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Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0g. Last change: 2006 May 03
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 Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
114cannot have 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 Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000152List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000153 :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
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000195similar to -1.
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000196 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
197 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
198 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000199
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000200If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
201before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
202message.
203
204If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
205length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000206 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
207 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
208
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000209NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
210using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
211mylist[s : e].
212
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000213
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000214List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000215 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
217variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
218change "bb": >
219 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
220 :let bb = aa
221 :call add(aa, 4)
222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
225Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
226works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000227a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
229 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
232 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000237To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000239
240The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000241List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000242the same value. >
243 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
244 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
245 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000246< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000247 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000248< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000249
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
251same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
253different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
254variables. Example: >
255 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000256< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000258< 0
259
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000260Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
261can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
262
263 :let a = 5
264 :let b = "5"
265 echo a == b
266< 1 >
267 echo [a] == [b]
268< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000269
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000270
271List unpack ~
272
273To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
274square brackets, like list items: >
275 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
276
277When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
278this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
279and a variable name: >
280 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
281
282This works like: >
283 :let var1 = mylist[0]
284 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000285 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286
287Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
288empty list then.
289
290
291List modification ~
292 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000293To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000294 :let list[4] = "four"
295 :let listlist[0][3] = item
296
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000297To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000299 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
300
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000301Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
302examples: >
303 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
304 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
305 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
308 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000309 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000311 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000312 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000314Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000315 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
316 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
317
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318
319For loop ~
320
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000321The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
322to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000323 :for item in mylist
324 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325 :endfor
326
327This works like: >
328 :let index = 0
329 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000330 : let item = mylist[index]
331 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 : let index = index + 1
333 :endwhile
334
335Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000336results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000337the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000339If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000340function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000341
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000342Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
343requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
344 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
345 : call Doit(lnum, col)
346 :endfor
347
348This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
349must remain the same to avoid an error.
350
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000351It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000352 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
353 : call Doit(i, j)
354 : if !empty(rest)
355 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
356 : endif
357 :endfor
358
359
360List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000361 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000363 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000365 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
366 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
367 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000368 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
369 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000370 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
371 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000372 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
373 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000374 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
375 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000377Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
378example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
379 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
380
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003821.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000385entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
386ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000387
388
389Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000390 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
393only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
395 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000397A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
398String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
400Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000401
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403nested Dictionary: >
404 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
405
406An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
407
408
409Accessing entries ~
410
411The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
412 :let val = mydict["one"]
413 :let mydict["four"] = 4
414
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000415You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000416
417For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
418form can be used |expr-entry|: >
419 :let val = mydict.one
420 :let mydict.four = 4
421
422Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
423key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000424 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000425
426
427Dictionary to List conversion ~
428
429You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
430turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
431
432Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
433 :for key in keys(mydict)
434 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
435 :endfor
436
437The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
438 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
439
440To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
441 :for v in values(mydict)
442 : echo "value: " . v
443 :endfor
444
445If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000446a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000447 :for entry in items(mydict)
448 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
449 :endfor
450
451
452Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000453 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000454Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
455Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
456Dictionary: >
457 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
458 :let adict = onedict
459 :let adict['a'] = 11
460 :echo onedict['a']
461 11
462
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000463Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
464more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000465
466
467Dictionary modification ~
468 *dict-modification*
469To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
470use |:let| this way: >
471 :let dict[4] = "four"
472 :let dict['one'] = item
473
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000474Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
475Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
476 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
477 :unlet dict.aaa
478 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000481 :call extend(adict, bdict)
482This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
483in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000484Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
485expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
486adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000487
488Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000489 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491
492
493Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000494 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000495When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
496special way with a dictionary. Example: >
497 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000498 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000500 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
501 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000502
503This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
504Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
505the function was invoked from.
506
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000507It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
508Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
509
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000510 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
512assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000513 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
514 :function mydict.len() dict
515 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000516 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000517 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
520that references this function. The function can only be used through a
521|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
522remaining that refers to it.
523
524It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000525
526
527Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000528 *E715*
529Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
531 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
532 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
533 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
534 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
535 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
536 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
537 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000538
539
5401.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000541 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000542If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
543function.
544
545When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
546start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
547stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
548
549When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
550start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
551stored in the session file |session-file|.
552
553variable name can be stored where ~
554my_var_6 not
555My_Var_6 session file
556MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
557
558
559It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
560|curly-braces-names|.
561
562==============================================================================
5632. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
564
565Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
566
567|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
568
569|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
570
571|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
572
573|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
574 expr5 != expr5 not equal
575 expr5 > expr5 greater than
576 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
577 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
578 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
579 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
580 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
581
582 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
583 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
584 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
585 matching case
586
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000587 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
588 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000589
590|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000591 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
592 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
593
594|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
595 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
596 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
597
598|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
599 - expr7 unary minus
600 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
604 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
605 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
606 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000607
608|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000609 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000610 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000611 [expr1, ...] |List|
612 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613 &option option value
614 (expr1) nested expression
615 variable internal variable
616 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
617 $VAR environment variable
618 @r contents of register 'r'
619 function(expr1, ...) function call
620 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
621
622
623".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
624Example: >
625 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
626
627All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
628
629
630expr1 *expr1* *E109*
631-----
632
633expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
634
635The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
636non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
637otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
638Example: >
639 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
640
641Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
642other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
643Example: >
644 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
645
646To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
647 :echo lnum == 1
648 :\ ? "top"
649 :\ : lnum == 1000
650 :\ ? "last"
651 :\ : lnum
652
653
654expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
655---------------
656
657 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
658The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
659are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
660
661 input output ~
662n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
663zero zero zero zero
664zero non-zero non-zero zero
665non-zero zero non-zero zero
666non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
667
668The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
669
670 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
671
672Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
673
674 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
675
676Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
677arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
678
679 let a = 1
680 echo a || b
681
682This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
683so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
684
685 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
686
687This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
688only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
689
690
691expr4 *expr4*
692-----
693
694expr5 {cmp} expr5
695
696Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
697if it evaluates to true.
698
699 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
700 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
701 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
702 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
703 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
704 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000705 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000706 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
707equal == ==# ==?
708not equal != !=# !=?
709greater than > ># >?
710greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
711smaller than < <# <?
712smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
713regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
714regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000715same instance is
716different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000717
718Examples:
719"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
720"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
721"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
722
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000723 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000724A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
725"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
726Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000727
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000728 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000729A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
730equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000731recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
732
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000733 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000734A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
735equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000736
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000737When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
738referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
739the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
740using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000741different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
742is false.
743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000744When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
745and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
746because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
747
748When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
749results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
750necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
751
752When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
753'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
754
755When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
756'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
757
758The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
759argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
760This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
761matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
762portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
763single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
764Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
765(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
766can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
767 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
768 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
769
770
771expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
772---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000773expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000774expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
775expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000777For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000778result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000779
780expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
781expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
782expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000783
784For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
785
786Note the difference between "+" and ".":
787 "123" + "456" = 579
788 "123" . "456" = "123456"
789
790When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
791When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
792
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000793None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000794
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000795
796expr7 *expr7*
797-----
798! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
799- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
800+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
801
802For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
803For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
804For '+' the number is unchanged.
805
806A String will be converted to a Number first.
807
808These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
809 !-1 == 0
810 !!8 == 1
811 --9 == 9
812
813
814expr8 *expr8*
815-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000816expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000818If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
819expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000821
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000822Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
823text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
824cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000825 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000826
827If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000828String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
829compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
830
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000831If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000832for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
833error. Example: >
834 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
835
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000836Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
837|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
838error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000839
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000841expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000842
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000843If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
844from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000845expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
846encodings.
847
848If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
849string minus one is used.
850
851A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
852the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
853
854If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
855expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
856
857Examples: >
858 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
859 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
860 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
861 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
862
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000863If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
864the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
865just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
867 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
868 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
869
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000870Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
871error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000872
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000873
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000874expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000875
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000876If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
877name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
878expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000879
880The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
881but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
882
883There must not be white space before or after the dot.
884
885Examples: >
886 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
887 :echo dict.one
888 :echo dict .2
889
890Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
891always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
892
893
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000894expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000895
896When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
897
898
899
900 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000901number
902------
903number number constant *expr-number*
904
905Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
906
907
908string *expr-string* *E114*
909------
910"string" string constant *expr-quote*
911
912Note that double quotes are used.
913
914A string constant accepts these special characters:
915\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
916\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
917\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
918\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
919\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
920\X.. same as \x..
921\X. same as \x.
922\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
923 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
924\U.... same as \u....
925\b backspace <BS>
926\e escape <Esc>
927\f formfeed <FF>
928\n newline <NL>
929\r return <CR>
930\t tab <Tab>
931\\ backslash
932\" double quote
933\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
934
935Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
936
937
938literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
939---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000940'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000941
942Note that single quotes are used.
943
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000944This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000945meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000946
947Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
948to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
949 if a =~ "\\s*"
950 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000951
952
953option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
954------
955&option option value, local value if possible
956&g:option global option value
957&l:option local option value
958
959Examples: >
960 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
961 if &insertmode
962
963Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
964and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
965anyway.
966
967
968register *expr-register*
969--------
970@r contents of register 'r'
971
972The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
973Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000974register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
975registers.
976
977When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
978evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000979
980
981nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
982-------
983(expr1) nested expression
984
985
986environment variable *expr-env*
987--------------------
988$VAR environment variable
989
990The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
991result is an empty string.
992 *expr-env-expand*
993Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
994expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
995are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
996the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
997fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
998does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
999 :echo $version
1000 :echo expand("$version")
1001The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1002variable (if your shell supports it).
1003
1004
1005internal variable *expr-variable*
1006-----------------
1007variable internal variable
1008See below |internal-variables|.
1009
1010
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001011function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001012-------------
1013function(expr1, ...) function call
1014See below |functions|.
1015
1016
1017==============================================================================
10183. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1019 *E461*
1020An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1021cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1022|curly-braces-names|.
1023
1024An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001025An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1026|:unlet|.
1027Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1028been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001029
1030There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1031specified by what is prepended:
1032
1033 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1034|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1035|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001036|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037|global-variable| g: Global.
1038|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1039|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1040|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1041|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1042
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001043The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1044delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001045 :for k in keys(s:)
1046 : unlet s:[k]
1047 :endfor
1048<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001049 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1050A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1051Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1052This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1053|:bdelete|.
1054
1055One local buffer variable is predefined:
1056 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1057b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1058 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1059 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1060 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1061 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1062 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1063 : call My_Update()
1064 :endif
1065<
1066 *window-variable* *w:var*
1067A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1068is deleted when the window is closed.
1069
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001070 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1071A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1072It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1073without the +windows feature}
1074
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075 *global-variable* *g:var*
1076Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1077access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1078place if you like.
1079
1080 *local-variable* *l:var*
1081Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1082But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1083
1084 *script-variable* *s:var*
1085In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1086accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1087
1088They can be used in:
1089- commands executed while the script is sourced
1090- functions defined in the script
1091- autocommands defined in the script
1092- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1093 defined in the script (recursively)
1094- user defined commands defined in the script
1095Thus not in:
1096- other scripts sourced from this one
1097- mappings
1098- etc.
1099
1100script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1101Take this example:
1102
1103 let s:counter = 0
1104 function MyCounter()
1105 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1106 echo s:counter
1107 endfunction
1108 command Tick call MyCounter()
1109
1110You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1111that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1112"Tick" was defined is used.
1113
1114Another example that does the same: >
1115
1116 let s:counter = 0
1117 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1118
1119When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001120script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001121defined.
1122
1123The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1124function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1125
1126 let s:counter = 0
1127 function StartCounting(incr)
1128 if a:incr
1129 function MyCounter()
1130 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1131 endfunction
1132 else
1133 function MyCounter()
1134 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1135 endfunction
1136 endif
1137 endfunction
1138
1139This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1140when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1141called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1142
1143When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1144They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1145maintain a counter: >
1146
1147 if !exists("s:counter")
1148 let s:counter = 1
1149 echo "script executed for the first time"
1150 else
1151 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1152 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1153 endif
1154
1155Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1156variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1157
1158
1159Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1160
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001161 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1162v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1163 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1167v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
1170 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1171v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1172 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
1174 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001175v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1176 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1177 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1178 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001179 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1180 highlighted text is used.
1181 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1182
1183 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1184v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1185 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1186
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001187 *v:char* *char-variable*
1188v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'.
1189
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1191v:charconvert_from
1192 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1193 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1194
1195 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1196v:charconvert_to
1197 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1198 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1199
1200 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1201v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1202 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1203 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1204 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1205 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1206 possible to append this variable directly after the
1207 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1208 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1209 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1210 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1211 in 'printexpr'.
1212
1213 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1214v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1215 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1216 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1217 can be used.
1218
1219 *v:count* *count-variable*
1220v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1221 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1222 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1223< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1224 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001225 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001226 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1227
1228 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1229v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1230 used.
1231
1232 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1233v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1234 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1235 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1236 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1237 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1238 command.
1239 See |multi-lang|.
1240
1241 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1242v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1243 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1244 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1245 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1246 Example: >
1247 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1248<
1249 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1250v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1251 Example: >
1252 :let v:errmsg = ""
1253 :silent! next
1254 :if v:errmsg != ""
1255 : ... handle error
1256< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1257
1258 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1259v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1260 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1261 Example: >
1262 :try
1263 : throw "oops"
1264 :catch /.*/
1265 : echo "caught" v:exception
1266 :endtry
1267< Output: "caught oops".
1268
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001269 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1270v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1271 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1272 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1273 deleted file no longer exists
1274 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1275 changed and buffer is modified
1276 changed file contents has changed
1277 mode mode of file changed
1278 time only file timestamp changed
1279
1280 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1281v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1282 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1283 do with the affected buffer:
1284 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1285 the file was deleted).
1286 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1287 was no autocommand. Except that when
1288 only the timestamp changed nothing
1289 will happen.
1290 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1291 everything that needs to be done.
1292 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1293 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1294
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001295 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001296v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001297 option used for ~
1298 'charconvert' file to be converted
1299 'diffexpr' original file
1300 'patchexpr' original file
1301 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001302 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001303
1304 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1305v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1306 evaluating:
1307 option used for ~
1308 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1309 'diffexpr' output of diff
1310 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1311 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1312 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1313 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1314 file and different from v:fname_in.
1315
1316 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1317v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1318 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1319
1320 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1321v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1322 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1323
1324 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1325v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1326 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001327 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001328
1329 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1330v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001331 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001332
1333 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1334v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001335 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001336
1337 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1338v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001339 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001341 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1342v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1343 events. Values:
1344 i Insert mode
1345 r Replace mode
1346 v Virtual Replace mode
1347
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001348 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001349v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001350 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1351 Read-only.
1352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1354v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1355 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1356 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1357 The value is system dependent.
1358 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1359 command.
1360 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1361 in a different language than what is used for character
1362 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1363
1364 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1365v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1366 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1367 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1368 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1369 command. See |multi-lang|.
1370
1371 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001372v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001373 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1374 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1375 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001376
1377 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1378v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1379 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1380 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1381 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1382< Read-only.
1383
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001384 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1385v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1386 See |profiling|.
1387
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001388 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1389v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1390 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1391 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1392 Read-only.
1393
1394 *v:register* *register-variable*
1395v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1396 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1397
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001398 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1399v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1400 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1401 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1402 typed command.
1403 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1404 hit-enter prompt.
1405
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001406 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1407v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1408 Read-only.
1409
1410 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1411v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1412 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1413 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1414 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1415 executed. Read-only.
1416 Example: >
1417 :!mv foo bar
1418 :if v:shell_error
1419 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1420 :endif
1421< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1422
1423 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1424v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1425
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001426 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1427v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1428 the swap file found. Read-only.
1429
1430 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1431v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1432 for handling an existing swap file:
1433 'o' Open read-only
1434 'e' Edit anyway
1435 'r' Recover
1436 'd' Delete swapfile
1437 'q' Quit
1438 'a' Abort
1439 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1440 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1441 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1442
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001443 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001444v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001445 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1446 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1447 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001448 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001449
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001450 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1451v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1452 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1453 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1454 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1455 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1456 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1457 terminal.
1458 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1459 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1460 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1461 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1462 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1463
1464 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1465v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1466 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1467 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1468 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1469
1470 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1471v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1472 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1473 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1474 Example: >
1475 :try
1476 : throw "oops"
1477 :catch /.*/
1478 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1479 :endtry
1480< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1481
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001482 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001483v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1484 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001485 |filter()|. Read-only.
1486
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001487 *v:version* *version-variable*
1488v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1489 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1490 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1491 compatibility.
1492 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1493 if has("patch123")
1494< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1495 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1496 completely different.
1497
1498 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1499v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1500
1501==============================================================================
15024. Builtin Functions *functions*
1503
1504See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1505
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001506(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001507
1508USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1509
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001510add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001511append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001512append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001513argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001514argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001515argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001516argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001517browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1518 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001519browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001521buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1522bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001523bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1524bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1525bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1526byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001527byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001528call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1529 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001530changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001531char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001532cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001534complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001535complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1536complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001537confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1538 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001539copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001540count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1541 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001542cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1543 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001544cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1545 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1546cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001547deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001548delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1549did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001550diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1551diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001552empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001554eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001556executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1557exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001558extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1559 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001560expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00001561feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001562filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001563filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001564filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1565 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001566finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001567 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001568findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001569 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001570fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001571foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1572foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001573foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001574foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001575foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001576foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001577function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001578garbagecollect() none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001579get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001580get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001581getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1582 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001583getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001584getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1585getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001586getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1587getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001588getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001589getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001590getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1591getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001592getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001594getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001595getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1596getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001597getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001598getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001599getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001600getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001601getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001602gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1603 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1605getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001606getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001607glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1608globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1609has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001610has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001611hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1612 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001613histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1614histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1615histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1616histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1617hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1618hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1619hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001620iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1621indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001622index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1623 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001624input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1625 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001626inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001627inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001628inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1629inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001630inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001631insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001632isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001633islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001634items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001635join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001636keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001637len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1638libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001639libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1640line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1641line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001642lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001643localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001644map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001645maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1646 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1647mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1648 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001649match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001651matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001652matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001653 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001654matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1655 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001656matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1657 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001658max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1659min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001660mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1661 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001662mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1664nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001665pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001667printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001668pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001669range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1670 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001671readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1672 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001673reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1674reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001675remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1676 String send expression
1677remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1678remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1679 Number check for reply string
1680remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1681remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1682 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001683remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001684remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001685rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1686repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1687resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001688reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001689search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001690searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1691 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001692searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001693 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001694searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001695 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001696searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001697 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001698server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1699 Number send reply string
1700serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1701setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1702setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1703setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001704setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1705 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001706setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001707setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001709settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1710 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001712simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001713sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001714soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001715spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001716spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1717 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001718split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001719 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001720str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001721strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001722stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1723 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001724string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001725strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1726strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1727 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001728strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1729 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001730strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001731submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001732substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1733 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001734synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001735synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1736 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1737synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001738system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001739tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1740tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1741tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1742 Number number of current window in tab page
1743taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001744tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001745tempname() String name for a temporary file
1746tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1747toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001748tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1749 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001750type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001751values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001752virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1753visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1754winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1755wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1756winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1757winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001758winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001759winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001760winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1761winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001762winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001763writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1764 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001765
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001766add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001767 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1768 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001769 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1770 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001771< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001772 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001773 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001774
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001775
1776append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001777 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1778 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001779 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1780 the current buffer.
1781 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001782 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1783 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001784 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001785 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001786<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001787 *argc()*
1788argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1789 current window. See |arglist|.
1790
1791 *argidx()*
1792argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1793 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1794
1795 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001796argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001797 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1798 Example: >
1799 :let i = 0
1800 :while i < argc()
1801 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1802 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1803 : let i = i + 1
1804 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001805< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1806 returned.
1807
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001808 *browse()*
1809browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1810 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1811 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1812 The input fields are:
1813 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1814 {title} title for the requester
1815 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1816 {default} default file name
1817 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1818 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1819
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001820 *browsedir()*
1821browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1822 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1823 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1824 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1825 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1826 to be used.
1827 The input fields are:
1828 {title} title for the requester
1829 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1830 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1831 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1832
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001833bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1834 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1835 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001836 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001837 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001838 exactly. The name can be:
1839 - Relative to the current directory.
1840 - A full path.
1841 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1842 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001843 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1844 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1845 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1846 long name to be able to find them.
1847 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1848 file name.
1849 *buffer_exists()*
1850 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1851
1852buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1853 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1854 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001855 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001856
1857bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1858 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1859 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001860 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001861
1862bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1863 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1864 ":ls" command.
1865 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1866 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1867 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1868 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1869 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1870 match an empty string is returned.
1871 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1872 alternate buffer.
1873 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1874 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1875 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1876 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1877 buffers are searched for.
1878 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1879 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1880 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1881< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1882 string is returned. >
1883 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1884 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1885 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1886 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1887< *buffer_name()*
1888 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1889
1890 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001891bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1892 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001893 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001894 above.
1895 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1896 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1897 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001898 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1899 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1900< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1901 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1902 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1903 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1904 *buffer_number()*
1905 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1906 *last_buffer_nr()*
1907 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1908
1909bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1910 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1911 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1912 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1913 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1914
1915 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1916
1917< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1918 |:wincmd|.
1919
1920
1921byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1922 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1923 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1924 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1925 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1926 one.
1927 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1928 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1929 feature}
1930
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001931byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1932 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1933 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1934 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1935 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1936 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1937 Example : >
1938 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1939< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1940 same: >
1941 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1942 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1943< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1944 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1945 is returned.
1946
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001947call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001948 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001949 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001950 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001951 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1952 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001953 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1954 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001955
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001956changenr() *changenr()*
1957 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
1958 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
1959 with the |:undo| command.
1960 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
1961 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
1962 one less than the number of the undone change.
1963
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001964char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1965 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1966 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1967 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1968< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001969 char2nr("?") returns 225
1970 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001971< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001972
1973cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1974 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1975 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1976 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1977 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1978 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1979 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001980 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001981
1982 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001983col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001984 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1985 . the cursor position
1986 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1987 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1988 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1989 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001990 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
1991 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001992 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1993 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1994 Examples: >
1995 col(".") column of cursor
1996 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1997 col("'t") column of mark t
1998 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1999< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
2000 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2001 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2002 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2003 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2004 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2005 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2006 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2007<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002008
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002009complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2010 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2011 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
2012 with an expression argument |:map-<expr>| or CTRL-R =
2013 |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O.
2014 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2015 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2016 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2017 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2018 match.
2019 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2020 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2021 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2022 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2023 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2024 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2025 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2026 Example: >
2027 inoremap <expr> <F5> ListMonths()
2028
2029 func! ListMonths()
2030 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2031 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2032 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2033 return ''
2034 endfunc
2035< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2036 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2037
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002038complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2039 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2040 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2041 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2042 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2043 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002044 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2045 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002046
2047complete_check() *complete_check()*
2048 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2049 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2050 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2051 zero otherwise.
2052 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2053 'completefunc' option.
2054
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002055 *confirm()*
2056confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2057 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2058 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2059 choice this is 1.
2060 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2061 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2062 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2063 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2064 used (and translated).
2065 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2066 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2067 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2068 by '\n', e.g. >
2069 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2070< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2071 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2072 not need to be the first letter: >
2073 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2074< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2075 the default shortcut key.
2076 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2077 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2078 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2079 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2080 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2081 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2082 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2083 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2084 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2085 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2086 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2087
2088 An example: >
2089 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2090 :if choice == 0
2091 : echo "make up your mind!"
2092 :elseif choice == 3
2093 : echo "tasteful"
2094 :else
2095 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2096 :endif
2097< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2098 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2099 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2100 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2101 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2102 the horizontal layout is always used.
2103
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002104 *copy()*
2105copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2106 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002107 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2108 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002109 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002110 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002111 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002112
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002113count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002114 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002115 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002116 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002117 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002118 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2119
2120
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002121 *cscope_connection()*
2122cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2123 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2124 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2125 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2126 if there are no cscope connections;
2127 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2128
2129 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2130 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2131
2132 {num} Description of existence check
2133 ----- ------------------------------
2134 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2135 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2136 {dbpath}.
2137 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2138 {dbpath}.
2139 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2140 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2141 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2142 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2143
2144 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2145
2146 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2147
2148 # pid database name prepend path
2149 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2150<
2151 Invocation Return Val ~
2152 ---------- ---------- >
2153 cscope_connection() 1
2154 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2155 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2156 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2157 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2158 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2159 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2160 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2161<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002162cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2163cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002164 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002165 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002166 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002167 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2168 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002169 Does not change the jumplist.
2170 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2171 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2172 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002173 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002174 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2175 line.
2176 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002177 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2178 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2179 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002180
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002181
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002182deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002183 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2184 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002185 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2186 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2187 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002188 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002189 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2190 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2191 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2192 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2193 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2194 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002195 *E724*
2196 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002197 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2198 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002199 Also see |copy()|.
2200
2201delete({fname}) *delete()*
2202 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002203 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2204 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002205 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002206
2207 *did_filetype()*
2208did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2209 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2210 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2211 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2212 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2213 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2214 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2215 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2216 file.
2217
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002218diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2219 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2220 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2221 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2222 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2223 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2224 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2225 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2226
2227diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2228 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2229 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2230 diff change zero is returned.
2231 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2232 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2233 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2234 line.
2235 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2236 syntax information about the highlighting.
2237
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002238empty({expr}) *empty()*
2239 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002240 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2241 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2242 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2243 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002244
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002245escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2246 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2247 backslash. Example: >
2248 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2249< results in: >
2250 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002251
2252< *eval()*
2253eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2254 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2255 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002256 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002257
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002258eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2259 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2260 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2261 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2262 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2263
2264executable({expr}) *executable()*
2265 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2266 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002267 arguments.
2268 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2269 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2270 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2271 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2272 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2273 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2274 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2275 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2276 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2277 extension.
2278 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2279 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002280 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2281 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2282 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002283 The result is a Number:
2284 1 exists
2285 0 does not exist
2286 -1 not implemented on this system
2287
2288 *exists()*
2289exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2290 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2291 which contains one of these:
2292 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2293 not if it really works)
2294 +option-name Vim option that works.
2295 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2296 done by comparing with an empty
2297 string)
2298 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2299 or user defined function (see
2300 |user-functions|).
2301 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002302 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002303 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2304 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2305 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002306 invoked cause an error message for an
2307 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002308 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2309 command or command modifier |:command|.
2310 Returns:
2311 1 for match with start of a command
2312 2 full match with a command
2313 3 matches several user commands
2314 To check for a supported command
2315 always check the return value to be 2.
2316 #event autocommand defined for this event
2317 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2318 pattern (the pattern is taken
2319 literally and compared to the
2320 autocommand patterns character by
2321 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002322 #group autocommand group exists
2323 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2324 event.
2325 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002326 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002327 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002328 ##event autocommand for this event is
2329 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002330 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2331
2332 Examples: >
2333 exists("&shortname")
2334 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2335 exists("*strftime")
2336 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2337 exists("bufcount")
2338 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002339 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002340 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002341 exists("#filetypeindent")
2342 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2343 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002344 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002345< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2346 name.
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002347 Trailing characters that can't be part of the name are often
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002348 ignored, but don't depend on it, it may change in the future!
2349 Example: >
2350 exists("*strftime()")
2351< This currently works, but it should really be: >
2352 exists("*strftime")
2353
2354< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2355 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002356 exists(bufcount)
2357< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002358 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002359
2360expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2361 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2362 The result is a String.
2363
2364 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2365 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2366 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2367
2368 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2369 for a non-existing file is not included.
2370
2371 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2372 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2373 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2374
2375 % current file name
2376 # alternate file name
2377 #n alternate file name n
2378 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2379 <afile> autocmd file name
2380 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2381 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2382 <sfile> sourced script file name
2383 <cword> word under the cursor
2384 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2385 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2386 message |server2client()|
2387 Modifiers:
2388 :p expand to full path
2389 :h head (last path component removed)
2390 :t tail (last path component only)
2391 :r root (one extension removed)
2392 :e extension only
2393
2394 Example: >
2395 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2396< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2397 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2398 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2399< Use this: >
2400 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2401< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2402 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2403 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2404 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2405 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2406<
2407 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2408 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2409 to modify normal file names.
2410
2411 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2412 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2413 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2414 '/' added.
2415
2416 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2417 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2418 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2419 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002420 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2421 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2422 files in the current directory and below: >
2423 :echo expand("**/README")
2424<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002425 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2426 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2427 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2428 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2429 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2430 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2431 "$FOOBAR".
2432
2433 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2434 getting the raw output of an external command.
2435
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002436extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002437 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2438 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002439
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002440 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002441 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2442 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2443 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2444 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002445 Examples: >
2446 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2447 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002448< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2449 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002450 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002451<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002452 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002453 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2454 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2455 used to decide what to do:
2456 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2457 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002458 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002459 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2460
2461 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2462 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2463 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2464 Returns {expr1}.
2465
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002466
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002467feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2468 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002469 come from a mapping or were typed by user. They are added to
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002470 the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
2471 being executed these characters come after them.
2472 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2473 {string}.
2474 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2475 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
2476 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the Enter key. But
2477 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2478 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2479 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002480 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2481 'n' Do not remap keys.
2482 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2483 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2484 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002485 Return value is always 0.
2486
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002487filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2488 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2489 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2490 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2491 expression, which is used as a String.
2492 *file_readable()*
2493 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2494
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002495
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002496filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002497 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002498 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002499 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002500 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002501 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002502 Examples: >
2503 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2504< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2505 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2506< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2507 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002508< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002509
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002510 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2511 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2512 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2513
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002514 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2515 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002516 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002517
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002518< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002519 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2520 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002521
2522
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002523finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002524 Find directory {name} in {path}. Returns the path of the
2525 first found match. When the found directory is below the
2526 current directory a relative path is returned. Otherwise a
2527 full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002528 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2529 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002530 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002531 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002532 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002533 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2534
2535findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2536 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002537 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2538 Example: >
2539 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2540< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2541 the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002542
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002543filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2544 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2545 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2546 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2547 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2548
2549fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2550 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2551 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2552 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2553 Example: >
2554 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2555< results in: >
2556 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2557< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2558 |expand()| first then.
2559
2560foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2561 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2562 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2563 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2564
2565foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2566 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2567 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2568 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2569
2570foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2571 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2572 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2573 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2574 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2575 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2576 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2577 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2578 previous line is usually available.
2579
2580 *foldtext()*
2581foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2582 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2583 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2584 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2585 The returned string looks like this: >
2586 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2587< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2588 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2589 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2590 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2591 options is removed.
2592 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2593
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002594foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2595 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2596 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2597 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2598 returned.
2599 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2600 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2601 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2602 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2603
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002604 *foreground()*
2605foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2606 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2607 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2608 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2609 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2610 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2611 Win32 console version}
2612
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002613
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002614function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002615 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002616 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2617
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002618
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002619garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002620 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002621 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2622 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2623 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2624 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2625 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002626 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2627 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2628 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002629
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002630get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002631 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002632 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2633 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002634get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002635 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002636 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2637 {default} is omitted.
2638
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002639 *getbufline()*
2640getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002641 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2642 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2643 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002644
2645 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2646
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002647 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2648 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002649
2650 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002651 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002652
2653 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2654 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002655 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002656 returned.
2657
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002658 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002659 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002660
2661 Example: >
2662 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002663
2664getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2665 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2666 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2667 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002668 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2669 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2670 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002671 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2672 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2673 returned, there is no error message.
2674 Examples: >
2675 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2676 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2677<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002678getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2679 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2680 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2681 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2682 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2683 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2684 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2685 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2686 not consumed. If a normal character is
2687 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2688 non-zero value is returned.
2689 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2690 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2691 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2692 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2693 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2694 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2695 user that a character has to be typed.
2696 There is no mapping for the character.
2697 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2698 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2699 sequence. Examples: >
2700 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2701 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2702< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2703 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2704 :function FindChar()
2705 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2706 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2707 : normal l
2708 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2709 : break
2710 : endif
2711 : endwhile
2712 :endfunction
2713
2714getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2715 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2716 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2717 These values are added together:
2718 2 shift
2719 4 control
2720 8 alt (meta)
2721 16 mouse double click
2722 32 mouse triple click
2723 64 mouse quadruple click
2724 128 Macintosh only: command
2725 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2726 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2727 with no modifier.
2728
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002729getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2730 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2731 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2732 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2733 Example: >
2734 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002735< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002736
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002737getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002738 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2739 byte count. The first column is 1.
2740 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2741 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002742 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2743
2744getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2745 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2746 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002747 : normal Ex command
2748 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2749 / forward search command
2750 ? backward search command
2751 @ |input()| command
2752 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002753 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2754 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2755 otherwise.
2756 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002757
2758 *getcwd()*
2759getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2760 working directory.
2761
2762getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2763 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2764 given file {fname}.
2765 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2766 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2767
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002768getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2769 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2770 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2771 |hl-Normal|.
2772 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2773 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2774 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2775 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00002776 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002777 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2778 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002779 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2780 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002781
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002782getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2783 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2784 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2785 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2786 empty string is returned.
2787 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2788 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2789 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2790 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2791 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2792 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2793< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2794 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002795
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002796getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2797 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2798 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2799 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2800 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2801 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2802
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002803getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2804 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2805 file of the given file {fname}.
2806 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2807 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2808 results:
2809 Normal file "file"
2810 Directory "dir"
2811 Symbolic link "link"
2812 Block device "bdev"
2813 Character device "cdev"
2814 Socket "socket"
2815 FIFO "fifo"
2816 All other "other"
2817 Example: >
2818 getftype("/home")
2819< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2820 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2821 "file" are returned.
2822
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002823 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002824getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2825 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2826 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002827 getline(1)
2828< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2829 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2830 To get the line under the cursor: >
2831 getline(".")
2832< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2833 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2834
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002835 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2836 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002837 including line {end}.
2838 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2839 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002840 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002841 Example: >
2842 :let start = line('.')
2843 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2844 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2845
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002846getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2847 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2848 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2849 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002850 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2851 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002852
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002853getqflist() *getqflist()*
2854 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2855 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2856 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2857 bufname() to get the name
2858 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2859 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002860 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2861 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002862 nr error number
2863 text description of the error
2864 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2865 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2866
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002867 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2868 returned.
2869
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002870 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2871 do something with them: >
2872 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2873 :for d in getqflist()
2874 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2875 :endfor
2876
2877
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002878getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002879 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002880 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002881 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2882< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002883 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002884 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2885 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2886 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002887 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2888
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002889
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002890getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2891 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2892 The value will be one of:
2893 "v" for |characterwise| text
2894 "V" for |linewise| text
2895 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2896 0 for an empty or unknown register
2897 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2898 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2899
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002900gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
2901 Get the value of an option or local window variable {varname}
2902 in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
2903 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
2904 use |getwinvar()|.
2905 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
2906 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2907 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2908 or buffer-local variable.
2909 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2910 Examples: >
2911 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
2912 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
2913
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002914 *getwinposx()*
2915getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2916 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2917 -1 if the information is not available.
2918
2919 *getwinposy()*
2920getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2921 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2922 information is not available.
2923
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002924getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2925 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002926 Examples: >
2927 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2928 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2929<
2930 *glob()*
2931glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2932 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2933 characters.
2934 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2935 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2936
2937 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2938 any external command. Example: >
2939 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2940 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2941< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2942 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2943
2944 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2945 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2946
2947globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2948 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2949 the results. Example: >
2950 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2951< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2952 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2953 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2954 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2955 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2956 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2957 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2958 error message.
2959 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2960 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2961
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002962 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2963 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2964 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2965 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2966<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002967 *has()*
2968has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2969 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2970 string. See |feature-list| below.
2971 Also see |exists()|.
2972
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002973
2974has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002975 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
2976 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002977
2978
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002979hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002980 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2981 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2982 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2983 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002984 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002985 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
2986 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002987 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2988 buffer are checked for a match.
2989 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2990 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2991 n Normal mode
2992 v Visual mode
2993 o Operator-pending mode
2994 i Insert mode
2995 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2996 c Command-line mode
2997 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2998
2999 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
3000 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
3001 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3002 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3003 :endif
3004< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3005 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3006
3007histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3008 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3009 one of: *hist-names*
3010 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3011 "search" or "/" search pattern history
3012 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
3013 "input" or "@" input line history
3014 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3015 shifted to become the newest entry.
3016 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3017 otherwise 0 is returned.
3018
3019 Example: >
3020 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3021 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3022< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3023
3024histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003025 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003026 for the possible values of {history}.
3027
3028 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
3029 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
3030 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
3031 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
3032 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
3033 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
3034 if it exists.
3035
3036 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3037 otherwise 0 is returned.
3038
3039 Examples:
3040 Clear expression register history: >
3041 :call histdel("expr")
3042<
3043 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3044 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3045<
3046 The following three are equivalent: >
3047 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3048 :call histdel("search", -1)
3049 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3050<
3051 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3052 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3053 :call histdel("search", -1)
3054 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3055
3056histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3057 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3058 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3059 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3060 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3061 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3062
3063 Examples:
3064 Redo the second last search from history. >
3065 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3066
3067< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3068 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3069 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3070<
3071histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3072 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3073 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3074 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3075
3076 Example: >
3077 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3078<
3079hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3080 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3081 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3082 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3083 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3084 item.
3085 *highlight_exists()*
3086 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3087
3088 *hlID()*
3089hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3090 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3091 zero is returned.
3092 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3093 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3094 "Comment" group: >
3095 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3096< *highlightID()*
3097 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3098
3099hostname() *hostname()*
3100 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003101 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003102 256 characters long are truncated.
3103
3104iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3105 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3106 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3107 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3108 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3109 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3110 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3111 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3112 can be done.
3113 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3114 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3115 UTF-8 and use: >
3116 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3117< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3118 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3119 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3120 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3121
3122 *indent()*
3123indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3124 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3125 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3126 |getline()|.
3127 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3128
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003129
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003130index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003131 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003132 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003133 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3134 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003135 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3136 case must match.
3137 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3138 Example: >
3139 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003140 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003141
3142
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003143input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003144 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3145 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3146 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003147 prompt to start a new line.
3148 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3149 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3150 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3151 for lines typed for input().
3152 Example: >
3153 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3154 : echo "Cheers!"
3155 :endif
3156<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003157 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3158 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003159 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3160
3161< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3162 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3163 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3164 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3165 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3166 more information. Example: >
3167 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3168<
3169 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3170 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003171 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3172 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3173 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3174 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3175 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3176 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3177 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3178
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003179 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003180 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3181 :function GetFoo()
3182 : call inputsave()
3183 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3184 : call inputrestore()
3185 :endfunction
3186
3187inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3188 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3189 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3190 Example: >
3191 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3192 :if n != ""
3193 : let &sw = n
3194 :endif
3195< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3196 omitted an empty string is returned.
3197 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3198 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003199 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003200
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003201inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003202 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3203 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3204 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003205 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3206 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3207 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3208 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3209 is returned.
3210 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3211 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3212 the start of the string. Example: >
3213 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3214 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3215
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003216inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3217 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3218 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3219 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3220 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3221
3222inputsave() *inputsave()*
3223 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3224 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3225 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3226 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3227 many inputrestore() calls.
3228 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3229
3230inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3231 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3232 two exceptions:
3233 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3234 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3235 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3236 |history| stack.
3237 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3238 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003239 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003240
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003241insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003242 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003243 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3244 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3245 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3246 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003247 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003248 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3249 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3250 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003251< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003252 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003253 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003254
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003255isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3256 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3257 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3258 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3259 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3260
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003261islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003262 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3263 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003264 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3265 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003266 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3267 :lockvar 1 alist
3268 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3269 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3270
3271< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003272 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003273
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003274items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003275 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3276 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3277 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3278 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003279
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003280
3281join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3282 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3283 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3284 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3285 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3286 add it there too: >
3287 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003288< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003289 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3290 The opposite function is |split()|.
3291
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003292keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003293 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003294 arbitrary order.
3295
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003296 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003297len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3298 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3299 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003300 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003301 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003302 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3303 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003304 Otherwise an error is given.
3305
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003306 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3307libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3308 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3309 with single argument {argument}.
3310 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3311 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3312 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3313 limited.
3314 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3315 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3316 to Vim.
3317 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3318 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3319 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3320 null-terminated string.
3321 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3322
3323 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3324 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3325 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3326 very probably crash.
3327
3328 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3329 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3330 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3331 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3332 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3333 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3334 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3335 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3336 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3337 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3338
3339 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3340 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3341 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3342 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3343 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3344 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3345 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3346 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3347 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3348 feature is present}
3349 Examples: >
3350 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3351 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3352<
3353 *libcallnr()*
3354libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3355 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3356 int instead of a string.
3357 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3358 feature is present}
3359 Example (not very useful...): >
3360 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3361 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3362<
3363 *line()*
3364line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3365 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3366 . the cursor position
3367 $ the last line in the current buffer
3368 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3369 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003370 w0 first line visible in current window
3371 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003372 Note that a mark in another file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003373 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3374 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003375 Examples: >
3376 line(".") line number of the cursor
3377 line("'t") line number of mark t
3378 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3379< *last-position-jump*
3380 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3381 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3382 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003383
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003384line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3385 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3386 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3387 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3388 line returns 1.
3389 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3390 below the last line: >
3391 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3392< This is the file size plus one.
3393 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3394 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3395 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3396
3397lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3398 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3399 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3400 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3401 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3402 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3403 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3404
3405localtime() *localtime()*
3406 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3407 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3408
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003409
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003410map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003411 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003412 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3413 {string}.
3414 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003415 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003416 Example: >
3417 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003418< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003419
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003420 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003421 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003422 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3423 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003424
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003425 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3426 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003427 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003428
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003429< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003430 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3431 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003432
3433
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003434maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003435 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3436 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003437 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003438 "n" Normal
3439 "v" Visual
3440 "o" Operator-pending
3441 "i" Insert
3442 "c" Cmd-line
3443 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3444 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003445 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003446 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3447 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003448 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3449 command. The returned String has special characters
3450 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3451 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3452 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003453 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3454 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3455 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3456
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003457
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003458mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003459 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3460 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3461 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003462 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3463 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003464 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3465 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3466
3467 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3468 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3469 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3470 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3471 mapcheck("b") no no no
3472
3473 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3474 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3475 mapping for {name} exactly.
3476 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3477 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3478 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3479 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3480 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3481 then the global mappings.
3482 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3483 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3484 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3485 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3486 :endif
3487< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3488 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3489
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003490match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003491 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3492 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003493 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003494 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3495 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3496 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003497 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003498 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3499 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003500 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003501 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003502< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003503 *strpbrk()*
3504 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3505 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3506< *strcasestr()*
3507 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3508 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3509 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3510<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003511 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003512 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003513 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003514 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003515 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3516< result is again "4". >
3517 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3518< result is again "4". >
3519 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3520< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003521 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003522 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3523 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3524 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3525 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003526 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3527 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003528 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3529 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003530
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003531 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003532 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003533 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3534 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3535< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003536 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3537 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003538
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003539 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3540 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3541 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3542 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3543
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003544
3545matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003546 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003547 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3548 Return a |List| with two elements:
3549 The name of the highlight group used
3550 The pattern used.
3551 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3552 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
3553 This is usef to save and restore a |:match|.
3554
3555
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003556matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003557 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3558 the match. Example: >
3559 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3560< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003561 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3562 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3563 do it with matchend(): >
3564 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3565 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3566< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3567
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003568 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3569 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3570< results in "7". >
3571 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3572< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003573 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003574
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003575matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003576 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003577 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3578 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00003579 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
3580 empty string is used. Example: >
3581 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
3582< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003583 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3584
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003585matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003586 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3587 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3588< results in "ing".
3589 When there is no match "" is returned.
3590 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3591 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3592< results in "ing". >
3593 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3594< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003595 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003596 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003597
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003598 *max()*
3599max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3600 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3601 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003602 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003603
3604 *min()*
3605min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3606 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3607 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003608 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003609
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003610 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003611mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3612 Create directory {name}.
3613 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3614 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3615 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3616 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3617 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3618 for others.
3619 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3620 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3621 :if exists("*mkdir")
3622<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003623 *mode()*
3624mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3625 n Normal
3626 v Visual by character
3627 V Visual by line
3628 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3629 s Select by character
3630 S Select by line
3631 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3632 i Insert
3633 R Replace
3634 c Command-line
3635 r Hit-enter prompt
3636 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3637 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3638
3639nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3640 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3641 that is not blank. Example: >
3642 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3643< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3644 below it, zero is returned.
3645 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3646
3647nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3648 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3649 value {expr}. Examples: >
3650 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3651 nr2char(32) returns " "
3652< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3653 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3654< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3655 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3656 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003657 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003658
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003659 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003660getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3661 see |line()|.
3662 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3663 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3664 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3665 is the buffer number of the mark.
3666 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3667 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003668 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3669 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3670 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3671 character.
3672 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3673 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3674 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00003675 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003676< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003677
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003678pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
3679 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
3680 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
3681 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
3682 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
3683 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
3684< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
3685 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
3686
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003687prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3688 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3689 that is not blank. Example: >
3690 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3691< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3692 above it, zero is returned.
3693 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3694
3695
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003696printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3697 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3698 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003699 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003700< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003701 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003702
3703 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003704 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003705 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3706 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003707 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003708 %d decimal number
3709 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3710 %x hex number
3711 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3712 %X hex number using upper case letters
3713 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003714 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003715
3716 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3717 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3718 the result.
3719
3720 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003721 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003722
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003723 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003724
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003725 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003726 Zero or more of the following flags:
3727
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003728 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3729 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3730 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3731 of the number is increased to force the first
3732 character of the output string to a zero (except
3733 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3734 precision of zero).
3735 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3736 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3737 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003738
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003739 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3740 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3741 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3742 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3743 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003744
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003745 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3746 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3747 The converted value is padded on the right with
3748 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3749 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003750
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003751 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3752 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003753
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003754 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3755 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3756 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003757
3758 field-width
3759 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003760 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3761 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3762 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3763 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003764
3765 .precision
3766 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3767 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3768 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3769 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3770 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003771 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003772
3773 type
3774 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3775 be applied, see below.
3776
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003777 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3778 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3779 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3780 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3781 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3782 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003783 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003784< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003785 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003786
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003787 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003788
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003789 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3790 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3791 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3792 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003793 conversions.
3794 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3795 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3796 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3797 zeros.
3798 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3799 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3800 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3801 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3802
3803 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3804 resulting character is written.
3805
3806 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3807 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3808 specified are used.
3809
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003810 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3811 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003812
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003813 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3814 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3815 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003816
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003817 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003818 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3819 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003820 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003821
3822
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003823pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3824 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3825 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003826 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
3827 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003828
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003829 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003830range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003831 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003832 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3833 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3834 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3835 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3836 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003837 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3838 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3839 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003840 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003841 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003842 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3843 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003844 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003845 range(0) " []
3846 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003847<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003848 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003849readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003850 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3851 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003852 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3853 NL appears somewhere).
3854 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3855 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3856 added.
3857 - No CR characters are removed.
3858 Otherwise:
3859 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3860 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3861 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003862 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3863 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3864 lines of a file: >
3865 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3866 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3867 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003868< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3869 are returned, or as many as there are.
3870 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003871 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3872 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3873 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003874 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3875 the result is an empty list.
3876 Also see |writefile()|.
3877
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003878reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
3879 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
3880 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
3881 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
3882 Without an argument it returns the current time.
3883 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
3884 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003885 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003886 and {end}.
3887 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
3888 reltime().
3889 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3890
3891reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
3892 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
3893 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
3894 microseconds. Example: >
3895 let start = reltime()
3896 call MyFunction()
3897 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
3898< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
3899 The accuracy depends on the system.
3900 Also see |profiling|.
3901 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3902
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003903 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3904remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3905 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3906 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003907 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
3908 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
3909 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003910 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3911 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3912 remote_read() is stored there.
3913 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3914 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3915 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3916 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3917 and the result will be the empty string.
3918 Examples: >
3919 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3920 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3921<
3922
3923remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3924 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3925 This works like: >
3926 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3927< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3928 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3929 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003930 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3931 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003932 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3933 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3934 Win32 console version}
3935
3936
3937remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3938 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3939 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3940 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3941 name of a variable.
3942 Returns zero if none are available.
3943 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3944 See also |clientserver|.
3945 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3946 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3947 Examples: >
3948 :let repl = ""
3949 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3950
3951remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3952 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3953 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3954 See also |clientserver|.
3955 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3956 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3957 Example: >
3958 :echo remote_read(id)
3959<
3960 *remote_send()* *E241*
3961remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003962 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3963 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3964 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003965 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
3966 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
3967 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003968 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3969 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3970 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3971 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3972 up the display.
3973 Examples: >
3974 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3975 \ remote_read(serverid)
3976
3977 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3978 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3979 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3980 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003981<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003982remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003983 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003984 return it.
3985 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3986 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3987 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3988 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3989 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003990 Example: >
3991 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003992 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003993remove({dict}, {key})
3994 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3995 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3996< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3997
3998 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003999
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004000rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4001 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4002 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4003 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4004 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
4005 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4006
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004007repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4008 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4009 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004010 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004011< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004012 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004013 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004014 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4015< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004016
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004017
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004018resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4019 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4020 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4021 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4022 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4023 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4024 stopped after 100 iterations.
4025 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4026 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4027 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4028 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4029 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4030
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004031 *reverse()*
4032reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
4033 {list}.
4034 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4035 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4036
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004037search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004038 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004039 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004040
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004041 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4042 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004043 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
4044 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004045 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004046 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4047 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004048 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4049 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4050 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4051
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004052 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4053 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4054 flag.
4055
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004056 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4057 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4058 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4059 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4060 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4061< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4062 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
4063
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004064 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4065 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004066 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4067 *search()-sub-match*
4068 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4069 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4070 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004071 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004072
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004073 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4074 flag is used.
4075
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004076 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4077 :let n = 1
4078 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4079 : exe "argument " . n
4080 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4081 : " first search to find match at start of file
4082 : normal G$
4083 : let flags = "w"
4084 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
4085 : s/foo/bar/g
4086 : let flags = "W"
4087 : endwhile
4088 : update " write the file if modified
4089 : let n = n + 1
4090 :endwhile
4091<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004092 Example for using some flags: >
4093 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4094< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4095 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4096 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4097 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4098 line:
4099 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4100 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4101 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4102 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4103 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4104
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004105
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004106searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4107 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004108
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004109 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4110 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4111 first match in the function.
4112
4113 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4114 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4115 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4116
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004117 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4118 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4119 Example: >
4120 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4121 echo getline('.')
4122 endif
4123<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004124 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004125searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004126 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4127 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4128 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004129 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4130 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4131 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4132 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4133 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4134 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004135
4136 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4137 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4138 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4139 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4140 typical use is: >
4141 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4142< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4143
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004144 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4145 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004146 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4147 outer pair
4148 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004149 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004150
4151 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4152 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4153 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4154 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4155 or a string.
4156 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4157 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4158 and -1 returned.
4159
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004160 For {stopline} see |search()|.
4161
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004162 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4163 patterns are used like it's on.
4164
4165 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4166 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4167 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4168 if 1
4169 if 2
4170 endif 2
4171 endif 1
4172< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4173 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4174 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4175 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4176 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4177 "endif 2".
4178 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4179 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4180 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4181 the matching start.
4182
4183 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4184
4185 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4186 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4187
4188< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4189 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4190 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4191 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4192 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4193 match.
4194 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4195
4196 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4197
4198< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4199 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4200 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4201
4202 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4203 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4204<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004205 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004206searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004207 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4208 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4209 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004210 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4211 returns [0, 0].
4212>
4213 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4214<
4215 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4216
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004217searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4218 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004219 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4220 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4221 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4222 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004223 Example: >
4224 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4225
4226< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4227 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4228 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4229< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4230 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4231
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004232server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4233 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4234 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4235 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4236 Note:
4237 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004238 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004239 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4240 See also |clientserver|.
4241 Example: >
4242 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4243<
4244serverlist() *serverlist()*
4245 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4246 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4247 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4248 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4249 Example: >
4250 :echo serverlist()
4251<
4252setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4253 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4254 {val}.
4255 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4256 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4257 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4258 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4259 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4260 Examples: >
4261 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4262 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4263< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4264
4265setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4266 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4267 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4268 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4269 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004270 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4271 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4272 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4273 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4274 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004275 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4276 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4277 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4278 line.
4279
4280setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004281 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4282 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004283 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4284 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004285 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4286 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004287 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004288< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004289 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4290 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4291< This is equivalent to: >
4292 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4293 : call setline(n, l)
4294 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004295< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4296
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004297setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4298 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4299 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004300 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4301 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004302 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004303
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004304 *setpos()*
4305setpos({expr}, {list})
4306 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4307 . the cursor
4308 'x mark x
4309
4310 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4311 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4312
4313 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004314 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004315 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4316 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4317 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004318 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004319
4320 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4321 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4322
4323 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4324 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4325 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4326 character.
4327
4328 Also see |getpos()|
4329
4330
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004331setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004332 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4333 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4334 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4335 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004336
4337 filename name of a file
4338 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004339 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004340 col column number
4341 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004342 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004343 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004344 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004345 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004346
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004347 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4348 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4349 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004350 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
4351 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
4352 handled as an error line.
4353 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4354 be used.
4355
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004356 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4357 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4358 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4359 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4360 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4361 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4362
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004363 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4364
4365 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4366 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4367 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4368
4369
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004370 *setreg()*
4371setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4372 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4373 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4374 then the value is appended.
4375 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4376 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4377 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4378 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4379 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4380 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4381 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4382 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4383
4384 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4385 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4386 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4387 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4388
4389 Examples: >
4390 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4391 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4392 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4393
4394< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4395 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004396 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004397 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4398 ....
4399 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4400
4401< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4402 nothing: >
4403 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4404
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004405settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4406 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4407 {val}.
4408 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4409 use |setwinvar()|.
4410 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004411 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4412 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4413 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4414 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004415 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4416 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4417 Examples: >
4418 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4419 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4420< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4421
4422setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4423 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004424 Examples: >
4425 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4426 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004427
4428simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4429 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4430 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4431 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4432 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4433 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4434 not removed either.
4435 Example: >
4436 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4437< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4438 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4439 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4440 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4441 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4442
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004443
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004444sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004445 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4446 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4447 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4448< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004449 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004450 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004451 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004452 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4453 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004454 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4455 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4456 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4457 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4458 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4459 endfunc
4460 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004461<
4462
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004463 *soundfold()*
4464soundfold({word})
4465 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4466 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004467 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4468 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004469 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4470 the method can be quite slow.
4471
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004472 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004473spellbadword([{sentence}])
4474 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4475 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4476 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4477 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4478
4479 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4480 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4481 result is an empty string.
4482
4483 The return value is a list with two items:
4484 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4485 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004486 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004487 "rare" rare word
4488 "local" word only valid in another region
4489 "caps" word should start with Capital
4490 Example: >
4491 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4492< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4493
4494 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4495 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4496 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004497
4498 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004499spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004500 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004501 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4502 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4503
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004504 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4505 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4506 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4507
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004508 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4509 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004510 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4511 replace a line.
4512
4513 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004514 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4515 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004516
4517 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004518 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4519 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004520
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004521
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004522split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004523 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4524 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4525 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004526 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004527 removing the matched characters.
4528 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4529 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004530 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4531 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004532 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004533 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004534< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004535 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004536< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4537 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4538< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004539 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4540 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4541< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004542
4543
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004544str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4545 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4546 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4547 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4548 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4549 with the default String to Number conversion.
4550 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4551 different base the result will be zero.
4552 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004553
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004554
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004555strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4556 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4557 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4558 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4559 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4560 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4561 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4562 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4563 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4564 Examples: >
4565 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4566 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4567 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4568 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4569 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4570 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004571< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4572 :if exists("*strftime")
4573
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004574stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4575 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4576 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004577 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4578 This can be used to find a second match: >
4579 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4580 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4581< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004582 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004583 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004584 See also |strridx()|.
4585 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004586 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4587 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4588 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004589< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004590 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4591 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4592
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004593 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004594string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4595 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4596 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004597 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004598 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004599 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004600 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004601 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004602 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004603 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004604
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004605 *strlen()*
4606strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004607 {expr} in bytes.
4608 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4609 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004610
4611 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004612<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004613 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4614 For other types an error is given.
4615 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004616
4617strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4618 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004619 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004620 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4621 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4622 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4623 end of the {src}. >
4624 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4625 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4626 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4627 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4628< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4629 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00004630 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004631<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004632strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4633 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4634 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4635 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4636 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4637 match: >
4638 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4639 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4640< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004641 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4642 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004643 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004644 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004645 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004646< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004647 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4648 function strrchr().
4649
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004650strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4651 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4652 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4653 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4654 echo strtrans(@a)
4655< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4656 starting a new line.
4657
4658submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4659 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4660 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4661 the whole matched text is returned.
4662 Example: >
4663 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4664< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4665 A line break is included as a newline character.
4666
4667substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4668 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4669 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4670 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4671 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4672 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4673 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4674 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4675 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4676 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4677 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4678 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4679 unmodified.
4680 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4681 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4682 Example: >
4683 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4684< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4685 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4686< results in "TESTING".
4687
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004688synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004689 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004690 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004691 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4692 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004693
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004694 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004695 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4696
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004697 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4698 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4699 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4700 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4701 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4702 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4703 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4704
4705 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4706 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4707<
4708synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4709 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4710 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4711 about a syntax item.
4712 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4713 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4714 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4715 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4716 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4717 {what} result
4718 "name" the name of the syntax item
4719 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4720 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4721 term: empty string)
4722 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4723 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4724 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4725 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4726 "bold" "1" if bold
4727 "italic" "1" if italic
4728 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4729 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4730 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004731 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004732
4733 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4734 cursor): >
4735 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4736<
4737synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4738 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4739 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4740 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4741 ":highlight link" are followed.
4742
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004743system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4744 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4745 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4746 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4747 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004748 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004749 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4750 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4751 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004752 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4753 The result is a String. Example: >
4754
4755 :let files = system("ls")
4756
4757< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4758 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4759 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4760 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4761 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4762 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4763 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4764 concatenated commands.
4765
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004766 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
4767 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
4768
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004769 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4770 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004771
4772 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4773 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4774 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004775 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4776 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4777
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004778
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004779tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004780 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004781 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4782 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4783 omitted the current tab page is used.
4784 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4785 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4786 tablist = []
4787 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4788 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4789 endfor
4790< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4791
4792
4793tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004794 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4795 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4796 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4797 page is returned (the tab page count).
4798 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4799
4800
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004801tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4802 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4803 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4804 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4805 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4806 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4807 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4808 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4809 Useful examples: >
4810 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4811 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4812< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4813
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00004814 *tagfiles()*
4815tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4816 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4817
4818
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004819taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4820 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004821 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4822 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004823 name Name of the tag.
4824 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004825 defined.
4826 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4827 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004828 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004829 entry depends on the language specific
4830 kind values generated by the ctags
4831 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004832 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004833 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004834 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4835 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4836 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4837 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4838 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4839 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4840 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004841
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004842 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4843 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004844
4845 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4846
4847 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4848 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4849 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4850
4851 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4852 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4853 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4854
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004855tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4856 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4857 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4858 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4859 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4860 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4861< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4862 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4863 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4864 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4865 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4866 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4867
4868tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4869 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4870 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4871 the string).
4872
4873toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4874 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4875 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4876 the string).
4877
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004878tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4879 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4880 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4881 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4882 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4883 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4884 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4885
4886 Examples: >
4887 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4888< returns "Hello THere" >
4889 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4890< returns "{blob}"
4891
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004892 *type()*
4893type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004894 Number: 0
4895 String: 1
4896 Funcref: 2
4897 List: 3
4898 Dictionary: 4
4899 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004900 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4901 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4902 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4903 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004904 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004905
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004906values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004907 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4908 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004909
4910
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004911virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4912 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4913 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4914 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4915 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4916 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4917 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4918 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004919 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004920 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4921 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004922 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4923 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4924 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4925 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004926 For the byte position use |col()|.
4927 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4928 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4929 The accepted positions are:
4930 . the cursor position
4931 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4932 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4933 plus one)
4934 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4935 returned)
4936 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4937 Examples: >
4938 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4939 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4940 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4941< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4942
4943visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4944 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004945 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
4946 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
4947 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
4948 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
4949 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004950 Example: >
4951 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4952< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4953 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4954 Visual mode that was used.
4955
4956 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4957 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4958 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4959 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4960
4961 *winbufnr()*
4962winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004963 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004964 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4965 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4966 Example: >
4967 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4968<
4969 *wincol()*
4970wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4971 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4972 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4973
4974winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4975 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4976 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4977 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4978 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4979 Examples: >
4980 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4981<
4982 *winline()*
4983winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4984 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4985 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004986 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4987 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004988
4989 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004990winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4991 window. The top window has number 1.
4992 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004993 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004994 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4995 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4996 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4997 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4998 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004999
5000 *winrestcmd()*
5001winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5002 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005003 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5004 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005005 Example: >
5006 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5007 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5008 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005009<
5010 *winrestview()*
5011winrestview({dict})
5012 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5013 the view of the current window.
5014 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5015 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5016
5017 *winsaveview()*
5018winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5019 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5020 restore the view.
5021 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5022 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5023 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005024 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5025 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005026 The return value includes:
5027 lnum cursor line number
5028 col cursor column
5029 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5030 curswant column for vertical movement
5031 topline first line in the window
5032 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5033 leftcol first column displayed
5034 skipcol columns skipped
5035 Note that no option values are saved.
5036
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005037
5038winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5039 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5040 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5041 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5042 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5043 Examples: >
5044 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5045 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5046 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5047 :endif
5048<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005049 *writefile()*
5050writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005051 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005052 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5053 Number.
5054 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5055 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5056 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5057 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5058 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5059 to writefile().
5060 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5061 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5062 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5063 fails.
5064 Also see |readfile()|.
5065 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5066 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5067 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5068<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005069
5070 *feature-list*
5071There are three types of features:
50721. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5073 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5074 :if has("cindent")
50752. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5076 Example: >
5077 :if has("gui_running")
5078< *has-patch*
50793. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5080 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5081 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5082 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
5083
5084all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5085amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5086arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5087arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005088autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005089balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005090balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005091beos BeOS version of Vim.
5092browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5093 work.
5094builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5095byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5096cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5097clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5098clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5099cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5100cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5101cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5102comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5103cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5104cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5105compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5106debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5107dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5108dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5109diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5110digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5111dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5112dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5113dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5114ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5115emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5116eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5117 true, of course!
5118ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5119extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5120 |'hlsearch'|
5121farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5122file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005123filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5124 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005125find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5126 |+find_in_path|.
5127fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5128 Windows this is not present).
5129folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5130footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5131fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5132gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5133gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5134gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005135gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5136gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
5137gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5138gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5139gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5140gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5141gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5142gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5143hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5144iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5145insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5146 Insert mode.
5147jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5148keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5149langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5150libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5151linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5152 support.
5153lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5154listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5155 and the argument list |arglist|.
5156localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5157mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5158macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5159menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5160mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5161modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5162mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5163mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5164mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5165mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5166mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5167mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5168mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5169multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5170multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5171multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005172mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005173netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005174netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005175ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5176os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5177osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5178path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5179perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5180postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5181printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005182profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005183python Compiled with Python interface.
5184qnx QNX version of Vim.
5185quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005186reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005187rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5188ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5189scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5190showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5191signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5192smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005193sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005194statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5195 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5196sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005197spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5198syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005199syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5200 current buffer.
5201system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5202tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5203 |tag-binary-search|.
5204tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5205 |tag-old-static|.
5206tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5207 files |tag-any-white|.
5208tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5209terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5210termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5211textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5212tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5213 or terminfo file.
5214title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5215toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5216unix Unix version of Vim.
5217user_commands User-defined commands.
5218viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5219vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5220vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5221virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5222visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5223visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5224 |blockwise-operators|.
5225vms VMS version of Vim.
5226vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5227wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5228wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5229windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5230winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5231win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5232win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5233win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5234win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5235win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5236writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5237xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5238xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5239xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5240xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5241xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5242xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5243 xterm screen.
5244x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5245
5246 *string-match*
5247Matching a pattern in a String
5248
5249A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5250the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5251everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5252like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5253line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5254with ".". Example: >
5255 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5256 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5257 aa
5258 xx
5259 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5260 a
5261 x
5262
5263Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5264"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5265"\n".
5266
5267==============================================================================
52685. Defining functions *user-functions*
5269
5270New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5271functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5272commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5273
5274The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5275builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5276avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5277the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5278
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005279It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5280|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005281
5282 *local-function*
5283A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5284can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5285and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5286function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5287instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5288
5289 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5290:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5291
5292:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005293 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5294 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005295 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005296
5297:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5298 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5299 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005300<
5301 *:function-verbose*
5302When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5303last defined. Example: >
5304
5305 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5306 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5307 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5308<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005309See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005310
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005311 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005312:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005313 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5314 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5315 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005316
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005317 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5318 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005319 :function dict.init(arg)
5320< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5321 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5322 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5323 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5324 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5325 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005326 *E127* *E122*
5327 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5328 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5329 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5330 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005331
5332 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5333
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005334 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5335 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5336 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5337 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5338 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5339 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5340 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005341
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005342 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5343 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005344
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005345 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005346 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005347 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5348 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005349
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005350 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5351 will not be changed by the function.
5352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005353 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5354:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5355 by its own, without other commands.
5356
5357 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5358:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005359 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5360 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005361 :delfunc dict.init
5362< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5363 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5364 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005365 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5366:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5367 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5368 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5369 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5370 the number 0 is returned.
5371 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5372 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5373
5374 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5375 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5376 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5377 are executed first. This process applies to all
5378 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5379 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5380
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005381 *function-argument* *a:var*
5382An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5383be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5384 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5385Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5386arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5387may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5388as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005389can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5390that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005391 *E742*
5392The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005393However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5394Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5395it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5396|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005397
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005398When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5399to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5400may be larger.
5401
5402It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5403still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5404until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5405inside a function body.
5406
5407 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005408Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5409will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5410accessed with "g:".
5411
5412Example: >
5413 :function Table(title, ...)
5414 : echohl Title
5415 : echo a:title
5416 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005417 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5418 : for s in a:000
5419 : echon ' ' . s
5420 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005421 :endfunction
5422
5423This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005424 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5425 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005426
5427To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5428 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5429 : if a:n2 == 0
5430 : return "fail"
5431 : endif
5432 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5433 : return "ok"
5434 :endfunction
5435
5436This function can then be called with: >
5437 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5438 :if success == "ok"
5439 : echo div
5440 :endif
5441
5442An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5443with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5444 :function Foo()
5445 : execute Bar()
5446 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5447 :endfunction
5448
5449 :function Bar()
5450 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5451 :endfunction
5452
5453The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5454the caller to set the names.
5455
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005456 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005457:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5458 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5459 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5460 used.
5461 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5462 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5463 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5464 function.
5465 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5466 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5467 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5468 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5469 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5470 this works:
5471 *function-range-example* >
5472 :function Mynumber(arg)
5473 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5474 :endfunction
5475 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5476<
5477 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5478 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5479 the range.
5480
5481 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5482
5483 :function Cont() range
5484 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5485 :endfunction
5486 :4,8call Cont()
5487<
5488 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5489 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5490
5491 *E132*
5492The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5493option.
5494
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005495
5496AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005497 *autoload-functions*
5498When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005499only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5500the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5501
5502
5503Using an autocommand ~
5504
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005505This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5506
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005507The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5508You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5509That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5510again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5511
5512Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5513function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005514
5515 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5516
5517The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5518"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5519
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005520
5521Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005522 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005523This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5524
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005525Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5526exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5527like this: >
5528
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005529 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005530
5531When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5532"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5533"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5534then define the function like this: >
5535
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005536 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005537 echo "Done!"
5538 endfunction
5539
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005540The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005541exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5542called.
5543
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005544It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5545a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005546
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005547 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005548
5549Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5550
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005551This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5552
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005553 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005554
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005555However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5556for an unknown variable.
5557
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005558When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5559be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5560
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005561 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5562 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005563
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005564Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5565defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5566function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005567And you will get an error message every time.
5568
5569Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5570other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5571Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005572
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005573Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
5574|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
5575
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005576==============================================================================
55776. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5578
5579Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5580This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5581{} like this: >
5582 my_{adjective}_variable
5583
5584When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5585that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5586name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5587"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5588"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5589
5590One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5591value. For example, the statement >
5592 echo my_{&background}_message
5593
5594would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5595on the current value of 'background'.
5596
5597You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5598 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5599..or even nest them: >
5600 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5601where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5602
5603However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005604variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005605 :let foo='a + b'
5606 :echo c{foo}d
5607.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5608
5609 *curly-braces-function-names*
5610You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5611Example: >
5612 :let func_end='whizz'
5613 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5614
5615This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5616
5617==============================================================================
56187. Commands *expression-commands*
5619
5620:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5621 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5622 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5623 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5624 is created.
5625
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005626:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5627 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5628 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5629 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5630 the index can be repeated.
5631 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5632
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005633 *E711* *E719*
5634:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005635 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5636 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005637 correct number of items.
5638 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5639 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5640 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5641 end of the list, items will be added.
5642
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005643 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005644:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5645:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5646:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5647 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5648 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5649
5650
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005651:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5652 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5653 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005654:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5655 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5656 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5657 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005658
5659:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5660 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5661 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5662 must be the name of a writable register (see
5663 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5664 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5665 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5666 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5667 characterwise.
5668 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5669 :let @/ = ""
5670< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5671 that would match everywhere.
5672
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005673:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5674 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5675 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5676
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005677:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5678 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005679 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5680 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005681 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5682 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005683 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005684 Example: >
5685 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005686
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005687:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5688 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5689 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5690
5691:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5692:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5693 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5694 {expr1}.
5695
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005696:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005697:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5698:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5699:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005700 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5701 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5702
5703:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005704:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5705:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5706:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005707 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5708 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5709
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005710:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005711 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005712 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5713 {name2}, etc.
5714 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005715 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005716 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5717 command as mentioned above.
5718 Example: >
5719 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005720< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5721 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5722 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5723 :let x = [0, 1]
5724 :let i = 0
5725 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5726 :echo x
5727< The result is [0, 2].
5728
5729:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5730:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5731:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5732 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005733 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005734
5735:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005736 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005737 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5738 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5739 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005740 Example: >
5741 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5742<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005743:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5744:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5745:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5746 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005747 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005748 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005749:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005750 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5751 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005752 g: global variables
5753 b: local buffer variables
5754 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005755 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005756 s: script-local variables
5757 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005758 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005759
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005760:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5761 variable is indicated before the value:
5762 <nothing> String
5763 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005764 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005765
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005766
5767:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5768 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5769 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005770 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005771 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5772 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005773 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005774 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5775 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005776< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005777 :unlet dict['two']
5778 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005779
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005780:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5781 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5782 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5783 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5784 :lockvar v
5785 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5786 :unlet v
5787< *E741*
5788 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5789 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5790
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005791 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5792 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5793 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005794 cannot add or remove items, but can
5795 still change their values.
5796 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005797 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5798 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005799 items, but can still change the
5800 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005801 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5802 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5803 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5804 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5805 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005806 *E743*
5807 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5808 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5809 loops.
5810
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005811 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5812 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005813 locked when used through the other variable.
5814 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005815 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5816 :let cl = l
5817 :lockvar l
5818 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5819< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5820 See |deepcopy()|.
5821
5822
5823:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5824 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5825 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5826
5827
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005828:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5829:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5830 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5831
5832 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5833 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5834 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5835 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5836 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5837 part was not executed either.
5838
5839 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5840 versions: >
5841 :if version >= 500
5842 : version-5-specific-commands
5843 :endif
5844< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5845 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5846 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5847 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5848 avoid problems: >
5849 :if version >= 600
5850 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5851 :endif
5852<
5853 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5854 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5855
5856 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5857:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5858 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5859 executed.
5860
5861 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5862:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5863 is no extra ":endif".
5864
5865:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005866 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005867:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5868 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5869 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5870 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005871 Example: >
5872 :let lnum = 1
5873 :while lnum <= line("$")
5874 :call FixLine(lnum)
5875 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5876 :endwhile
5877<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005878 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005879 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005880
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005881:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005882:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5883 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005884 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005885 value of each item.
5886 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005887 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005888 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5889 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005890 :for item in copy(mylist)
5891< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5892 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5893 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5894 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5895 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5896 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5897 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005898 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5899 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005900< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5901 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5902 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005903 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5904 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5905 to allow multiple item types.
5906
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005907:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5908:endfo[r]
5909 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5910 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5911 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5912 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5913 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5914 :endfor
5915<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005916 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005917:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5918 to the start of the loop.
5919 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5920 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5921 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5922 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5923 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5924 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005925
5926 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005927:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5928 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5929 ":endfor".
5930 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5931 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5932 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5933 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5934 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5935 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005936
5937:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5938:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5939 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5940 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5941 or autocommand invocations.
5942
5943 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5944 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5945 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5946 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5947 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5948 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5949 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5950 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5951 Example: >
5952 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5953 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5954<
5955 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5956 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5957 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5958 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5959 processing is not terminated.
5960
5961 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5962 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5963 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5964 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5965 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5966 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5967 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5968 the error number.
5969 Examples: >
5970 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5971 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5972<
5973 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5974:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5975 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5976 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5977 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5978 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5979 commands are skipped.
5980 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5981 Examples: >
5982 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5983 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5984 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5985 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5986 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5987 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5988 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5989 :catch " same as /.*/
5990<
5991 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5992 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5993 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5994 {pattern}.
5995 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5996 an error message because it may vary in different
5997 locales.
5998
5999 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6000:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6001 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6002 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6003 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6004 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6005 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6006
6007 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6008:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6009 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6010 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6011 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6012 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6013 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6014 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6015 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6016 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6017 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6018 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6019 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6020 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6021 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6022 is terminated.
6023 Example: >
6024 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6025<
6026
6027 *:ec* *:echo*
6028:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6029 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6030 Also see |:comment|.
6031 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6032 cursor to the first column.
6033 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6034 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6035 Example: >
6036 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
6037< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6038 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
6039 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
6040 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
6041 command. Example: >
6042 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6043<
6044 *:echon*
6045:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6046 |:comment|.
6047 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6048 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6049 Example: >
6050 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6051<
6052 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6053 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6054 command: >
6055 :!echo % --> filename
6056< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6057 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6058< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6059 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6060 :echo % --> nothing
6061< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6062 :echo "%" --> %
6063< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6064 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6065< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6066
6067 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6068:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6069 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6070 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6071 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6072< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6073 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6074
6075 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6076:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6077 message in the |message-history|.
6078 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6079 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6080 displayed, not interpreted.
6081 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6082 Example: >
6083 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
6084<
6085 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6086:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6087 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6088 script or function the line number will be added.
6089 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6090 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
6091 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6092 (see |try-echoerr|).
6093 Example: >
6094 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6095< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6096 And to get a beep: >
6097 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6098<
6099 *:exe* *:execute*
6100:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6101 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
6102 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
6103 used as the processed command, command line editing
6104 keys are not recognized.
6105 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6106 Examples: >
6107 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6108 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6109<
6110 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6111 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6112 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6113
6114< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6115 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6116 command: >
6117 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6118< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6119
6120 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006121 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6122 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006123 :execute 'while i > 5'
6124 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6125<
6126 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6127 completely in the executed string: >
6128 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6129<
6130
6131 *:comment*
6132 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6133 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6134 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6135 comment. Example: >
6136 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6137
6138==============================================================================
61398. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6140
6141The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6142explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6143
6144Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6145|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6146exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6147
6148
6149TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6150
6151Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6152use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6153a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6154 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6155|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6156a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6157be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6158which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6159clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6160
6161 :try
6162 : ...
6163 : ... TRY BLOCK
6164 : ...
6165 :catch /{pattern}/
6166 : ...
6167 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6168 : ...
6169 :catch /{pattern}/
6170 : ...
6171 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6172 : ...
6173 :finally
6174 : ...
6175 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6176 : ...
6177 :endtry
6178
6179The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6180appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6181from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6182 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6183is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6184script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6185 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6186lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6187patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6188after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6189executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6190":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6191(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6192continues in the following line as usual.
6193 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6194":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6195that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6196finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6197the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6198the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6199see |try-nesting|.
6200 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6201remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6202not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6203try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6204a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6205execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6206exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6207 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6208thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6209clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6210catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6211following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6212clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6213
6214The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6215a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6216try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6217from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6218sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6219":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6220":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6221from the finally clause.
6222 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6223try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6224clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6225":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6226clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6227":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6228this pending exception or command is discarded.
6229
6230For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6231
6232
6233NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6234
6235Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6236conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6237clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6238catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6239of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6240checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6241try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6242otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6243nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6244one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6245the inner try conditional.
6246
6247When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6248finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6249An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6250thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6251implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6252as usual.
6253
6254For examples see |throw-catch|.
6255
6256
6257EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6258
6259Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6260'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6261script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6262finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6263a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6264(see |debug-scripts|).
6265
6266
6267THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6268
6269You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6270and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6271 :throw 4711
6272 :throw "string"
6273< *throw-expression*
6274You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6275first, and the result is thrown: >
6276 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6277 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6278
6279An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6280command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6281The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6282 Example: >
6283
6284 :function! Foo(arg)
6285 : try
6286 : throw a:arg
6287 : catch /foo/
6288 : endtry
6289 : return 1
6290 :endfunction
6291 :
6292 :function! Bar()
6293 : echo "in Bar"
6294 : return 4710
6295 :endfunction
6296 :
6297 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6298
6299This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6300executed. >
6301 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6302however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6303
6304Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6305abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6306exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6307 Example: >
6308
6309 :if Foo("arrgh")
6310 : echo "then"
6311 :else
6312 : echo "else"
6313 :endif
6314
6315Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6316
6317 *catch-order*
6318Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6319commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6320command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6321gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6322 Example: >
6323
6324 :function! Foo(value)
6325 : try
6326 : throw a:value
6327 : catch /^\d\+$/
6328 : echo "Number thrown"
6329 : catch /.*/
6330 : echo "String thrown"
6331 : endtry
6332 :endfunction
6333 :
6334 :call Foo(0x1267)
6335 :call Foo('string')
6336
6337The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6338An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6339specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6340specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6341
6342 : catch /.*/
6343 : echo "String thrown"
6344 : catch /^\d\+$/
6345 : echo "Number thrown"
6346
6347The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6348never taken.
6349
6350 *throw-variables*
6351If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6352in the variable |v:exception|: >
6353
6354 : catch /^\d\+$/
6355 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6356
6357You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6358|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6359exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6360 Example: >
6361
6362 :function! Caught()
6363 : if v:exception != ""
6364 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6365 : else
6366 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6367 : endif
6368 :endfunction
6369 :
6370 :function! Foo()
6371 : try
6372 : try
6373 : try
6374 : throw 4711
6375 : finally
6376 : call Caught()
6377 : endtry
6378 : catch /.*/
6379 : call Caught()
6380 : throw "oops"
6381 : endtry
6382 : catch /.*/
6383 : call Caught()
6384 : finally
6385 : call Caught()
6386 : endtry
6387 :endfunction
6388 :
6389 :call Foo()
6390
6391This displays >
6392
6393 Nothing caught
6394 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6395 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6396 Nothing caught
6397
6398A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6399number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6400
6401 :function! LineNumber()
6402 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6403 :endfunction
6404 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6405<
6406 *try-nested*
6407An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6408a surrounding try conditional: >
6409
6410 :try
6411 : try
6412 : throw "foo"
6413 : catch /foobar/
6414 : echo "foobar"
6415 : finally
6416 : echo "inner finally"
6417 : endtry
6418 :catch /foo/
6419 : echo "foo"
6420 :endtry
6421
6422The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6423clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6424conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6425
6426 *throw-from-catch*
6427You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6428catch clause: >
6429
6430 :function! Foo()
6431 : throw "foo"
6432 :endfunction
6433 :
6434 :function! Bar()
6435 : try
6436 : call Foo()
6437 : catch /foo/
6438 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6439 : throw "bar"
6440 : endtry
6441 :endfunction
6442 :
6443 :try
6444 : call Bar()
6445 :catch /.*/
6446 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6447 :endtry
6448
6449This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6450
6451 *rethrow*
6452There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6453"v:exception" instead: >
6454
6455 :function! Bar()
6456 : try
6457 : call Foo()
6458 : catch /.*/
6459 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6460 : throw v:exception
6461 : endtry
6462 :endfunction
6463< *try-echoerr*
6464Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6465exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6466Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6467denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6468the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6469
6470 :try
6471 : try
6472 : asdf
6473 : catch /.*/
6474 : echoerr v:exception
6475 : endtry
6476 :catch /.*/
6477 : echo v:exception
6478 :endtry
6479
6480This code displays
6481
6482 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6483
6484
6485CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6486
6487Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6488user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6489an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6490a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6491catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6492a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6493normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6494(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6495to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6496clause has been executed.)
6497Example: >
6498
6499 :try
6500 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6501 : set ts=17
6502 :
6503 : " Do the hard work here.
6504 :
6505 :finally
6506 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6507 : unlet s:saved_ts
6508 :endtry
6509
6510This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6511changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6512that function or script part.
6513
6514 *break-finally*
6515Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6516a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6517 Example: >
6518
6519 :let first = 1
6520 :while 1
6521 : try
6522 : if first
6523 : echo "first"
6524 : let first = 0
6525 : continue
6526 : else
6527 : throw "second"
6528 : endif
6529 : catch /.*/
6530 : echo v:exception
6531 : break
6532 : finally
6533 : echo "cleanup"
6534 : endtry
6535 : echo "still in while"
6536 :endwhile
6537 :echo "end"
6538
6539This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6540
6541 :function! Foo()
6542 : try
6543 : return 4711
6544 : finally
6545 : echo "cleanup\n"
6546 : endtry
6547 : echo "Foo still active"
6548 :endfunction
6549 :
6550 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6551
6552This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6553extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6554return value.)
6555
6556 *except-from-finally*
6557Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6558a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6559cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6560exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6561 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6562working correctly: >
6563
6564 :try
6565 : try
6566 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6567 : while 1
6568 : endwhile
6569 : finally
6570 : unlet novar
6571 : endtry
6572 :catch /novar/
6573 :endtry
6574 :echo "Script still running"
6575 :sleep 1
6576
6577If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6578think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6579|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6580
6581
6582CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6583
6584If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6585watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6586presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6587exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6588the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6589the error exception is.
6590 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6591
6592 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6593or >
6594 Vim:{errmsg}
6595
6596{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6597the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6598when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6599a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6600a space.
6601
6602Examples:
6603
6604The command >
6605 :unlet novar
6606normally produces the error message >
6607 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6608which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6609 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6610
6611The command >
6612 :dwim
6613normally produces the error message >
6614 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6615which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6616 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6617
6618You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6619 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6620or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6621 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6622
6623Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6624 :function nofunc
6625and >
6626 :delfunction nofunc
6627both produce the error message >
6628 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6629which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6630 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6631or >
6632 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6633respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6634command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6635 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6636
6637Some commands like >
6638 :let x = novar
6639produce multiple error messages, here: >
6640 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6641 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6642Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6643one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6644 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6645
6646You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6647 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6648
6649You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6650 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6651
6652You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6653 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6654<
6655 *catch-text*
6656NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6657 :catch /No such variable/
6658only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6659a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6660cite the message text in a comment: >
6661 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6662
6663
6664IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6665
6666You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6667
6668 :try
6669 : write
6670 :catch
6671 :endtry
6672
6673But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6674catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6675be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6676
6677 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6678
6679There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6680writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6681then hide the error from the user.
6682 It is much better to use >
6683
6684 :try
6685 : write
6686 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6687 :endtry
6688
6689which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6690intentionally.
6691
6692For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6693even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6694command: >
6695 :silent! nunmap k
6696This works also when a try conditional is active.
6697
6698
6699CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6700
6701When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6702the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6703script is not terminated, then.
6704 Example: >
6705
6706 :function! TASK1()
6707 : sleep 10
6708 :endfunction
6709
6710 :function! TASK2()
6711 : sleep 20
6712 :endfunction
6713
6714 :while 1
6715 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6716 : try
6717 : if command == ""
6718 : continue
6719 : elseif command == "END"
6720 : break
6721 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6722 : call TASK1()
6723 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6724 : call TASK2()
6725 : else
6726 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6727 : continue
6728 : endif
6729 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6730 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6731 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6732 : endtry
6733 :endwhile
6734
6735You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6736a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6737
6738For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6739your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6740command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6741
6742
6743CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6744
6745The commands >
6746
6747 :catch /.*/
6748 :catch //
6749 :catch
6750
6751catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6752explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6753a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6754 Example: >
6755
6756 :try
6757 :
6758 : " do the hard work here
6759 :
6760 :catch /MyException/
6761 :
6762 : " handle known problem
6763 :
6764 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6765 : echo "Script interrupted"
6766 :catch /.*/
6767 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6768 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6769 :endtry
6770 :" end of script
6771
6772Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6773strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6774specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6775 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6776by pressing CTRL-C: >
6777
6778 :while 1
6779 : try
6780 : sleep 1
6781 : catch
6782 : endtry
6783 :endwhile
6784
6785
6786EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6787
6788Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6789
6790 :autocmd User x try
6791 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6792 :autocmd User x catch
6793 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6794 :autocmd User x endtry
6795 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6796 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6797 :
6798 :try
6799 : doautocmd User x
6800 :catch
6801 : echo v:exception
6802 :endtry
6803
6804This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6805
6806 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6807For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6808command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6809of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6810abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6811 Example: >
6812
6813 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6814 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6815 :
6816 :try
6817 : write
6818 :catch
6819 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6820 :endtry
6821
6822Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6823you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6824autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6825script displays: >
6826
6827 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6828<
6829 *except-autocmd-Post*
6830For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6831command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6832an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6833is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6834 Example: >
6835
6836 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6837 :
6838 :try
6839 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6840 :catch
6841 : echo v:exception
6842 :endtry
6843
6844This just displays: >
6845
6846 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6847
6848If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6849fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6850 Example: >
6851
6852 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6853 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6854 :
6855 :try
6856 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6857 :catch
6858 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6859 :endtry
6860<
6861You can also use ":silent!": >
6862
6863 :let x = "ok"
6864 :let v:errmsg = ""
6865 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6866 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6867 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6868 :try
6869 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6870 :catch
6871 :endtry
6872 :echo x
6873
6874This displays "after fail".
6875
6876If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6877autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6878
6879 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6880 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6881 :
6882 :try
6883 : write
6884 :catch
6885 : echo v:exception
6886 :endtry
6887<
6888 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6889For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6890autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6891of the command.
6892 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6893had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6894some way. >
6895
6896 :if !exists("cnt")
6897 : let cnt = 0
6898 :
6899 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6900 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6901 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6902 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6903 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6904 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6905 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6906 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6907 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6908 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6909 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6910 :endif
6911 :
6912 :try
6913 : write
6914 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6915 : if &modified
6916 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6917 : else
6918 : echo "Error after writing"
6919 : endif
6920 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6921 : echo "Error on writing"
6922 :endtry
6923
6924When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6925first >
6926 File successfully written!
6927then >
6928 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6929then >
6930 Error after writing
6931etc.
6932
6933 *except-autocmd-ill*
6934You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6935The following code is ill-formed: >
6936
6937 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6938 :
6939 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6940 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6941 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6942 :
6943 :write
6944
6945
6946EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6947
6948Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6949pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6950similar things in Vim.
6951 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6952class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6953string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6954 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6955it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6956for an error when writing "myfile".
6957 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6958base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6959parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6960 Example: >
6961
6962 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6963 : if a:a < 0
6964 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6965 : endif
6966 :endfunction
6967 :
6968 :function! Add(a, b)
6969 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6970 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6971 : let c = a:a + a:b
6972 : if c < 0
6973 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6974 : endif
6975 : return c
6976 :endfunction
6977 :
6978 :function! Div(a, b)
6979 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6980 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6981 : if (a:b == 0)
6982 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6983 : endif
6984 : return a:a / a:b
6985 :endfunction
6986 :
6987 :function! Write(file)
6988 : try
6989 : execute "write" a:file
6990 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6991 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6992 : endtry
6993 :endfunction
6994 :
6995 :try
6996 :
6997 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6998 :
6999 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7000 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7001 : echo "Range error in" function
7002 :
7003 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7004 : echo "Math error"
7005 :
7006 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7007 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7008 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7009 : if file !~ '^/'
7010 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7011 : endif
7012 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7013 :
7014 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7015 : echo "Unspecified error"
7016 :
7017 :endtry
7018
7019The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7020a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7021exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7022 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7023failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7024
7025
7026PECULIARITIES
7027 *except-compat*
7028The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7029exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7030and/or a catch clause.
7031
7032In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7033continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7034after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7035functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7036or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7037(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7038
7039This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7040immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
7041conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7042be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
7043termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7044catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7045by specifying a finally clause.)
7046
7047When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7048behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7049scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7050
7051However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7052commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7053conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7054script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7055error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7056messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
7057|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7058not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
7059where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7060error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7061scripts.
7062
7063 *except-syntax-err*
7064Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7065the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7066clauses, however, is executed.
7067 Example: >
7068
7069 :try
7070 : try
7071 : throw 4711
7072 : catch /\(/
7073 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7074 : catch
7075 : echo "inner catch-all"
7076 : finally
7077 : echo "inner finally"
7078 : endtry
7079 :catch
7080 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7081 : finally
7082 : echo "outer finally"
7083 :endtry
7084
7085This displays: >
7086 inner finally
7087 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7088 outer finally
7089The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7090
7091 *except-single-line*
7092The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7093a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7094"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7095 Example: >
7096 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7097raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7098argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7099error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7100displayed.
7101
7102 *except-several-errors*
7103When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7104usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7105 Example: >
7106 echo novar
7107causes >
7108 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7109 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7110The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7111 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7112< *except-syntax-error*
7113But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7114the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7115 Example: >
7116 unlet novar #
7117causes >
7118 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7119 E488: Trailing characters
7120The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7121 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7122This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7123not intended by the user. Example: >
7124 try
7125 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7126 catch /.*/
7127 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7128 endtry
7129This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7130a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7131
7132==============================================================================
71339. Examples *eval-examples*
7134
7135Printing in Hex ~
7136>
7137 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
7138 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
7139 : let n = a:nr
7140 : let r = ""
7141 : while n
7142 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
7143 : let n = n / 16
7144 : endwhile
7145 : return r
7146 :endfunc
7147
7148 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
7149 :" character Hex string.
7150 :func String2Hex(str)
7151 : let out = ''
7152 : let ix = 0
7153 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
7154 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7155 : let ix = ix + 1
7156 : endwhile
7157 : return out
7158 :endfunc
7159
7160Example of its use: >
7161 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
7162result: "20" >
7163 :echo String2Hex("32")
7164result: "3332"
7165
7166
7167Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
7168
7169Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
7170":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
7171platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
7172function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
7173with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
7174>
7175 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
7176 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
7177 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
7178 : return -1
7179 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
7180 : return 1
7181 : else
7182 : return 0
7183 : endif
7184 :endfunction
7185
7186 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
7187 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
7188 : if (a:start >= a:end)
7189 : return
7190 : endif
7191 : let partition = a:start - 1
7192 : let middle = partition
7193 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
7194 : let i = a:start
7195 : while (i <= a:end)
7196 : let str = getline(i)
7197 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
7198 : if (result <= 0)
7199 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
7200 : let partition = partition + 1
7201 : if (result == 0)
7202 : let middle = partition
7203 : endif
7204 : if (i != partition)
7205 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7206 : call setline(i, str2)
7207 : call setline(partition, str)
7208 : endif
7209 : endif
7210 : let i = i + 1
7211 : endwhile
7212
7213 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
7214 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
7215 : " the end of the partition.
7216 : if (middle != partition)
7217 : let str = getline(middle)
7218 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7219 : call setline(middle, str2)
7220 : call setline(partition, str)
7221 : endif
7222 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
7223 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
7224 :endfunc
7225
7226 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
7227 :" function that will compare two lines.
7228 :func! Sort(cmp) range
7229 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
7230 :endfunc
7231
7232 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
7233 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
7234<
7235 *sscanf*
7236There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7237line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7238how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7239"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7240 :" Set up the match bit
7241 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7242 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7243 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7244 :"get each item out of the match
7245 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7246 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7247 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7248
7249The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7250"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7251
7252==============================================================================
725310. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7254
7255When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7256evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7257to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7258recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7259and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7260only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7261recognized.
7262
7263Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7264missing: >
7265
7266 :if 1
7267 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7268 :else
7269 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7270 :endif
7271
7272==============================================================================
727311. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7274
7275The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7276options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7277these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7278these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007279a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007280The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007281
7282These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7283 - changing the buffer text
7284 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7285 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7286 - executing a shell command
7287 - reading or writing a file
7288 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007289 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007290This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7291
7292 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007293:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007294 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7295 'foldexpr'.
7296
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007297 *sandbox-option*
7298A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007299have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007300restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7301location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007302- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007303- while executing in the sandbox
7304- value coming from a modeline
7305
7306Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7307option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7308
7309==============================================================================
731012. Textlock *textlock*
7311
7312In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7313to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7314is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7315actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7316happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7317
7318This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7319 - changing the buffer text
7320 - jumping to another buffer or window
7321 - editing another file
7322 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7323 - etc.
7324
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007325
7326 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: