blob: 551a3740c2bc2d20ed7d59e01af7b14ea97b0f94 [file] [log] [blame]
Bram Moolenaar51ad4ea2018-04-06 11:14:11 +02001*terminal.txt* For Vim version 8.0. Last change: 2018 Apr 05
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Terminal window support *terminal*
8
9
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +020010The terminal feature is optional, use this to check if your Vim has it: >
11 echo has('terminal')
12If the result is "1" you have it.
13
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020014
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100151. Basic use |terminal-use|
16 Typing |terminal-typing|
17 Size and color |terminal-size-color|
18 Syntax |:terminal|
19 Resizing |terminal-resizing|
20 Terminal Modes |Terminal-mode|
21 Cursor style |terminal-cursor-style|
22 Special keys |terminal-special-keys|
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +010023 Session |terminal-session|
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +010024 Unix |terminal-unix|
25 MS-Windows |terminal-ms-windows|
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200262. Terminal communication |terminal-communication|
27 Vim to job: term_sendkeys() |terminal-to-job|
Bram Moolenaar333b80a2018-04-04 22:57:29 +020028 Job to Vim: JSON API |terminal-api|
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +020029 Using the client-server feature |terminal-client-server|
303. Remote testing |terminal-testing|
314. Diffing screen dumps |terminal-diff|
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +010032 Writing a screen dump test for Vim |terminal-dumptest|
33 Creating a screen dump |terminal-screendump|
34 Comparing screen dumps |terminal-diffscreendump|
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200355. Debugging |terminal-debug|
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +010036 Starting |termdebug-starting|
37 Example session |termdebug-example|
38 Stepping through code |termdebug-stepping|
39 Inspecting variables |termdebug-variables|
40 Other commands |termdebug-commands|
41 Communication |termdebug-communication|
42 Customizing |termdebug-customizing|
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020043
44{Vi does not have any of these commands}
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +020045{only available when compiled with the |+terminal| feature}
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +020046The terminal feature requires the |+multi_byte|, |+job| and |+channel| features.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020047
48==============================================================================
491. Basic use *terminal-use*
50
51This feature is for running a terminal emulator in a Vim window. A job can be
52started connected to the terminal emulator. For example, to run a shell: >
53 :term bash
54
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +020055Or to run build command: >
56 :term make myprogram
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020057
58The job runs asynchronously from Vim, the window will be updated to show
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +020059output from the job, also while editing in another window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020060
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020061
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +020062Typing ~
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +020063 *terminal-typing*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020064When the keyboard focus is in the terminal window, typed keys will be sent to
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +020065the job. This uses a pty when possible. You can click outside of the
66terminal window to move keyboard focus elsewhere.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020067
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020068CTRL-W can be used to navigate between windows and other CTRL-W commands, e.g.:
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +010069 CTRL-W CTRL-W move focus to the next window
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020070 CTRL-W : enter an Ex command
71See |CTRL-W| for more commands.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020072
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020073Special in the terminal window: *CTRL-W_.* *CTRL-W_N*
74 CTRL-W . send a CTRL-W to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020075 CTRL-W N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
76 CTRL-\ CTRL-N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +020077 CTRL-W " {reg} paste register {reg} *CTRL-W_quote*
78 Also works with the = register to insert the result of
79 evaluating an expression.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +020080 CTRL-W CTRL-C ends the job, see below |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020081
82See option 'termkey' for specifying another key instead of CTRL-W that
83will work like CTRL-W. However, typing 'termkey' twice sends 'termkey' to
84the job. For example:
85 'termkey' CTRL-W move focus to the next window
86 'termkey' : enter an Ex command
87 'termkey' 'termkey' send 'termkey' to the job in the terminal
88 'termkey' . send a CTRL-W to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +010089 'termkey' N go to terminal Normal mode, see below
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020090 'termkey' CTRL-N same as CTRL-W N
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +020091 'termkey' CTRL-C same as |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
Bram Moolenaar69198192017-08-05 14:10:48 +020092 *t_CTRL-\_CTRL-N*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020093The special key combination CTRL-\ CTRL-N can be used to switch to Normal
94mode, just like this works in any other mode.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +020095 *t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C*
96CTRL-W CTRL-C can be typed to forcefully end the job. On MS-Windows a
97CTRL-BREAK will also kill the job.
98
99If you type CTRL-C the effect depends on what the pty has been configured to
100do. For simple commands this causes a SIGINT to be sent to the job, which
101would end it. Other commands may ignore the SIGINT or handle the CTRL-C
102themselves (like Vim does).
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200103
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200104To change the keys you type use terminal mode mappings, see |:tmap|.
105These are defined like any mapping, but apply only when typing keys that are
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100106sent to the job running in the terminal. For example, to make F1 switch
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200107to Terminal-Normal mode: >
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100108 tnoremap <F1> <C-W>N
109You can use Esc, but you need to make sure it won't cause other keys to
110break: >
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200111 tnoremap <Esc> <C-W>N
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100112 set notimeout ttimeout timeoutlen=100
113
Bram Moolenaar01164a62017-11-02 22:58:42 +0100114< *options-in-terminal*
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200115After opening the terminal window and setting 'buftype' to "terminal" the
116BufWinEnter autocommand event is triggered. This makes it possible to set
117options specifically for the window and buffer. Example: >
118 au BufWinEnter * if &buftype == 'terminal' | setlocal bufhidden=hide | endif
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200119
Bram Moolenaar52dbb5e2017-11-21 18:11:27 +0100120Mouse events (click and drag) are passed to the terminal. Mouse move events
121are only passed when Vim itself is receiving them. For a terminal that is
122when 'balloonevalterm' is enabled.
123
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +0200124
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200125Size and color ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100126 *terminal-size-color*
Bram Moolenaar74675a62017-07-15 13:53:23 +0200127See option 'termsize' for controlling the size of the terminal window.
128(TODO: scrolling when the terminal is larger than the window)
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200129
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200130The job running in the terminal can change the colors. The default foreground
131and background colors are taken from Vim, the Normal highlight group.
132
133For a color terminal the 'background' option is used to decide whether the
134terminal window will start with a white or black background.
135
Bram Moolenaardf980db2017-12-24 13:22:00 +0100136To use a different color the Terminal highlight group can be used, for
137example: >
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200138 hi Terminal ctermbg=lightgrey ctermfg=blue guibg=lightgrey guifg=blue
Bram Moolenaarf59c6e82018-04-10 15:59:11 +0200139<
140 *g:terminal_ansi_colors*
141In GUI mode or with |termguicolors|, the 16 ANSI colors used by default in new
142terminal windows may be configured using the variable
143`g:terminal_ansi_colors`, which should be a list of 16 color names or
144hexadecimal color codes, similar to those accepted by |highlight-guifg|. When
145not using GUI colors, the terminal window always uses the 16 ANSI colors of
146the underlying terminal.
147The |term_setansicolors()| function can be used to change the colors, and
148|term_getansicolors()| to get the currently used colors.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200149
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200150
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200151Syntax ~
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200152
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200153:[range]ter[minal] [options] [command] *:ter* *:terminal*
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200154 Open a new terminal window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200155
156 If [command] is provided run it as a job and connect
157 the input and output to the terminal.
158 If [command] is not given the 'shell' option is used.
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200159 if [command] is NONE no job is started, the pty of the
160 terminal can be used by a command like gdb.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200161
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100162 If [command] is missing the default behavior is to
163 close the terminal when the shell exits. This can be
164 changed with the ++noclose argument.
165 If [command] is present the default behavior is to
166 keep the terminal open in Terminal-Normal mode. This
167 can be changed with the ++close argument.
168
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200169 A new buffer will be created, using [command] or
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200170 'shell' as the name, prefixed with a "!". If a buffer
171 by this name already exists a number is added in
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200172 parentheses. E.g. if "gdb" exists the second terminal
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200173 buffer will use "!gdb (1)".
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200174
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200175 If [range] is given the specified lines are used as
176 input for the job. It will not be possible to type
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200177 keys in the terminal window. For MS-Windows see the
178 ++eof argument below.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200179
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200180 *term++close* *term++open*
181 Supported [options] are:
182 ++close The terminal window will close
183 automatically when the job terminates.
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100184 ++noclose The terminal window will NOT close
185 automatically when the job terminates.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200186 ++open When the job terminates and no window
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200187 shows it, a window will be opened.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200188 Note that this can be interruptive.
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100189 The last of ++close, ++noclose and ++open
190 matters and rules out earlier arguments.
191
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200192 ++curwin Open the terminal in the current
193 window, do not split the current
194 window. Fails if the current buffer
195 cannot be |abandon|ed.
196 ++hidden Open the terminal in a hidden buffer,
197 no window will be used.
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +0100198 ++norestore Do not include this terminal window
199 in a session file.
Bram Moolenaar25cdd9c2018-03-10 20:28:12 +0100200 ++kill={how} When trying to close the terminal
201 window kill the job with {how}. See
202 |term_setkill()| for the values.
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200203 ++rows={height} Use {height} for the terminal window
Bram Moolenaar40962ec2018-01-28 22:47:25 +0100204 height. If the terminal uses the full
205 Vim height (no window above or below
206 th terminal window) the command line
207 height will be reduced as needed.
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200208 ++cols={width} Use {width} for the terminal window
Bram Moolenaar40962ec2018-01-28 22:47:25 +0100209 width. If the terminal uses the full
210 Vim width (no window left or right of
211 the terminal window) this value is
212 ignored.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200213 ++eof={text} when using [range]: text to send after
214 the last line was written. Cannot
215 contain white space. A CR is
216 appended. For MS-Windows the default
217 is to send CTRL-D.
Bram Moolenaaref68e4f2017-09-02 16:28:36 +0200218 E.g. for a shell use "++eof=exit" and
219 for Python "++eof=exit()". Special
220 codes can be used like with `:map`,
221 e.g. "<C-Z>" for CTRL-Z.
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200222
223 If you want to use more options use the |term_start()|
224 function.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200225
Bram Moolenaar25cdd9c2018-03-10 20:28:12 +0100226When the buffer associated with the terminal is forcibly unloaded or wiped out
227the job is killed, similar to calling `job_stop(job, "kill")` .
228Closing the window normally results in |E947|. When a kill method was set
229with "++kill={how}" or |term_setkill()| then closing the window will use that
230way to kill or interrupt the job. For example: >
231 :term ++kill=term tail -f /tmp/log
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200232
Bram Moolenaare561a7e2017-08-29 22:44:59 +0200233So long as the job is running the window behaves like it contains a modified
Bram Moolenaaref68e4f2017-09-02 16:28:36 +0200234buffer. Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :quit` fails. When using
235`CTRL-W :quit!` the job is ended. The text in the window is lost. The buffer
236still exists, but getting it in a window with `:buffer` will show an empty
237buffer.
238
239Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :close` also fails. Using
240`CTRL-W :close!` will close the window and make the buffer hidden.
Bram Moolenaare561a7e2017-08-29 22:44:59 +0200241
242You can use `CTRL-W :hide` to close the terminal window and make the buffer
243hidden, the job keeps running. The `:buffer` command can be used to turn the
244current window into a terminal window. If there are unsaved changes this
245fails, use ! to force, as usual.
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200246
247To have a background job run without a window, and open the window when it's
248done, use options like this: >
249 :term ++hidden ++open make
250Note that the window will open at an unexpected moment, this will interrupt
251what you are doing.
252
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200253 *E947* *E948*
Bram Moolenaar78712a72017-08-05 14:50:12 +0200254So long as the job is running, the buffer is considered modified and Vim
255cannot be quit easily, see |abandon|.
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200256
257When the job has finished and no changes were made to the buffer: closing the
258window will wipe out the buffer.
259
260Before changes can be made to a terminal buffer, the 'modifiable' option must
261be set. This is only possible when the job has finished. At the first change
262the buffer will become a normal buffer and the highlighting is removed.
263You may want to change the buffer name with |:file| to be able to write, since
264the buffer name will still be set to the command.
265
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200266
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200267Resizing ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100268 *terminal-resizing*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200269The size of the terminal can be in one of three modes:
270
2711. The 'termsize' option is empty: The terminal size follows the window size.
272 The minimal size is 2 screen lines with 10 cells.
273
2742. The 'termsize' option is "rows*cols", where "rows" is the minimal number of
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200275 screen rows and "cols" is the minimal number of cells.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200276
2773. The 'termsize' option is "rowsXcols" (where the x is upper or lower case).
278 The terminal size is fixed to the specified number of screen lines and
279 cells. If the window is bigger there will be unused empty space.
280
281If the window is smaller than the terminal size, only part of the terminal can
282be seen (the lower-left part).
283
284The |term_getsize()| function can be used to get the current size of the
285terminal. |term_setsize()| can be used only when in the first or second mode,
286not when 'termsize' is "rowsXcols".
287
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200288
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200289Terminal-Job and Terminal-Normal mode ~
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200290 *Terminal-mode*
291When the job is running the contents of the terminal is under control of the
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200292job. That includes the cursor position. Typed keys are sent to the job.
293The terminal contents can change at any time. This is called Terminal-Job
294mode.
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200295
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200296Use CTRL-W N (or 'termkey' N) to switch to Terminal-Normal mode. Now the
297contents of the terminal window is under control of Vim, the job output is
298suspended. CTRL-\ CTRL-N does the same.
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200299
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200300Terminal-Job mode is where |:tmap| mappings are applied. Keys sent by
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200301|term_sendkeys()| are not subject to tmap, but keys from |feedkeys()| are.
302
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200303 *E946*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200304In Terminal-Normal mode you can move the cursor around with the usual Vim
305commands, Visually mark text, yank text, etc. But you cannot change the
306contents of the buffer. The commands that would start insert mode, such as
307'i' and 'a', return to Terminal-Job mode. The window will be updated to show
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200308the contents of the terminal. |:startinsert| is ineffective.
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200309
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200310In Terminal-Normal mode the statusline and window title show "(Terminal)". If
311the job ends while in Terminal-Normal mode this changes to
312"(Terminal-finished)".
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200313
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200314It is not possible to enter Insert mode from Terminal-Job mode.
315
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200316
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200317Cursor style ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100318 *terminal-cursor-style*
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200319By default the cursor in the terminal window uses a not blinking block. The
320normal xterm escape sequences can be used to change the blinking state and the
321shape. Once focus leaves the terminal window Vim will restore the original
322cursor.
323
324An exception is when xterm is started with the "-bc" argument, or another way
325that causes the cursor to blink. This actually means that the blinking flag
326is inverted. Since Vim cannot detect this, the terminal window cursor
327blinking will also be inverted.
328
329
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +0100330Session ~
331 *terminal-session*
332A terminal window will be restored when using a session file, if possible and
333wanted.
334
335If "terminal" was removed from 'sessionoptions' then no terminal windows will
336be restored.
337
338If the job in the terminal was finished the window will not be restored.
339
340If the terminal can be restored, the command that was used to open it will be
341used again. To change this use the |term_setrestore()| function. This can
342also be used to not restore a specific terminal by setting the command to
343"NONE".
344
345
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100346Special keys ~
347 *terminal-special-keys*
348Since the terminal emulator simulates an xterm, only escape sequences that
349both Vim and xterm recognize will be available in the terminal window. If you
350want to pass on other escape sequences to the job running in the terminal you
351need to set up forwarding. Example: >
352 tmap <expr> <Esc>]b SendToTerm("\<Esc>]b")
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100353 func SendToTerm(what)
354 call term_sendkeys('', a:what)
355 return ''
356 endfunc
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200357
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100358
359Unix ~
360 *terminal-unix*
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200361On Unix a pty is used to make it possible to run all kinds of commands. You
362can even run Vim in the terminal! That's used for debugging, see below.
363
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200364Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
Bram Moolenaar9a993e32018-04-05 22:15:22 +0200365 TERM the name of the terminal, from the 'term' option or
366 $TERM in the GUI; falls back to "xterm" if it does not
367 start with "xterm"
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200368 ROWS number of rows in the terminal initially
369 LINES same as ROWS
370 COLUMNS number of columns in the terminal initially
371 COLORS number of colors, 't_Co' (256*256*256 in the GUI)
372 VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
373
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200374
375MS-Windows ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100376 *terminal-ms-windows*
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200377On MS-Windows winpty is used to make it possible to run all kind of commands.
378Obviously, they must be commands that run in a terminal, not open their own
379window.
380
381You need the following two files from winpty:
382
383 winpty.dll
384 winpty-agent.exe
385
386You can download them from the following page:
387
388 https://github.com/rprichard/winpty
389
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200390Just put the files somewhere in your PATH. You can set the 'winptydll' option
391to point to the right file, if needed. If you have both the 32-bit and 64-bit
392version, rename to winpty32.dll and winpty64.dll to match the way Vim was
393build.
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200394
Bram Moolenaar52dbb5e2017-11-21 18:11:27 +0100395Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
396 VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
397
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200398==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02003992. Terminal communication *terminal-communication*
400
401There are several ways to communicate with the job running in a terminal:
402- Use |term_sendkeys()| to send text and escape sequences from Vim to the job.
403- Use the JSON API to send encoded commands from the job to Vim.
404- Use the |client-server| mechanism. This works on machines with an X server
405 and on MS-Windows.
406
407
408Vim to job: term_sendkeys() ~
409 *terminal-to-job*
410This allows for remote controlling the job running in the terminal. It is a
411one-way mechanism. The job can update the display to signal back to Vim.
412For example, if a shell is running in a terminal, you can do: >
413 call term_sendkeys(buf, "ls *.java\<CR>")
414
415This requires for the job to be in the right state where it will do the right
416thing when receiving the keys. For the above example, the shell must be
417waiting for a command to be typed.
418
419For a job that was written for the purpose, you can use the JSON API escape
420sequence in the other direction. E.g.: >
421 call term_sendkeys(buf, "\<Esc>]51;["response"]\x07")
422
423
424Job to Vim: JSON API ~
425 *terminal-api*
426The job can send JSON to Vim, using a special escape sequence. The JSON
427encodes a command that Vim understands. Example of such a message: >
428 <Esc>]51;["drop", "README.md"]<07>
429
430The body is always a list, making it easy to find the end: ]<07>.
431The <Esc>]51;msg<07> sequence is reserved by xterm for "Emacs shell", which is
432similar to what we are doing here.
433
434Currently supported commands:
435
436 call {funcname} {argument}
437
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200438 Call a user defined function with {argument}.
439 The function is called with two arguments: the buffer number
440 of the terminal and {argument}, the decoded JSON argument.
441 The function name must start with "Tapi_" to avoid
442 accidentally calling a function not meant to be used for the
443 terminal API
444 The user function should sanity check the argument.
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200445 The function can use |term_sendkeys()| to send back a reply.
446 Example in JSON: >
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200447 ["call", "Tapi_Impression", ["play", 14]]
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200448< Calls a function defined like this: >
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200449 function Tapi_Impression(bufnum, arglist)
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200450 if len(a:arglist) == 2
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200451 echomsg "impression " . a:arglist[0]
452 echomsg "count " . a:arglist[1]
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200453 endif
454 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200455< Output from `:echo` may be erased by a redraw, use `:echomsg`
456 to be able to see it with `:messages`.
457
Bram Moolenaar333b80a2018-04-04 22:57:29 +0200458 drop {filename} [options]
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200459
460 Let Vim open a file, like the `:drop` command. If {filename}
461 is already open in a window, switch to that window. Otherwise
462 open a new window to edit {filename}.
Bram Moolenaar333b80a2018-04-04 22:57:29 +0200463
464 [options] is only used when opening a new window. If present,
465 it must be a Dict. Similarly to |++opt|, These entries are recognized:
466 "ff" file format: "dos", "mac" or "unix"
467 "fileformat" idem
468 "enc" overrides 'fileencoding'
469 "encoding" idem
470 "bin" sets 'binary'
471 "binary" idem
472 "nobin" resets 'binary'
473 "nobinary" idem
474 "bad" specifies behavior for bad characters, see
475 |++bad|
476
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200477 Example in JSON: >
478 ["drop", "path/file.txt", {"ff": "dos"}]
479
480A trick to have Vim send this escape sequence: >
481 exe "set t_ts=\<Esc>]51; t_fs=\x07"
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200482 let &titlestring = '["call","Tapi_TryThis",["hello",123]]'
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200483 redraw
484 set t_ts& t_fs&
485
486Rationale: Why not allow for any command or expression? Because that might
487create a security problem.
488
489
490Using the client-server feature ~
491 *terminal-client-server*
492This only works when v:servername is not empty. If needed you can set it,
493before opening the terminal, with: >
494 call remote_startserver('vim-server')
495
496$VIM_SERVERNAME is set in the terminal to pass on the server name.
497
498In the job you can then do something like: >
499 vim --servername $VIM_SERVERNAME --remote +123 some_file.c
500This will open the file "some_file.c" and put the cursor on line 123.
501
502==============================================================================
5033. Remote testing *terminal-testing*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200504
505Most Vim tests execute a script inside Vim. For some tests this does not
506work, running the test interferes with the code being tested. To avoid this
507Vim is executed in a terminal window. The test sends keystrokes to it and
508inspects the resulting screen state.
509
510Functions ~
511
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200512term_sendkeys() send keystrokes to a terminal (not subject to tmap)
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200513term_wait() wait for screen to be updated
514term_scrape() inspect terminal screen
515
516
517==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02005184. Diffing screen dumps *terminal-diff*
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100519
520In some cases it can be bothersome to test that Vim displays the right
521characters on the screen. E.g. with syntax highlighting. To make this
522simpler it is possible to take a screen dump of a terminal and compare it to
523an expected screen dump.
524
525Vim uses the window size, text, color and other attributes as displayed. The
526Vim screen size, font and other properties do not matter. Therefore this
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100527mechanism is portable across systems. A conventional screenshot would reflect
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100528all differences, including font size and family.
529
530
531Writing a screen dump test for Vim ~
532 *terminal-dumptest*
533For an example see the Test_syntax_c() function in
534src/testdir/test_syntax.vim. The main parts are:
535- Write a file you want to test with. This is useful for testing syntax
536 highlighting. You can also start Vim with en empty buffer.
537- Run Vim in a terminal with a specific size. The default is 20 lines of 75
538 characters. This makes sure the dump is always this size. The function
539 RunVimInTerminal() takes care of this. Pass it the arguments for the Vim
540 command.
541- Send any commands to Vim using term_sendkeys(). For example: >
542 call term_sendkeys(buf, ":echo &lines &columns\<CR>")
543- Check that the screen is now in the expected state, using
544 VerifyScreenDump(). This expects the reference screen dump to be in the
545 src/testdir/dumps/ directory. Pass the name without ".dump". It is
546 recommended to use the name of the test function and a sequence number, so
547 that we know what test is using the file.
548- Repeat sending commands and checking the state.
549- Finally stop Vim by calling StopVimInTerminal().
550
551The first time you do this you won't have a screen dump yet. Create an empty
552file for now, e.g.: >
553 touch src/testdir/dumps/Test_function_name_01.dump
554
555The test will then fail, giving you the command to compare the reference dump
556and the failed dump, e.g.: >
557 call term_dumpdiff("Test_func.dump.failed", "dumps/Test_func.dump")
558
559Use this command in Vim, with the current directory set to src/testdir.
560Once you are satisfied with the test, move the failed dump in place of the
561reference: >
562 :!mv Test_func.dump.failed dumps/Test_func.dump
563
564
565Creating a screen dump ~
566 *terminal-screendump*
567
568To create the screen dump, run Vim (or any other program) in a terminal and
569make it show the desired state. Then use the term_dumpwrite() function to
570create a screen dump file. For example: >
571 :call term_dumpwrite(77, "mysyntax.dump")
572
573Here "77" is the buffer number of the terminal. Use `:ls!` to see it.
574
575You can view the screen dump with term_dumpload(): >
576 :call term_dumpload("mysyntax.dump")
577
578To verify that Vim still shows exactly the same screen, run Vim again with
579exactly the same way to show the desired state. Then create a screen dump
580again, using a different file name: >
581 :call term_dumpwrite(88, "test.dump")
582
583To assert that the files are exactly the same use assert_equalfile(): >
584 call assert_equalfile("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
585
586If there are differences then v:errors will contain the error message.
587
588
589Comparing screen dumps ~
590 *terminal-diffscreendump*
591
592assert_equalfile() does not make it easy to see what is different.
593To spot the problem use term_dumpdiff(): >
594 call term_dumpdiff("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
595
596This will open a window consisting of three parts:
5971. The contents of the first dump
5982. The difference between the first and second dump
5993. The contents of the second dump
600
601You can usually see what differs in the second part. Use the 'ruler' to
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100602relate it to the position in the first or second dump.
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100603
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100604Alternatively, press "s" to swap the first and second dump. Do this several
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100605times so that you can spot the difference in the context of the text.
606
607==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02006085. Debugging *terminal-debug*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200609
610The Terminal debugging plugin can be used to debug a program with gdb and view
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200611the source code in a Vim window. Since this is completely contained inside
612Vim this also works remotely over an ssh connection.
613
614
615Starting ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100616 *termdebug-starting*
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200617Load the plugin with this command: >
618 packadd termdebug
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200619< *:Termdebug*
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100620To start debugging use `:Termdebug` followed by the command name, for example: >
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200621 :Termdebug vim
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200622
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200623This opens two windows:
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100624
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200625gdb window A terminal window in which "gdb vim" is executed. Here you
626 can directly interact with gdb. The buffer name is "!gdb".
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100627
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200628program window A terminal window for the executed program. When "run" is
629 used in gdb the program I/O will happen in this window, so
630 that it does not interfere with controlling gdb. The buffer
631 name is "gdb program".
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200632
633The current window is used to show the source code. When gdb pauses the
634source file location will be displayed, if possible. A sign is used to
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100635highlight the current position, using highlight group debugPC.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200636
637If the buffer in the current window is modified, another window will be opened
638to display the current gdb position.
639
640Focus the terminal of the executed program to interact with it. This works
641the same as any command running in a terminal window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200642
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200643When the debugger ends, typically by typing "quit" in the gdb window, the two
644opened windows are closed.
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200645
646
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200647Example session ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100648 *termdebug-example*
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200649Start in the Vim "src" directory and build Vim: >
650 % make
651Start Vim: >
652 % ./vim
653Load the termdebug plugin and start debugging Vim: >
654 :packadd termdebug
655 :Termdebug vim
656You should now have three windows:
657 source - where you started, has a window toolbar with buttons
658 gdb - you can type gdb commands here
659 program - the executed program will use this window
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100660
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200661You can use CTRL-W CTRL-W or the mouse to move focus between windows.
662Put focus on the gdb window and type: >
663 break ex_help
664 run
665Vim will start running in the program window. Put focus there and type: >
666 :help gui
667Gdb will run into the ex_help breakpoint. The source window now shows the
668ex_cmds.c file. A ">>" marker will appear where the breakpoint was set. The
669line where the debugger stopped is highlighted. You can now step through the
670program. Let's use the mouse: click on the "Next" button in the window
671toolbar. You will see the highlighting move as the debugger executes a line
672of source code.
673
674Click "Next" a few times until the for loop is highlighted. Put the cursor on
675the end of "eap->arg", then click "Eval" in the toolbar. You will see this
676displayed:
677 "eap->arg": 0x555555e68855 "gui" ~
678This way you can inspect the value of local variables. You can also focus the
679gdb window and use a "print" command, e.g.: >
680 print *eap
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100681If mouse pointer movements are working, Vim will also show a balloon when the
682mouse rests on text that can be evaluated by gdb.
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200683
684Now go back to the source window and put the cursor on the first line after
685the for loop, then type: >
686 :Break
687You will see a ">>" marker appear, this indicates the new breakpoint. Now
688click "Cont" in the toolbar and the code until the breakpoint will be
689executed.
690
691You can type more advanced commands in the gdb window. For example, type: >
692 watch curbuf
693Now click "Cont" in the toolbar (or type "cont" in the gdb window). Execution
694will now continue until the value of "curbuf" changes, which is in do_ecmd().
695To remove this watchpoint again type in the gdb window: >
696 delete 3
697
698You can see the stack by typing in the gdb window: >
699 where
700Move through the stack frames, e.g. with: >
701 frame 3
702The source window will show the code, at the point where the call was made to
703a deeper level.
704
705
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200706Stepping through code ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100707 *termdebug-stepping*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200708Put focus on the gdb window to type commands there. Some common ones are:
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100709- CTRL-C interrupt the program
710- next execute the current line and stop at the next line
711- step execute the current line and stop at the next statement,
712 entering functions
713- finish execute until leaving the current function
714- where show the stack
715- frame N go to the Nth stack frame
716- continue continue execution
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200717
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100718In the window showing the source code these commands can be used to control gdb:
719 `:Run` [args] run the program with [args] or the previous arguments
720 `:Arguments` {args} set arguments for the next `:Run`
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100721
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100722 `:Break` set a breakpoint at the current line; a sign will be displayed
723 `:Clear` delete the breakpoint at the current line
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100724
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100725 `:Step` execute the gdb "step" command
726 `:Over` execute the gdb "next" command (`:Next` is a Vim command)
727 `:Finish` execute the gdb "finish" command
728 `:Continue` execute the gdb "continue" command
729 `:Stop` interrupt the program
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200730
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100731If 'mouse' is set the plugin adds a window toolbar with these entries:
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100732 Step `:Step`
733 Next `:Over`
734 Finish `:Finish`
735 Cont `:Continue`
736 Stop `:Stop`
737 Eval `:Evaluate`
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100738This way you can use the mouse to perform the most common commands. You need
739to have the 'mouse' option set to enable mouse clicks.
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200740
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100741You can add the window toolbar in other windows you open with: >
742 :Winbar
743
Bram Moolenaarc4b533e2018-04-06 22:26:25 +0200744If gdb stops at a source line and there is no window currently showing the
745source code, a new window will be created for the source code. This also
746happens if the buffer in the source code window has been modified and can't be
747abandoned.
748
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200749
750Inspecting variables ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100751 *termdebug-variables*
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100752 `:Evaluate` evaluate the expression under the cursor
753 `K` same
754 `:Evaluate` {expr} evaluate {expr}
755 `:'<,'>Evaluate` evaluate the Visually selected text
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200756
757This is similar to using "print" in the gdb window.
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100758You can usually shorten `:Evaluate` to `:Ev`.
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200759
760
761Other commands ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100762 *termdebug-commands*
Bram Moolenaarc4b533e2018-04-06 22:26:25 +0200763 :Gdb jump to the gdb window
764 :Program jump to the window with the running program
765 :Source jump to the window with the source code, create it if there
766 isn't one
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200767
768
769Communication ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100770 *termdebug-communication*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200771There is another, hidden, buffer, which is used for Vim to communicate with
772gdb. The buffer name is "gdb communication". Do not delete this buffer, it
773will break the debugger.
774
775
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200776Customizing ~
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100777
778GDB command *termdebug-customizing*
779
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200780To change the name of the gdb command, set the "termdebugger" variable before
781invoking `:Termdebug`: >
782 let termdebugger = "mygdb"
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100783< *gdb-version*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200784Only debuggers fully compatible with gdb will work. Vim uses the GDB/MI
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100785interface. The "new-ui" command requires gdb version 7.12 or later. if you
786get this error:
Bram Moolenaar01164a62017-11-02 22:58:42 +0100787 Undefined command: "new-ui". Try "help".~
788Then your gdb is too old.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200789
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100790
791Colors *hl-debugPC* *hl-debugBreakpoint*
792
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200793The color of the signs can be adjusted with these highlight groups:
794- debugPC the current position
795- debugBreakpoint a breakpoint
796
797The defaults are, when 'background' is "light":
798 hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=lightblue guibg=lightblue
799 hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
800
801When 'background' is "dark":
802 hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=darkblue guibg=darkblue
803 hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200804
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100805
806Popup menu *termdebug_popup*
807
808By default the Termdebug plugin sets 'mousemodel' to "popup_setpos" and adds
809these entries to the popup menu:
810 Set breakpoint `:Break`
811 Clear breakpoint `:Clear`
812 Evaluate `:Evaluate`
813If you don't want this then disable it with: >
814 let g:termdebug_popup = 0
815
816
817Vim window width *termdebug_wide*
818
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200819To change the width of the Vim window when debugging starts, and use a
820vertical split: >
821 let g:termdebug_wide = 163
822This will set &columns to 163 when :Termdebug is used. The value is restored
823when quitting the debugger.
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200824If g:termdebug_wide is set and &Columns is already larger than
825g:termdebug_wide then a vertical split will be used without changing &columns.
826Set it to 1 to get a vertical split without every changing &columns (useful
827for when the terminal can't be resized by Vim).
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200828
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200829
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200830
831 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: