
6788then >
6789 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6790then >
6791 Error after writing
6792etc.
6793
6794 *except-autocmd-ill*
6795You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6796The following code is ill-formed: >
6797
6798 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6799 :
6800 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6801 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6802 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6803 :
6804 :write
6805
6806
6807EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6808
6809Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6810pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6811similar things in Vim.
6812 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6813class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6814string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6815 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6816it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6817for an error when writing "myfile".
6818 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6819base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6820parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6821 Example: >
6822
6823 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6824 : if a:a < 0
6825 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6826 : endif
6827 :endfunction
6828 :
6829 :function! Add(a, b)
6830 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6831 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6832 : let c = a:a + a:b
6833 : if c < 0
6834 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6835 : endif
6836 : return c
6837 :endfunction
6838 :
6839 :function! Div(a, b)
6840 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6841 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6842 : if (a:b == 0)
6843 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6844 : endif
6845 : return a:a / a:b
6846 :endfunction
6847 :
6848 :function! Write(file)
6849 : try
6850 : execute "write" a:file
6851 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6852 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6853 : endtry
6854 :endfunction
6855 :
6856 :try
6857 :
6858 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6859 :
6860 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6861 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6862 : echo "Range error in" function
6863 :
6864 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6865 : echo "Math error"
6866 :
6867 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6868 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6869 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6870 : if file !~ '^/'
6871 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6872 : endif
6873 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6874 :
6875 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6876 : echo "Unspecified error"
6877 :
6878 :endtry
6879
6880The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6881a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6882exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6883 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6884failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6885
6886
6887PECULIARITIES
6888 *except-compat*
6889The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6890exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6891and/or a catch clause.
6892
6893In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6894continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6895after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6896functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6897or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6898(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6899
6900This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6901immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6902conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6903be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6904termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6905catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6906by specifying a finally clause.)
6907
6908When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6909behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6910scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6911
6912However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6913commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6914conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6915script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6916error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6917messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6918|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6919not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6920where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6921error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6922scripts.
6923
6924 *except-syntax-err*
6925Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6926the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6927clauses, however, is executed.
6928 Example: >
6929
6930 :try
6931 : try
6932 : throw 4711
6933 : catch /\(/
6934 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6935 : catch
6936 : echo "inner catch-all"
6937 : finally
6938 : echo "inner finally"
6939 : endtry
6940 :catch
6941 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6942 : finally
6943 : echo "outer finally"
6944 :endtry
6945
6946This displays: >
6947 inner finally
6948 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6949 outer finally
6950The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6951
6952 *except-single-line*
6953The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6954a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6955"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6956 Example: >
6957 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6958raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6959argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6960error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6961displayed.
6962
6963 *except-several-errors*
6964When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6965usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6966 Example: >
6967 echo novar
6968causes >
6969 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6970 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6971The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6972 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6973< *except-syntax-error*
6974But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6975the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6976 Example: >
6977 unlet novar #
6978causes >
6979 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6980 E488: Trailing characters
6981The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6982 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6983This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6984not intended by the user. Example: >
6985 try
6986 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6987 catch /.*/
6988 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6989 endtry
6990This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6991a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6992
6993==============================================================================
69949. Examples *eval-examples*
6995
6996Printing in Hex ~
6997>
6998 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6999 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
7000 : let n = a:nr
7001 : let r = ""
7002 : while n
7003 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
7004 : let n = n / 16
7005 : endwhile
7006 : return r
7007 :endfunc
7008
7009 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
7010 :" character Hex string.
7011 :func String2Hex(str)
7012 : let out = ''
7013 : let ix = 0
7014 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
7015 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7016 : let ix = ix + 1
7017 : endwhile
7018 : return out
7019 :endfunc
7020
7021Example of its use: >
7022 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
7023result: "20" >
7024 :echo String2Hex("32")
7025result: "3332"
7026
7027
7028Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
7029
7030Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
7031":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
7032platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
7033function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
7034with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
7035>
7036 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
7037 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
7038 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
7039 : return -1
7040 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
7041 : return 1
7042 : else
7043 : return 0
7044 : endif
7045 :endfunction
7046
7047 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
7048 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
7049 : if (a:start >= a:end)
7050 : return
7051 : endif
7052 : let partition = a:start - 1
7053 : let middle = partition
7054 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
7055 : let i = a:start
7056 : while (i <= a:end)
7057 : let str = getline(i)
7058 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
7059 : if (result <= 0)
7060 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
7061 : let partition = partition + 1
7062 : if (result == 0)
7063 : let middle = partition
7064 : endif
7065 : if (i != partition)
7066 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7067 : call setline(i, str2)
7068 : call setline(partition, str)
7069 : endif
7070 : endif
7071 : let i = i + 1
7072 : endwhile
7073
7074 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
7075 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
7076 : " the end of the partition.
7077 : if (middle != partition)
7078 : let str = getline(middle)
7079 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7080 : call setline(middle, str2)
7081 : call setline(partition, str)
7082 : endif
7083 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
7084 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
7085 :endfunc
7086
7087 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
7088 :" function that will compare two lines.
7089 :func! Sort(cmp) range
7090 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
7091 :endfunc
7092
7093 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
7094 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
7095<
7096 *sscanf*
7097There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7098line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7099how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7100"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7101 :" Set up the match bit
7102 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7103 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7104 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7105 :"get each item out of the match
7106 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7107 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7108 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7109
7110The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7111"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7112
7113==============================================================================
711410. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7115
7116When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7117evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7118to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7119recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7120and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7121only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7122recognized.
7123
7124Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7125missing: >
7126
7127 :if 1
7128 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7129 :else
7130 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7131 :endif
7132
7133==============================================================================
713411. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7135
7136The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7137options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7138these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7139these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007140a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007141The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007142
7143These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7144 - changing the buffer text
7145 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7146 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7147 - executing a shell command
7148 - reading or writing a file
7149 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007150 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007151This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7152
7153 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007154:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007155 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7156 'foldexpr'.
7157
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007158 *sandbox-option*
7159A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaard1f56e62006-02-22 21:25:37 +00007160have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risc. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007161restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7162location. Insecure in this context are:
7163- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directlry
7164- while executing in the sandbox
7165- value coming from a modeline
7166
7167Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7168option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7169
7170==============================================================================
717112. Textlock *textlock*
7172
7173In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7174to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7175is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7176actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7177happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7178
7179This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7180 - changing the buffer text
7181 - jumping to another buffer or window
7182 - editing another file
7183 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7184 - etc.
7185
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007186
7187 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: