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Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.2. Last change: 2008 Nov 02
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
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 Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +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 Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
66the Number. Examples: >
67 Number 123 --> String "123"
68 Number 0 --> String "0"
69 Number -1 --> String "-1"
70
71Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
73the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
74 String "456" --> Number 456
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6
76 String "foo" --> Number 0
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
78 String "0100" --> Number 64
79 String "-8" --> Number -8
80 String "+8" --> Number 0
81
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
538
539Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000540 *E715*
541Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
543 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
544 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
545 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
546 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
547 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
548 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
549 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000550
551
5521.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000553 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000554If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
555function.
556
557When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
558start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
559stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
560
561When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
563stored in the session file |session-file|.
564
565variable name can be stored where ~
566my_var_6 not
567My_Var_6 session file
568MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
569
570
571It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
572|curly-braces-names|.
573
574==============================================================================
5752. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
576
577Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
578
579|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
580
581|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
582
583|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
584
585|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
586 expr5 != expr5 not equal
587 expr5 > expr5 greater than
588 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
589 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
590 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
591 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
592 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
593
594 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
595 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
596 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
597 matching case
598
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000599 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
600 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000601
602|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000603 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
604 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
605
606|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
607 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
608 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
609
610|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
611 - expr7 unary minus
612 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000614
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000615|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
616 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
617 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
618 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000619
620|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000621 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000622 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000623 [expr1, ...] |List|
624 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000625 &option option value
626 (expr1) nested expression
627 variable internal variable
628 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
629 $VAR environment variable
630 @r contents of register 'r'
631 function(expr1, ...) function call
632 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
633
634
635".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
636Example: >
637 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
638
639All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
640
641
642expr1 *expr1* *E109*
643-----
644
645expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
646
647The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
648non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
649otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
650Example: >
651 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
652
653Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
654other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
655Example: >
656 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
657
658To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
659 :echo lnum == 1
660 :\ ? "top"
661 :\ : lnum == 1000
662 :\ ? "last"
663 :\ : lnum
664
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000665You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
666use in a variable such as "a:1".
667
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000668
669expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
670---------------
671
672 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
673The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
674are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
675
676 input output ~
677n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
678zero zero zero zero
679zero non-zero non-zero zero
680non-zero zero non-zero zero
681non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
682
683The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
684
685 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
686
687Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
688
689 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
690
691Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
692arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
693
694 let a = 1
695 echo a || b
696
697This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
698so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
699
700 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
701
702This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
703only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
704
705
706expr4 *expr4*
707-----
708
709expr5 {cmp} expr5
710
711Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
712if it evaluates to true.
713
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000714 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000715 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
716 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
717 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
718 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
719 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000720 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000721 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
722equal == ==# ==?
723not equal != !=# !=?
724greater than > ># >?
725greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
726smaller than < <# <?
727smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
728regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
729regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000730same instance is
731different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000732
733Examples:
734"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
735"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
736"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
737
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000738 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000739A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
740"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
741Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000742
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000743 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000744A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
745equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000746recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
747
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000748 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000749A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
750equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000751
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000752When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000753referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000754the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
755using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000756different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000757is false.
758
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000759When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000760and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000761because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
762
763When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
764results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
765necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
766
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000767When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000768'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000769
770When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000771'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
772
773'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000774
775The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
776argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
777This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
778matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
779portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
780single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
781Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
782(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
783can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
784 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
785 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
786
787
788expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
789---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000790expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000791expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
792expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000793
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000794For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000795result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000796
797expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
798expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
799expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
801For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
802
803Note the difference between "+" and ".":
804 "123" + "456" = 579
805 "123" . "456" = "123456"
806
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000807Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
808 1 . 90 + 90.0
809As: >
810 (1 . 90) + 90.0
811That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
812190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
813 1 . 90 * 90.0
814Should be read as: >
815 1 . (90 * 90.0)
816Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
817attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
818
819When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
820 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
821 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
822 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
823 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
824
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000825When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
826
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000827None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000828
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000829. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000831
832expr7 *expr7*
833-----
834! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
835- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
836+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
837
838For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
839For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
840For '+' the number is unchanged.
841
842A String will be converted to a Number first.
843
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000844These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000845 !-1 == 0
846 !!8 == 1
847 --9 == 9
848
849
850expr8 *expr8*
851-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000852expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
855expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000856Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000857
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000858Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
859text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
860cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000861 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
863If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000864String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
865compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
866
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000867If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000868for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000869error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000870 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
871
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000872Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
873|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
874error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000875
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000876
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000877expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000878
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000879If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
880from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000881expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
882encodings.
883
884If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
885string minus one is used.
886
887A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
888the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
889
890If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
891expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
892
893Examples: >
894 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
895 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
896 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
897 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
898
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000899If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000900the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000901just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000902 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
903 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
904 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
905
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000906Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
907error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000908
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000909
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000910expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000911
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000912If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
913name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
914expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000915
916The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
917but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
918
919There must not be white space before or after the dot.
920
921Examples: >
922 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
923 :echo dict.one
924 :echo dict .2
925
926Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
927always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
928
929
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000930expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000931
932When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
933
934
935
936 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000937number
938------
939number number constant *expr-number*
940
941Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
942
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000943 *floating-point-format*
944Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
945
946 [-+]{N}.{M}
947 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
948
949{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
950contain digits.
951[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
952{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
953Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
954locale is.
955{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
956
957Examples:
958 123.456
959 +0.0001
960 55.0
961 -0.123
962 1.234e03
963 1.0E-6
964 -3.1416e+88
965
966These are INVALID:
967 3. empty {M}
968 1e40 missing .{M}
969
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000970 *float-pi* *float-e*
971A few useful values to copy&paste: >
972 :let pi = 3.14159265359
973 :let e = 2.71828182846
974
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000975Rationale:
976Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
977the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
978resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000979could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000980incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
981for floating point numbers.
982
983 *floating-point-precision*
984The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
985means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
986runtime.
987
988The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
989printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
990function. Example: >
991 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
992< 7.853981633974483e-01
993
994
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000995
996string *expr-string* *E114*
997------
998"string" string constant *expr-quote*
999
1000Note that double quotes are used.
1001
1002A string constant accepts these special characters:
1003\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1004\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1005\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1006\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1007\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1008\X.. same as \x..
1009\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001010\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001011 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1012\U.... same as \u....
1013\b backspace <BS>
1014\e escape <Esc>
1015\f formfeed <FF>
1016\n newline <NL>
1017\r return <CR>
1018\t tab <Tab>
1019\\ backslash
1020\" double quote
1021\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
1022
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001023Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1024encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1025of 'encoding'.
1026
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001027Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1028
1029
1030literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1031---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001032'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001033
1034Note that single quotes are used.
1035
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001036This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001037meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001038
1039Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001040to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001041 if a =~ "\\s*"
1042 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001043
1044
1045option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1046------
1047&option option value, local value if possible
1048&g:option global option value
1049&l:option local option value
1050
1051Examples: >
1052 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1053 if &insertmode
1054
1055Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1056and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1057anyway.
1058
1059
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001060register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001061--------
1062@r contents of register 'r'
1063
1064The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1065Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001066register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001067registers.
1068
1069When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1070evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001071
1072
1073nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1074-------
1075(expr1) nested expression
1076
1077
1078environment variable *expr-env*
1079--------------------
1080$VAR environment variable
1081
1082The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1083result is an empty string.
1084 *expr-env-expand*
1085Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1086expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1087are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1088the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1089fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1090does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1091 :echo $version
1092 :echo expand("$version")
1093The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1094variable (if your shell supports it).
1095
1096
1097internal variable *expr-variable*
1098-----------------
1099variable internal variable
1100See below |internal-variables|.
1101
1102
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001103function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104-------------
1105function(expr1, ...) function call
1106See below |functions|.
1107
1108
1109==============================================================================
11103. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1111 *E461*
1112An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1113cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1114|curly-braces-names|.
1115
1116An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001117An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1118|:unlet|.
1119Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1120been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001121
1122There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1123specified by what is prepended:
1124
1125 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1126|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1127|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001128|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001129|global-variable| g: Global.
1130|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1131|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1132|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001133|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001134
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001135The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1136delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001137 :for k in keys(s:)
1138 : unlet s:[k]
1139 :endfor
1140<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001141 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1142A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1143Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1144This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1145|:bdelete|.
1146
1147One local buffer variable is predefined:
1148 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1149b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1150 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1151 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1152 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1153 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001154 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1155 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001156 :endif
1157<
1158 *window-variable* *w:var*
1159A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1160is deleted when the window is closed.
1161
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001162 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1163A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1164It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1165without the +windows feature}
1166
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001167 *global-variable* *g:var*
1168Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001169access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170place if you like.
1171
1172 *local-variable* *l:var*
1173Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001174But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1175you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1176refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1177same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001178
1179 *script-variable* *s:var*
1180In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1181accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1182
1183They can be used in:
1184- commands executed while the script is sourced
1185- functions defined in the script
1186- autocommands defined in the script
1187- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1188 defined in the script (recursively)
1189- user defined commands defined in the script
1190Thus not in:
1191- other scripts sourced from this one
1192- mappings
1193- etc.
1194
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001195Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1196Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001197
1198 let s:counter = 0
1199 function MyCounter()
1200 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1201 echo s:counter
1202 endfunction
1203 command Tick call MyCounter()
1204
1205You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1206that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1207"Tick" was defined is used.
1208
1209Another example that does the same: >
1210
1211 let s:counter = 0
1212 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1213
1214When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001215script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001216defined.
1217
1218The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1219function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1220
1221 let s:counter = 0
1222 function StartCounting(incr)
1223 if a:incr
1224 function MyCounter()
1225 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1226 endfunction
1227 else
1228 function MyCounter()
1229 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1230 endfunction
1231 endif
1232 endfunction
1233
1234This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1235when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1236called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1237
1238When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1239They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1240maintain a counter: >
1241
1242 if !exists("s:counter")
1243 let s:counter = 1
1244 echo "script executed for the first time"
1245 else
1246 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1247 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1248 endif
1249
1250Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1251variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1252
1253
1254Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1255
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001256 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1257v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1258 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1259 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1260
1261 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1262v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1263 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1264
1265 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1266v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1267 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1268
1269 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001270v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1271 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1272 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1273 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001274 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1275 highlighted text is used.
1276 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1277
1278 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1279v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1280 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1281
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001282 *v:char* *char-variable*
1283v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'.
1284
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001285 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1286v:charconvert_from
1287 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1288 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1289
1290 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1291v:charconvert_to
1292 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1293 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1294
1295 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1296v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1297 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1298 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1299 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1300 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1301 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001302 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001303 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1304 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1305 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1306 in 'printexpr'.
1307
1308 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1309v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1310 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1311 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1312 can be used.
1313
1314 *v:count* *count-variable*
1315v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001316 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001317 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1318< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1319 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001320 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001321 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1322
1323 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1324v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1325 used.
1326
1327 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1328v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1329 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1330 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1331 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1332 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1333 command.
1334 See |multi-lang|.
1335
1336 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001337v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001338 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1339 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1340 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1341 Example: >
1342 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1343<
1344 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1345v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1346 Example: >
1347 :let v:errmsg = ""
1348 :silent! next
1349 :if v:errmsg != ""
1350 : ... handle error
1351< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1352
1353 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1354v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1355 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1356 Example: >
1357 :try
1358 : throw "oops"
1359 :catch /.*/
1360 : echo "caught" v:exception
1361 :endtry
1362< Output: "caught oops".
1363
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001364 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1365v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1366 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1367 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1368 deleted file no longer exists
1369 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1370 changed and buffer is modified
1371 changed file contents has changed
1372 mode mode of file changed
1373 time only file timestamp changed
1374
1375 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1376v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1377 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1378 do with the affected buffer:
1379 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1380 the file was deleted).
1381 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1382 was no autocommand. Except that when
1383 only the timestamp changed nothing
1384 will happen.
1385 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1386 everything that needs to be done.
1387 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1388 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1389
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001390 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001391v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001392 option used for ~
1393 'charconvert' file to be converted
1394 'diffexpr' original file
1395 'patchexpr' original file
1396 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001397 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001398
1399 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1400v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1401 evaluating:
1402 option used for ~
1403 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1404 'diffexpr' output of diff
1405 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1406 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001407 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001408 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1409 file and different from v:fname_in.
1410
1411 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1412v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1413 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1414
1415 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1416v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1417 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1418
1419 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1420v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1421 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001422 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001423
1424 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1425v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001426 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001427
1428 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1429v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001430 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001431
1432 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1433v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001434 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001435
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001436 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1437v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1438 events. Values:
1439 i Insert mode
1440 r Replace mode
1441 v Virtual Replace mode
1442
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001443 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001444v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001445 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1446 Read-only.
1447
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1449v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1450 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1451 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1452 The value is system dependent.
1453 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1454 command.
1455 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1456 in a different language than what is used for character
1457 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1458
1459 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1460v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1461 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1462 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1463 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1464 command. See |multi-lang|.
1465
1466 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001467v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001468 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1469 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1470 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001471
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001472 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1473v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1474 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1475 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1476
1477 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1478v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1479 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1480 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1481
1482 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1483v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1484 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1485 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1486
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001487 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1488v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1489 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1490 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1491 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1492 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1493 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1494 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1495 than String this will cause trouble.
1496 {only when compiled with the +viminfo feature}
1497
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001498 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1499v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1500 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1501 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1502 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1503 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1504 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1505< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1506 don't expect it to be empty.
1507 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1508 commands.
1509 Read-only.
1510
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001511 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1512v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1513 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001514 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1515 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001516 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1517< Read-only.
1518
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001519 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001520v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001521 See |profiling|.
1522
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001523 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1524v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1525 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1526 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1527 Read-only.
1528
1529 *v:register* *register-variable*
1530v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1531 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1532
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001533 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1534v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1535 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1536 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1537 typed command.
1538 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1539 hit-enter prompt.
1540
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001541 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1542v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1543 Read-only.
1544
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001545
1546v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1547 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1548 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1549 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1550 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1551 function. |function-search-undo|.
1552 Read-write.
1553
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001554 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1555v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1556 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1557 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1558 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1559 executed. Read-only.
1560 Example: >
1561 :!mv foo bar
1562 :if v:shell_error
1563 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1564 :endif
1565< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1566
1567 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1568v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1569
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001570 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1571v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1572 the swap file found. Read-only.
1573
1574 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1575v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1576 for handling an existing swap file:
1577 'o' Open read-only
1578 'e' Edit anyway
1579 'r' Recover
1580 'd' Delete swapfile
1581 'q' Quit
1582 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001583 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001584 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1585 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1586
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001587 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001588v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001589 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001590 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001591 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001592 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001594 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1595v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001596 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001597 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1598 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1599 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1600 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1601 terminal.
1602 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1603 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1604 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1605 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1606 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1607
1608 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1609v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1610 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1611 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1612 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1613
1614 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1615v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001616 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001617 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1618 Example: >
1619 :try
1620 : throw "oops"
1621 :catch /.*/
1622 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1623 :endtry
1624< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1625
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001626 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001627v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001628 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001629 |filter()|. Read-only.
1630
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001631 *v:version* *version-variable*
1632v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1633 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1634 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1635 compatibility.
1636 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1637 if has("patch123")
1638< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1639 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1640 completely different.
1641
1642 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1643v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1644
1645==============================================================================
16464. Builtin Functions *functions*
1647
1648See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1649
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001650(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001651
1652USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1653
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001654abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001655add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001656append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001657append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001658argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001659argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001660argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001661argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001662atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1664 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001665browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001667buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1668bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001669bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1670bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1671bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1672byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001673byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001674call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1675 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001676ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1677changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001678char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001679cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001680clearmatches() None clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001681col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001682complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001683complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001684complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001685confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1686 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001687copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001688cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001689count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1690 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001691cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1692 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001693cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1694 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1695cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001696deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001697delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1698did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001699diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1700diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001701empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001702escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001703eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001704eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001705executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1706exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001707extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1708 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001709expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001710feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001712filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001713filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1714 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001715finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001716 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001717findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001718 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001719float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1720floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001721fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001723foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1724foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001725foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001726foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001727foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001728foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001729function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001730garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001731get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001732get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001733getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1734 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001735getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001736getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1737getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001738getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1739getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001740getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001741getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001742getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1743getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001744getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001745getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001746getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001747getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1748getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001749getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001750getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001751getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001752getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001753getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001754getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001755getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001756gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1757 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001758getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1759getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001760getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001761glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1762globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1763has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001764has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001765haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001766hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1767 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001768histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1769histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1770histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1771histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1772hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1773hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1774hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001775iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1776indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001777index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1778 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001779input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1780 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001781inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001782inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001783inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1784inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001785inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001786insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001787isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001788islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001789items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001790join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001791keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001792len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1793libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001794libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1795line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1796line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001797lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001798localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001799log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001800map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001801maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1802 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1803mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1804 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001805match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001806 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001807matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1808 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001809matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001810matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001811matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001812 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001813matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1814 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001815matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1816 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001817max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00001818min({list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001819mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1820 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001821mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001822nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1823nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001824pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001825pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001826prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001827printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1828pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001829range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1830 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001831readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1832 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001833reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1834reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001835remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1836 String send expression
1837remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1838remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1839 Number check for reply string
1840remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1841remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1842 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001843remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001844remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001845rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1846repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1847resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001848reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001849round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001850search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1851 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001852searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001853 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001854searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001855 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001856searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001857 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001858searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001859 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001860server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1861 Number send reply string
1862serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1863setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1864setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1865setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001866setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1867 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001868setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001869setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001870setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001871setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001872settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1873 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001874setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001875shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1876 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001877 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001878simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001879sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001880sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001881soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001882spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001883spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1884 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001885split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001886 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001887sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr}
1888str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1889str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001890strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001891stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1892 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001893string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001894strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1895strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1896 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001897strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1898 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001899strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001900submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001901substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1902 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001903synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001904synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1905 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1906synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001907synstack({lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001908system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001909tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1910tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1911tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1912 Number number of current window in tab page
1913taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001914tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001915tempname() String name for a temporary file
1916tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1917toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001918tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1919 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001920trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001921type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001922values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001923virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1924visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1925winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1926wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1927winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1928winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001929winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001930winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001931winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1932winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001933winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001934writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1935 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001936
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001937abs({expr}) *abs()*
1938 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1939 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1940 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1941 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1942 Examples: >
1943 echo abs(1.456)
1944< 1.456 >
1945 echo abs(-5.456)
1946< 5.456 >
1947 echo abs(-4)
1948< 4
1949 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
1950
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001951add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001952 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1953 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001954 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1955 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001956< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001957 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001958 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001959
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001960
1961append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001962 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1963 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001964 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1965 the current buffer.
1966 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001967 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001968 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001969 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001970 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001971<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001972 *argc()*
1973argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1974 current window. See |arglist|.
1975
1976 *argidx()*
1977argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1978 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1979
1980 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001981argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001982 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1983 Example: >
1984 :let i = 0
1985 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001986 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001987 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1988 : let i = i + 1
1989 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001990< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1991 returned.
1992
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001993atan({expr}) *atan()*
1994 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
1995 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
1996 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
1997 Examples: >
1998 :echo atan(100)
1999< 1.560797 >
2000 :echo atan(-4.01)
2001< -1.326405
2002 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2003
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002004 *browse()*
2005browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2006 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2007 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2008 The input fields are:
2009 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2010 {title} title for the requester
2011 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2012 {default} default file name
2013 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2014 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2015
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002016 *browsedir()*
2017browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2018 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2019 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2020 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2021 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2022 to be used.
2023 The input fields are:
2024 {title} title for the requester
2025 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2026 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2027 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2028
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002029bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2030 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2031 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002032 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002033 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002034 exactly. The name can be:
2035 - Relative to the current directory.
2036 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002037 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002038 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002039 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2040 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2041 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2042 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002043 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2044 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2045 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002046 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2047 file name.
2048 *buffer_exists()*
2049 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2050
2051buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2052 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2053 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002054 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002055
2056bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2057 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2058 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002059 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002060
2061bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2062 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2063 ":ls" command.
2064 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2065 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2066 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002067 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002068 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2069 match an empty string is returned.
2070 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2071 alternate buffer.
2072 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002073 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2074 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2075 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002076 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2077 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2078 buffers are searched for.
2079 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2080 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2081 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2082< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2083 string is returned. >
2084 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2085 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2086 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2087 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2088< *buffer_name()*
2089 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2090
2091 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002092bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2093 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002094 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002095 above.
2096 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2097 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2098 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002099 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2100 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2101< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2102 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2103 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2104 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2105 *buffer_number()*
2106 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2107 *last_buffer_nr()*
2108 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2109
2110bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2111 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2112 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002113 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002114 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2115
2116 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2117
2118< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2119 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002120 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002121
2122
2123byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2124 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2125 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2126 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2127 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2128 one.
2129 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2130 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2131 feature}
2132
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002133byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2134 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2135 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2136 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2137 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2138 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2139 Example : >
2140 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2141< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2142 same: >
2143 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2144 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2145< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2146 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2147 is returned.
2148
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002149call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002150 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002151 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002152 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002153 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2154 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002155 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2156 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002157
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002158ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2159 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2160 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2161 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2162 Examples: >
2163 echo ceil(1.456)
2164< 2.0 >
2165 echo ceil(-5.456)
2166< -5.0 >
2167 echo ceil(4.0)
2168< 4.0
2169 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2170
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002171changenr() *changenr()*
2172 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2173 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2174 with the |:undo| command.
2175 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2176 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2177 one less than the number of the undone change.
2178
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002179char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2180 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2181 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2182 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2183< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002184 char2nr("á") returns 225
2185 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002186< |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002187
2188cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2189 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2190 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2191 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2192 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2193 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2194 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002195 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002196
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002197clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2198 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2199 |:match| commands.
2200
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002201 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002202col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002203 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2204 . the cursor position
2205 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2206 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2207 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2208 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002209 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2210 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002211 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002212 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002213 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002214 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002215 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2216 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2217 Examples: >
2218 col(".") column of cursor
2219 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2220 col("'t") column of mark t
2221 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002222< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002223 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2224 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002225 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2226 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2227 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2228 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2229 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2230 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2231 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2232<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002233
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002234complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2235 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2236 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002237 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2238 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002239 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2240 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2241 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2242 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2243 match.
2244 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2245 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2246 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2247 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2248 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2249 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2250 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2251 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002252 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002253
2254 func! ListMonths()
2255 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2256 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2257 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2258 return ''
2259 endfunc
2260< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2261 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2262
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002263complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2264 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2265 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2266 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2267 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2268 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002269 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002270 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002271
2272complete_check() *complete_check()*
2273 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2274 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2275 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2276 zero otherwise.
2277 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2278 'completefunc' option.
2279
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002280 *confirm()*
2281confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2282 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2283 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2284 choice this is 1.
2285 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2286 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2287 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2288 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2289 used (and translated).
2290 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2291 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2292 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2293 by '\n', e.g. >
2294 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2295< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2296 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2297 not need to be the first letter: >
2298 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2299< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2300 the default shortcut key.
2301 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2302 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2303 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2304 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002305 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002306 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2307 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2308 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2309 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2310 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2311 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2312
2313 An example: >
2314 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2315 :if choice == 0
2316 : echo "make up your mind!"
2317 :elseif choice == 3
2318 : echo "tasteful"
2319 :else
2320 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2321 :endif
2322< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2323 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002324 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002325 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2326 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2327 the horizontal layout is always used.
2328
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002329 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002330copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002331 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002332 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2333 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002334 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2335 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002336 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002337
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002338cos({expr}) *cos()*
2339 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2340 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2341 Examples: >
2342 :echo cos(100)
2343< 0.862319 >
2344 :echo cos(-4.01)
2345< -0.646043
2346 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2347
2348
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002349count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002350 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002351 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002352 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002353 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002354 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2355
2356
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002357 *cscope_connection()*
2358cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2359 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2360 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2361 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2362 if there are no cscope connections;
2363 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2364
2365 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2366 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2367
2368 {num} Description of existence check
2369 ----- ------------------------------
2370 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2371 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2372 {dbpath}.
2373 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2374 {dbpath}.
2375 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2376 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2377 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2378 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2379
2380 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2381
2382 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2383
2384 # pid database name prepend path
2385 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2386<
2387 Invocation Return Val ~
2388 ---------- ---------- >
2389 cscope_connection() 1
2390 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2391 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2392 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2393 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2394 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2395 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2396 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2397<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002398cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2399cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002400 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2401 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002402 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002403 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2404 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002405 Does not change the jumplist.
2406 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2407 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2408 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002409 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002410 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2411 line.
2412 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002413 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2414 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002415 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002416
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002417
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002418deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002419 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002420 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002421 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2422 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002423 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002424 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002425 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2426 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2427 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2428 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2429 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2430 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002431 *E724*
2432 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002433 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2434 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002435 Also see |copy()|.
2436
2437delete({fname}) *delete()*
2438 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002439 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2440 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002441 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002442
2443 *did_filetype()*
2444did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2445 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2446 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2447 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2448 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2449 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2450 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2451 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2452 file.
2453
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002454diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2455 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2456 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2457 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2458 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2459 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2460 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2461 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2462
2463diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2464 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2465 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2466 diff change zero is returned.
2467 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2468 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2469 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2470 line.
2471 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2472 syntax information about the highlighting.
2473
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002474empty({expr}) *empty()*
2475 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002476 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002477 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002478 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2479 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002480
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002481escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2482 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2483 backslash. Example: >
2484 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2485< results in: >
2486 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002487< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002488
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002489 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002490eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2491 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002492 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2493 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2494 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002495
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002496eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2497 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2498 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2499 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2500 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2501
2502executable({expr}) *executable()*
2503 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2504 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002505 arguments.
2506 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2507 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2508 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2509 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002510 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2511 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002512 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002513 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002514 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2515 extension.
2516 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2517 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002518 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2519 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2520 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002521 The result is a Number:
2522 1 exists
2523 0 does not exist
2524 -1 not implemented on this system
2525
2526 *exists()*
2527exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2528 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2529 which contains one of these:
2530 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2531 not if it really works)
2532 +option-name Vim option that works.
2533 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2534 done by comparing with an empty
2535 string)
2536 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2537 or user defined function (see
2538 |user-functions|).
2539 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002540 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002541 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2542 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002543 that evaluating an index may cause an
2544 error message for an invalid
2545 expression. E.g.: >
2546 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2547 :echo exists("l[5]")
2548< 0 >
2549 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2550< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2551 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002552 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2553 command or command modifier |:command|.
2554 Returns:
2555 1 for match with start of a command
2556 2 full match with a command
2557 3 matches several user commands
2558 To check for a supported command
2559 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002560 :2match The |:2match| command.
2561 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002562 #event autocommand defined for this event
2563 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2564 pattern (the pattern is taken
2565 literally and compared to the
2566 autocommand patterns character by
2567 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002568 #group autocommand group exists
2569 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2570 event.
2571 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002572 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002573 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002574 ##event autocommand for this event is
2575 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002576 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2577
2578 Examples: >
2579 exists("&shortname")
2580 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2581 exists("*strftime")
2582 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2583 exists("bufcount")
2584 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002585 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002586 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002587 exists("#filetypeindent")
2588 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2589 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002590 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002591< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2592 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002593 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2594 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2595 the future, thus don't count on it!
2596 Working example: >
2597 exists(":make")
2598< NOT working example: >
2599 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002600
2601< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2602 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002603 exists(bufcount)
2604< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002605 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002606
2607expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2608 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2609 The result is a String.
2610
2611 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2612 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2613 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2614
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002615 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002616 for a non-existing file is not included.
2617
2618 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2619 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2620 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2621
2622 % current file name
2623 # alternate file name
2624 #n alternate file name n
2625 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2626 <afile> autocmd file name
2627 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2628 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2629 <sfile> sourced script file name
2630 <cword> word under the cursor
2631 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2632 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2633 message |server2client()|
2634 Modifiers:
2635 :p expand to full path
2636 :h head (last path component removed)
2637 :t tail (last path component only)
2638 :r root (one extension removed)
2639 :e extension only
2640
2641 Example: >
2642 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2643< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2644 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2645 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2646< Use this: >
2647 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2648< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2649 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2650 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2651 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2652 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2653<
2654 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2655 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2656 to modify normal file names.
2657
2658 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2659 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2660 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2661 '/' added.
2662
2663 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2664 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2665 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2666 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002667 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2668 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2669 files in the current directory and below: >
2670 :echo expand("**/README")
2671<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002672 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2673 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002674 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002675 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002676 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002677 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2678 "$FOOBAR".
2679
2680 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2681 getting the raw output of an external command.
2682
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002683extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002684 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2685 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002686
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002687 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002688 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2689 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2690 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2691 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002692 Examples: >
2693 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2694 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002695< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2696 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2697 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2698 (where N is the original length of the List).
2699 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002700 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002701 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002702<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002703 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002704 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2705 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2706 used to decide what to do:
2707 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2708 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002709 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002710 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2711
2712 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2713 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2714 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2715 Returns {expr1}.
2716
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002717
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002718feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2719 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002720 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002721 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002722 being executed these characters come after them.
2723 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2724 {string}.
2725 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2726 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002727 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002728 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2729 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2730 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002731 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2732 'n' Do not remap keys.
2733 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2734 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2735 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002736 Return value is always 0.
2737
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002738filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2739 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2740 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2741 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2742 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002743 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2744 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002745 *file_readable()*
2746 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2747
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002748
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002749filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2750 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2751 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002752 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002753 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2754
2755
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002756filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002757 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002758 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002759 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002760 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002761 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002762 Examples: >
2763 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2764< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2765 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2766< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2767 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002768< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002769
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002770 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2771 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2772 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2773
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002774 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2775 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002776 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002777
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002778< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002779 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2780 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002781
2782
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002783finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002784 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2785 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2786 for the syntax of {path}.
2787 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2788 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2789 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002790 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2791 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002792 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002793 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002794 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002795 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2796
2797findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2798 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002799 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2800 Example: >
2801 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002802< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2803 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002804
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002805float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2806 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2807 decimal point.
2808 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2809 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2810 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2811 in -0x80000000.
2812 Examples: >
2813 echo float2nr(3.95)
2814< 3 >
2815 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2816< -23 >
2817 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2818< 2147483647 >
2819 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2820< -2147483647 >
2821 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2822< 0
2823 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2824
2825
2826floor({expr}) *floor()*
2827 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2828 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2829 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2830 Examples: >
2831 echo floor(1.856)
2832< 1.0 >
2833 echo floor(-5.456)
2834< -6.0 >
2835 echo floor(4.0)
2836< 4.0
2837 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2838
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002839fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002840 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002841 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2842 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002843 For most systems the characters escaped are
2844 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2845 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002846 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2847 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002848 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002849 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002850 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2851< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002852 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002853
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002854fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2855 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2856 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2857 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2858 Example: >
2859 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2860< results in: >
2861 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002862< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002863 |expand()| first then.
2864
2865foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2866 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2867 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2868 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2869
2870foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2871 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2872 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2873 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2874
2875foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2876 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002877 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002878 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2879 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2880 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2881 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2882 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2883 previous line is usually available.
2884
2885 *foldtext()*
2886foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2887 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2888 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2889 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2890 The returned string looks like this: >
2891 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002892< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002893 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2894 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2895 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2896 options is removed.
2897 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2898
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002899foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2900 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2901 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2902 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2903 returned.
2904 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2905 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2906 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2907 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2908
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002909 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002910foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002911 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2912 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2913 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2914 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2915 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2916 Win32 console version}
2917
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002918
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002919function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002920 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002921 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2922
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002923
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002924garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002925 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002926 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2927 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2928 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2929 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2930 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002931 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2932 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2933 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002934 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
2935 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
2936 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002937
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002938get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002939 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002940 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2941 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002942get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002943 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002944 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2945 {default} is omitted.
2946
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002947 *getbufline()*
2948getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002949 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2950 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2951 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002952
2953 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2954
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002955 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2956 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002957
2958 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002959 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002960
2961 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2962 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002963 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002964 returned.
2965
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002966 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002967 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002968
2969 Example: >
2970 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002971
2972getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2973 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2974 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2975 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002976 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
2977 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002978 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2979 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2980 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002981 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2982 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2983 returned, there is no error message.
2984 Examples: >
2985 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2986 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2987<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002988getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002989 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002990 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2991 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002992 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002993 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002994 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
2995
2996 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
2997 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
2998 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2999 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3000 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003001 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3002 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3003 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3004 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003005
3006 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003007 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3008 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003009
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003010 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3011 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3012 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3013 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3014 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003015 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003016 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3017 exe v:mouse_lnum
3018 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3019 endif
3020<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003021 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3022 user that a character has to be typed.
3023 There is no mapping for the character.
3024 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3025 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3026 sequence. Examples: >
3027 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3028 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3029< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3030 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3031 :function FindChar()
3032 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3033 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3034 : normal l
3035 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3036 : break
3037 : endif
3038 : endwhile
3039 :endfunction
3040
3041getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3042 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3043 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3044 These values are added together:
3045 2 shift
3046 4 control
3047 8 alt (meta)
3048 16 mouse double click
3049 32 mouse triple click
3050 64 mouse quadruple click
3051 128 Macintosh only: command
3052 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003053 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003054 with no modifier.
3055
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003056getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3057 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3058 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3059 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3060 Example: >
3061 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003062< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003063
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003064getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003065 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3066 byte count. The first column is 1.
3067 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3068 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003069 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3070
3071getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3072 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3073 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003074 : normal Ex command
3075 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3076 / forward search command
3077 ? backward search command
3078 @ |input()| command
3079 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003080 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3081 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3082 otherwise.
3083 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003084
3085 *getcwd()*
3086getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3087 working directory.
3088
3089getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3090 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3091 given file {fname}.
3092 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3093 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003094 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3095 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003096
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003097getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3098 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3099 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3100 |hl-Normal|.
3101 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3102 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3103 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3104 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003105 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003106 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3107 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003108 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3109 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003110
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003111getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3112 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3113 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3114 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3115 empty string is returned.
3116 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3117 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3118 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3119 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3120 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3121 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3122< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3123 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003124
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003125getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3126 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3127 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3128 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3129 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3130 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3131
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003132getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3133 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3134 file of the given file {fname}.
3135 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3136 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3137 results:
3138 Normal file "file"
3139 Directory "dir"
3140 Symbolic link "link"
3141 Block device "bdev"
3142 Character device "cdev"
3143 Socket "socket"
3144 FIFO "fifo"
3145 All other "other"
3146 Example: >
3147 getftype("/home")
3148< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3149 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3150 "file" are returned.
3151
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003152 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003153getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3154 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3155 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003156 getline(1)
3157< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3158 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3159 To get the line under the cursor: >
3160 getline(".")
3161< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3162 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3163
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003164 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3165 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003166 including line {end}.
3167 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3168 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003169 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003170 Example: >
3171 :let start = line('.')
3172 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3173 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3174
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003175< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3176
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003177getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3178 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3179 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3180 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003181 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
3182 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003183
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003184getmatches() *getmatches()*
3185 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3186 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3187 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3188 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3189 Example: >
3190 :echo getmatches()
3191< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3192 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3193 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3194 :let m = getmatches()
3195 :call clearmatches()
3196 :echo getmatches()
3197< [] >
3198 :call setmatches(m)
3199 :echo getmatches()
3200< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3201 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3202 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3203 :unlet m
3204<
3205
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003206getqflist() *getqflist()*
3207 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3208 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3209 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3210 bufname() to get the name
3211 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3212 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003213 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3214 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003215 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003216 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003217 text description of the error
3218 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3219 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3220
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003221 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003222 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3223 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003224
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003225 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3226 do something with them: >
3227 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3228 :for d in getqflist()
3229 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3230 :endfor
3231
3232
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003233getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003234 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003235 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003236 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3237< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003238 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003239 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3240 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3241 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003242 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3243
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003244
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003245getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3246 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3247 The value will be one of:
3248 "v" for |characterwise| text
3249 "V" for |linewise| text
3250 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3251 0 for an empty or unknown register
3252 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3253 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3254
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003255gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003256 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3257 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3258 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3259 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003260 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3261 use |getwinvar()|.
3262 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3263 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3264 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3265 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003266 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3267 variables is returned.
3268 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003269 Examples: >
3270 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3271 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003272<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003273 *getwinposx()*
3274getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3275 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3276 -1 if the information is not available.
3277
3278 *getwinposy()*
3279getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003280 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003281 information is not available.
3282
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003283getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3284 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003285 Examples: >
3286 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3287 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3288<
3289 *glob()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003290glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
3291 use of special characters.
3292 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003293 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3294 characters.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003295 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
3296 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003297 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3298 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3299
3300 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3301 any external command. Example: >
3302 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3303 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3304< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003305 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003306
3307 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3308 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3309
3310globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
3311 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3312 the results. Example: >
3313 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3314< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3315 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
3316 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
3317 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3318 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3319 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3320 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3321 error message.
3322 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
3323 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
3324
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003325 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3326 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3327 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3328 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003329< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3330 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3331
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003332 *has()*
3333has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3334 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3335 string. See |feature-list| below.
3336 Also see |exists()|.
3337
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003338
3339has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003340 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3341 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003342
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003343haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3344 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003345 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003346
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003347hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003348 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3349 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3350 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3351 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003352 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003353 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3354 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003355 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3356 buffer are checked for a match.
3357 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3358 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3359 n Normal mode
3360 v Visual mode
3361 o Operator-pending mode
3362 i Insert mode
3363 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3364 c Command-line mode
3365 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3366
3367 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003368 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003369 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3370 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3371 :endif
3372< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3373 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3374
3375histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3376 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3377 one of: *hist-names*
3378 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3379 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003380 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003381 "input" or "@" input line history
3382 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3383 shifted to become the newest entry.
3384 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3385 otherwise 0 is returned.
3386
3387 Example: >
3388 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3389 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3390< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3391
3392histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003393 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003394 for the possible values of {history}.
3395
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003396 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3397 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3398 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003399 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003400 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3401 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3402 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003403
3404 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3405 otherwise 0 is returned.
3406
3407 Examples:
3408 Clear expression register history: >
3409 :call histdel("expr")
3410<
3411 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3412 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3413<
3414 The following three are equivalent: >
3415 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3416 :call histdel("search", -1)
3417 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3418<
3419 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3420 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3421 :call histdel("search", -1)
3422 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3423
3424histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3425 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3426 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3427 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3428 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3429 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3430
3431 Examples:
3432 Redo the second last search from history. >
3433 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3434
3435< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3436 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3437 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3438<
3439histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3440 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3441 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3442 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3443
3444 Example: >
3445 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3446<
3447hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3448 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3449 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3450 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3451 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3452 item.
3453 *highlight_exists()*
3454 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3455
3456 *hlID()*
3457hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3458 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3459 zero is returned.
3460 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003461 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003462 "Comment" group: >
3463 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3464< *highlightID()*
3465 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3466
3467hostname() *hostname()*
3468 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003469 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003470 256 characters long are truncated.
3471
3472iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3473 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3474 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3475 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3476 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3477 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3478 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3479 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3480 can be done.
3481 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3482 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3483 UTF-8 and use: >
3484 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3485< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3486 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3487 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3488 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3489
3490 *indent()*
3491indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3492 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3493 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3494 |getline()|.
3495 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3496
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003497
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003498index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003499 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003500 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003501 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3502 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003503 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3504 case must match.
3505 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3506 Example: >
3507 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003508 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003509
3510
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003511input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003512 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3513 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3514 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003515 prompt to start a new line.
3516 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3517 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003518 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003519 for lines typed for input().
3520 Example: >
3521 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3522 : echo "Cheers!"
3523 :endif
3524<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003525 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3526 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003527 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3528
3529< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3530 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003531 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003532 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003533 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003534 more information. Example: >
3535 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3536<
3537 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3538 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003539 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3540 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3541 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3542 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3543 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3544 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3545 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3546
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003547 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003548 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3549 :function GetFoo()
3550 : call inputsave()
3551 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3552 : call inputrestore()
3553 :endfunction
3554
3555inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3556 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3557 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3558 Example: >
3559 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3560 :if n != ""
3561 : let &sw = n
3562 :endif
3563< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3564 omitted an empty string is returned.
3565 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3566 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003567 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003568
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003569inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003570 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3571 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3572 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003573 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003574 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003575 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3576 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3577 is returned.
3578 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003579 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003580 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3581 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003582 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3583 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3584
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003585inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3586 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3587 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3588 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3589 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3590
3591inputsave() *inputsave()*
3592 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3593 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3594 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3595 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3596 many inputrestore() calls.
3597 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3598
3599inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3600 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3601 two exceptions:
3602 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3603 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3604 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3605 |history| stack.
3606 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3607 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003608 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003609
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003610insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003611 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003612 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003613 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003614 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3615 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003616 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003617 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3618 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3619 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003620< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003621 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003622 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003623
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003624isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3625 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3626 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3627 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3628 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3629
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003630islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003631 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3632 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003633 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3634 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003635 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3636 :lockvar 1 alist
3637 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3638 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3639
3640< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003641 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003642
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003643items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003644 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3645 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3646 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3647 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003648
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003649
3650join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3651 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3652 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3653 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3654 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3655 add it there too: >
3656 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003657< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003658 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3659 The opposite function is |split()|.
3660
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003661keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003662 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003663 arbitrary order.
3664
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003665 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003666len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3667 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3668 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003669 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003670 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003671 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3672 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003673 Otherwise an error is given.
3674
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003675 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3676libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3677 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3678 with single argument {argument}.
3679 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3680 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3681 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3682 limited.
3683 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3684 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3685 to Vim.
3686 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3687 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3688 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3689 null-terminated string.
3690 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3691
3692 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3693 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3694 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3695 very probably crash.
3696
3697 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3698 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3699 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3700 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3701 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3702 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3703 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3704 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3705 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3706 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3707
3708 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003709 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003710 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3711 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3712 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3713 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3714 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3715 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3716 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3717 feature is present}
3718 Examples: >
3719 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003720<
3721 *libcallnr()*
3722libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3723 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3724 int instead of a string.
3725 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3726 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003727 Examples: >
3728 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003729 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3730 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3731<
3732 *line()*
3733line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3734 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3735 . the cursor position
3736 $ the last line in the current buffer
3737 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3738 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003739 w0 first line visible in current window
3740 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003741 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3742 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3743 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3744 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003745 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3746 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003747 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3748 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003749 Examples: >
3750 line(".") line number of the cursor
3751 line("'t") line number of mark t
3752 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3753< *last-position-jump*
3754 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3755 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003756 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003757
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003758line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3759 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3760 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3761 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3762 line returns 1.
3763 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3764 below the last line: >
3765 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3766< This is the file size plus one.
3767 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3768 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3769 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3770
3771lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3772 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3773 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3774 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3775 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3776 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3777 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3778
3779localtime() *localtime()*
3780 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3781 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3782
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003783
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003784log10({expr}) *log10()*
3785 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3786 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3787 Examples: >
3788 :echo log10(1000)
3789< 3.0 >
3790 :echo log10(0.01)
3791< -2.0
3792 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3793
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003794map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003795 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003796 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3797 {string}.
3798 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003799 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003800 Example: >
3801 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003802< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003803
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003804 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003805 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003806 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3807 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003808
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003809 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3810 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003811 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003812
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003813< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003814 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3815 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003816
3817
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003818maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003819 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3820 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003821 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003822 "n" Normal
3823 "v" Visual
3824 "o" Operator-pending
3825 "i" Insert
3826 "c" Cmd-line
3827 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3828 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003829 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003830 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3831 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003832 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3833 command. The returned String has special characters
3834 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3835 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3836 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003837 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3838 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3839 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3840
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003841
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003842mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003843 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3844 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3845 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003846 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3847 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003848 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3849 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3850
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003851 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003852 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3853 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3854 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3855 mapcheck("b") no no no
3856
3857 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3858 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3859 mapping for {name} exactly.
3860 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3861 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3862 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3863 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3864 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3865 then the global mappings.
3866 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3867 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3868 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3869 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3870 :endif
3871< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3872 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3873
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003874match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003875 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3876 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003877 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003878 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003879 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3880 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003881 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003882 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3883 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003884 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003885 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003886< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003887 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003888 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003889 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3890< *strcasestr()*
3891 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3892 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3893 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3894<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003895 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003896 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003897 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003898 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003899 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3900< result is again "4". >
3901 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3902< result is again "4". >
3903 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3904< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003905 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003906 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3907 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3908 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3909 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003910 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3911 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003912 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3913 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003914
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003915 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003916 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003917 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3918 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3919< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003920 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3921 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003922
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003923 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3924 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003925 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003926 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3927
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003928 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
3929matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
3930 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
3931 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
3932 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
3933 match using |matchdelete()|.
3934
3935 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003936 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003937 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
3938 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
3939 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
3940 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
3941 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
3942 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
3943 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
3944 always overrule syntax highlighting.
3945
3946 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
3947 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
3948 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
3949 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
3950 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
3951 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
3952 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
3953
3954 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
3955 the |:match| commands.
3956
3957 Example: >
3958 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
3959 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
3960< Deletion of the pattern: >
3961 :call matchdelete(m)
3962
3963< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003964 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003965 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003966
3967matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003968 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003969 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3970 Return a |List| with two elements:
3971 The name of the highlight group used
3972 The pattern used.
3973 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3974 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003975 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
3976 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
3977 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003978
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003979matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
3980 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003981 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003982 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
3983 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003984
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003985matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003986 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3987 the match. Example: >
3988 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3989< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003990 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3991 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3992 do it with matchend(): >
3993 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3994 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3995< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3996
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003997 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3998 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3999< results in "7". >
4000 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4001< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004002 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004003
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004004matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004005 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004006 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4007 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004008 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4009 empty string is used. Example: >
4010 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4011< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004012 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4013
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004014matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004015 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004016 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4017< results in "ing".
4018 When there is no match "" is returned.
4019 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
4020 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4021< results in "ing". >
4022 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4023< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004024 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004025 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004026
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004027 *max()*
4028max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4029 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4030 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004031 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004032
4033 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004034min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004035 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4036 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004037 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004038
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004039 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004040mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4041 Create directory {name}.
4042 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4043 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4044 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4045 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004046 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004047 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4048 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4049 with 0755.
4050 Example: >
4051 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4052< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004053 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4054 :if exists("*mkdir")
4055<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004056 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004057mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004058 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4059 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4060 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4061 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004062
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004063 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004064 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004065 v Visual by character
4066 V Visual by line
4067 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4068 s Select by character
4069 S Select by line
4070 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4071 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004072 R Replace |R|
4073 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004074 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004075 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4076 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004077 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004078 rm The -- more -- prompt
4079 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4080 ! Shell or external command is executing
4081 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4082 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4083 "c" or "n".
4084 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004085
4086nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4087 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4088 that is not blank. Example: >
4089 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4090< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4091 below it, zero is returned.
4092 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4093
4094nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4095 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4096 value {expr}. Examples: >
4097 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4098 nr2char(32) returns " "
4099< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4100 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4101< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4102 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4103 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004104 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004105
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004106 *getpid()*
4107getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004108 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4109 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004110
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004111 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004112getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4113 see |line()|.
4114 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4115 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4116 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4117 is the buffer number of the mark.
4118 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4119 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004120 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4121 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004122 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004123 character.
4124 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4125 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4126 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004127 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004128< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004129
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004130pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4131 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4132 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4133 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4134 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4135 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4136< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4137 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4138
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004139pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4140 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4141 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4142 Examples: >
4143 :echo pow(3, 3)
4144< 27.0 >
4145 :echo pow(2, 16)
4146< 65536.0 >
4147 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4148< 2.0
4149 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4150
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004151prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4152 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4153 that is not blank. Example: >
4154 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4155< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4156 above it, zero is returned.
4157 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4158
4159
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004160printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4161 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4162 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004163 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004164< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004165 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004166
4167 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004168 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004169 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004170 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4171 %c single byte
4172 %d decimal number
4173 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4174 %x hex number
4175 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4176 %X hex number using upper case letters
4177 %o octal number
4178 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4179 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4180 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4181 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4182 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4183 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004184
4185 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4186 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4187 the result.
4188
4189 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004190 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004191
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004192 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004193
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004194 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004195 Zero or more of the following flags:
4196
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004197 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4198 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4199 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4200 of the number is increased to force the first
4201 character of the output string to a zero (except
4202 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4203 precision of zero).
4204 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4205 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4206 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004207
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004208 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4209 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4210 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4211 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4212 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004213
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004214 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4215 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4216 The converted value is padded on the right with
4217 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4218 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004219
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004220 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4221 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004222
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004223 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004224 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004225 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004226
4227 field-width
4228 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004229 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4230 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4231 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4232 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004233
4234 .precision
4235 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4236 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4237 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4238 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4239 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004240 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004241 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4242 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004243
4244 type
4245 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4246 be applied, see below.
4247
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004248 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4249 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004250 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004251 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4252 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4253 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004254 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004255< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004256 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004257
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004258 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004259
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004260 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4261 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004262 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4263 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4264 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004265 conversions.
4266 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4267 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4268 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4269 zeros.
4270 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4271 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4272 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4273 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4274
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004275 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004276 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4277 resulting character is written.
4278
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004279 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004280 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4281 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4282 specified are used.
4283
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004284 *printf-f* *E807*
4285 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4286 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4287 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4288 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4289 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4290 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4291 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4292 Example: >
4293 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4294< 12.12
4295 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4296 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4297
4298 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4299 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4300 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4301 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4302 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4303
4304 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4305 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4306 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4307 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4308 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4309 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4310 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4311 results in 1.0e7.
4312
4313 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004314 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4315 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004316
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004317 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4318 accepted and automatically converted.
4319 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4320 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4321 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004322
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004323 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004324 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4325 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004326 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004327
4328
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004329pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4330 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4331 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004332 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4333 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004334
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004335 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004336range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004337 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004338 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4339 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4340 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4341 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4342 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004343 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4344 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4345 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004346 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004347 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004348 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4349 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004350 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004351 range(0) " []
4352 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004353<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004354 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004355readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004356 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4357 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004358 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4359 NL appears somewhere).
4360 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4361 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4362 added.
4363 - No CR characters are removed.
4364 Otherwise:
4365 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4366 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
4367 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004368 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4369 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4370 lines of a file: >
4371 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4372 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4373 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004374< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4375 are returned, or as many as there are.
4376 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004377 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4378 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4379 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004380 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4381 the result is an empty list.
4382 Also see |writefile()|.
4383
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004384reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4385 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4386 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4387 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4388 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4389 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4390 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004391 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004392 and {end}.
4393 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4394 reltime().
4395 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4396
4397reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4398 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4399 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4400 microseconds. Example: >
4401 let start = reltime()
4402 call MyFunction()
4403 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4404< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4405 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004406 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4407 can use split() to remove it. >
4408 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4409< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004410 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4411
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004412 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4413remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004414 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004415 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004416 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4417 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4418 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004419 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4420 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4421 remote_read() is stored there.
4422 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4423 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4424 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4425 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4426 and the result will be the empty string.
4427 Examples: >
4428 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4429 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4430<
4431
4432remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4433 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4434 This works like: >
4435 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4436< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4437 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4438 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004439 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4440 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004441 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4442 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4443 Win32 console version}
4444
4445
4446remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4447 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4448 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004449 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004450 name of a variable.
4451 Returns zero if none are available.
4452 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4453 See also |clientserver|.
4454 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4455 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4456 Examples: >
4457 :let repl = ""
4458 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4459
4460remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4461 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4462 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4463 See also |clientserver|.
4464 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4465 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4466 Example: >
4467 :echo remote_read(id)
4468<
4469 *remote_send()* *E241*
4470remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004471 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004472 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4473 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004474 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4475 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4476 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004477 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4478 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4479 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4480 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4481 up the display.
4482 Examples: >
4483 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4484 \ remote_read(serverid)
4485
4486 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4487 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4488 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4489 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004490<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004491remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004492 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004493 return it.
4494 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
4495 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
4496 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4497 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4498 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004499 Example: >
4500 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004501 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004502remove({dict}, {key})
4503 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4504 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4505< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4506
4507 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004508
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004509rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4510 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4511 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4512 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4513 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
4514 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4515
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004516repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4517 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4518 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004519 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004520< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004521 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004522 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004523 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4524< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004525
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004526
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004527resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4528 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4529 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4530 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4531 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4532 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4533 stopped after 100 iterations.
4534 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4535 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4536 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4537 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4538 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4539
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004540 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004541reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004542 {list}.
4543 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4544 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4545
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004546round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004547 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004548 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4549 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4550 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4551 Examples: >
4552 echo round(0.456)
4553< 0.0 >
4554 echo round(4.5)
4555< 5.0 >
4556 echo round(-4.5)
4557< -5.0
4558 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4559
4560
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004561search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004562 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004563 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004564
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004565 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4566 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004567 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004568 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004569 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004570 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4571 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004572 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4573 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4574 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4575
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004576 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4577 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4578 flag.
4579
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004580 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4581
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004582 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4583 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4584 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4585 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4586 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4587< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4588 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004589 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4590
4591 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004592 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004593 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4594 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4595 giving the argument.
4596 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004597
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004598 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4599 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004600 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4601 *search()-sub-match*
4602 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4603 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4604 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004605 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004606
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004607 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4608 flag is used.
4609
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004610 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4611 :let n = 1
4612 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4613 : exe "argument " . n
4614 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4615 : " first search to find match at start of file
4616 : normal G$
4617 : let flags = "w"
4618 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004619 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004620 : let flags = "W"
4621 : endwhile
4622 : update " write the file if modified
4623 : let n = n + 1
4624 :endwhile
4625<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004626 Example for using some flags: >
4627 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4628< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4629 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4630 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4631 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4632 line:
4633 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4634 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4635 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4636 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4637 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4638
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004639
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004640searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4641 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004642
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004643 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4644 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4645 first match in the function.
4646
4647 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4648 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4649 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4650
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004651 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4652 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4653 Example: >
4654 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4655 echo getline('.')
4656 endif
4657<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004658 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004659searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4660 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004661 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4662 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4663 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004664 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4665 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4666 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4667 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4668 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4669 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004670
4671 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4672 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4673 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4674 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4675 typical use is: >
4676 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4677< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4678
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004679 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4680 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004681 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004682 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4683 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004684 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004685 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4686 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004687
4688 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4689 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4690 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4691 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4692 or a string.
4693 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4694 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4695 and -1 returned.
4696
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004697 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004698
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004699 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4700 patterns are used like it's on.
4701
4702 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4703 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4704 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4705 if 1
4706 if 2
4707 endif 2
4708 endif 1
4709< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4710 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4711 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004712 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004713 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4714 "endif 2".
4715 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4716 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4717 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4718 the matching start.
4719
4720 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4721
4722 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4723 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4724
4725< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4726 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4727 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4728 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4729 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4730 match.
4731 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4732
4733 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4734
4735< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4736 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4737 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4738
4739 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4740 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4741<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004742 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004743searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4744 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004745 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4746 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4747 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004748 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4749 returns [0, 0].
4750>
4751 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4752<
4753 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4754
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004755searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004756 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004757 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4758 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4759 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4760 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004761 Example: >
4762 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4763
4764< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4765 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4766 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4767< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4768 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4769
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004770server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4771 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4772 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4773 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4774 Note:
4775 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004776 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004777 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4778 See also |clientserver|.
4779 Example: >
4780 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4781<
4782serverlist() *serverlist()*
4783 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4784 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4785 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4786 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4787 Example: >
4788 :echo serverlist()
4789<
4790setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4791 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4792 {val}.
4793 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4794 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4795 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4796 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4797 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4798 Examples: >
4799 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4800 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4801< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4802
4803setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4804 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004805 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004806 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4807 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004808 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4809 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4810 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4811 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4812 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004813 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4814 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4815 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4816 line.
4817
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004818setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
4819 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004820 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004821 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004822 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004823 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4824 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004825 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004826< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004827 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4828 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4829< This is equivalent to: >
4830 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4831 : call setline(n, l)
4832 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004833< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4834
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004835setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4836 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4837 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004838 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4839 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004840 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
4841 Also see |location-list|.
4842
4843setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
4844 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004845 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004846 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004847
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004848 *setpos()*
4849setpos({expr}, {list})
4850 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4851 . the cursor
4852 'x mark x
4853
4854 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4855 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4856
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004857 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004858 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004859 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4860 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4861 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004862 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004863
4864 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4865 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4866
4867 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4868 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004869 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004870 character.
4871
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00004872 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
4873 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
4874
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004875 Also see |getpos()|
4876
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004877 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
4878 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
4879
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004880
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004881setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004882 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4883 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4884 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4885 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004886
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004887 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004888 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004889 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004890 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004891 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004892 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004893 col column number
4894 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004895 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004896 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004897 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004898 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004899
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004900 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4901 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4902 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004903 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
4904 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
4905 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004906 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4907 be used.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004908 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
4909 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004910
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004911 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4912 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4913 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4914 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4915 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4916 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4917
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004918 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4919
4920 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4921 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4922 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4923
4924
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004925 *setreg()*
4926setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4927 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4928 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4929 then the value is appended.
4930 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4931 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4932 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4933 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4934 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4935 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4936 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004937 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004938
4939 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4940 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4941 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4942 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4943
4944 Examples: >
4945 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4946 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4947 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4948
4949< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4950 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004951 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004952 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4953 ....
4954 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4955
4956< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4957 nothing: >
4958 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4959
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004960settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4961 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4962 {val}.
4963 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4964 use |setwinvar()|.
4965 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004966 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4967 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4968 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4969 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004970 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4971 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4972 Examples: >
4973 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4974 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4975< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4976
4977setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4978 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004979 Examples: >
4980 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4981 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004982
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004983shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00004984 Escape {string} for use as shell command argument.
4985 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004986 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00004987 quotes within {string}.
4988 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
4989 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004990 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
4991 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00004992 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
4993 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004994 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00004995 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
4996 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
4997 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
4998 even when inside single quotes.
4999 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5000 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5001 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005002 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5003 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5004< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5005 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5006 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005007
5008
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005009simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5010 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5011 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5012 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5013 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5014 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5015 not removed either.
5016 Example: >
5017 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5018< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5019 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5020 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5021 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5022 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5023
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005024
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005025sin({expr}) *sin()*
5026 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5027 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5028 Examples: >
5029 :echo sin(100)
5030< -0.506366 >
5031 :echo sin(-4.01)
5032< 0.763301
5033 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5034
5035
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005036sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005037 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5038 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5039 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5040< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005041 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005042 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005043 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005044 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5045 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005046 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
5047 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
5048 sorts before the second one. Example: >
5049 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5050 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5051 endfunc
5052 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005053<
5054
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005055 *soundfold()*
5056soundfold({word})
5057 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005058 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005059 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5060 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005061 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5062 the method can be quite slow.
5063
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005064 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005065spellbadword([{sentence}])
5066 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5067 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5068 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5069 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5070
5071 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5072 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5073 result is an empty string.
5074
5075 The return value is a list with two items:
5076 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5077 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005078 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005079 "rare" rare word
5080 "local" word only valid in another region
5081 "caps" word should start with Capital
5082 Example: >
5083 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5084< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5085
5086 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5087 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5088 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005089
5090 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005091spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005092 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005093 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5094 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5095
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005096 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5097 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5098 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5099
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005100 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5101 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005102 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5103 replace a line.
5104
5105 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005106 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5107 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005108
5109 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005110 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5111 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005112
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005113
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005114split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005115 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5116 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5117 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005118 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005119 removing the matched characters.
5120 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5121 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005122 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5123 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005124 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005125 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005126< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005127 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005128< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5129 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5130< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005131 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5132 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5133< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005134
5135
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005136sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5137 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5138 |Float|.
5139 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5140 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5141 Examples: >
5142 :echo sqrt(100)
5143< 10.0 >
5144 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5145< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005146 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005147 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5148
5149
5150str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5151 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5152 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5153 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5154 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5155 write "1.0e40".
5156 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5157 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5158 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5159 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5160 |substitute()|: >
5161 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5162< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5163
5164
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005165str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5166 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5167 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5168 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5169 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5170 with the default String to Number conversion.
5171 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5172 different base the result will be zero.
5173 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005174
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005175
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005176strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5177 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5178 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5179 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5180 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5181 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5182 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5183 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5184 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5185 Examples: >
5186 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5187 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5188 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5189 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5190 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5191 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005192< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5193 :if exists("*strftime")
5194
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005195stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5196 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5197 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005198 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5199 This can be used to find a second match: >
5200 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
5201 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
5202< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005203 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005204 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005205 See also |strridx()|.
5206 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005207 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5208 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5209 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005210< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005211 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5212 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5213
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005214 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005215string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005216 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5217 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005218 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005219 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005220 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005221 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005222 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005223 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005224 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005225 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005226 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005227
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005228 *strlen()*
5229strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005230 {expr} in bytes.
5231 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5232 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005233
5234 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005235<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005236 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5237 For other types an error is given.
5238 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005239
5240strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5241 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005242 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005243 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5244 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5245 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5246 end of the {src}. >
5247 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5248 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5249 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005250 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005251< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5252 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005253 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005254<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005255strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5256 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5257 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5258 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5259 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5260 match: >
5261 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5262 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5263< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005264 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5265 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005266 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005267 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005268 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005269< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005270 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5271 function strrchr().
5272
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005273strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5274 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5275 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5276 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5277 echo strtrans(@a)
5278< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5279 starting a new line.
5280
5281submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
5282 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
5283 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
5284 the whole matched text is returned.
5285 Example: >
5286 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5287< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5288 A line break is included as a newline character.
5289
5290substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5291 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
5292 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
5293 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
5294 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
5295 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005296 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005297 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5298 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
5299 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005300 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005301 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
5302 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5303 unmodified.
5304 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5305 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5306 Example: >
5307 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5308< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5309 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5310< results in "TESTING".
5311
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005312synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005313 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005314 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005315 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5316 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005317
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005318 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005319 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5320
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005321 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005322 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005323 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5324 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5325 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5326 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5327 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5328
5329 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5330 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5331<
5332synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5333 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5334 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5335 about a syntax item.
5336 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005337 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005338 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5339 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5340 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5341 {what} result
5342 "name" the name of the syntax item
5343 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5344 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5345 term: empty string)
5346 "bg" background color (like "fg")
5347 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5348 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5349 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
5350 "bold" "1" if bold
5351 "italic" "1" if italic
5352 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5353 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
5354 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005355 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005356
5357 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5358 cursor): >
5359 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5360<
5361synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5362 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5363 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5364 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5365 ":highlight link" are followed.
5366
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005367synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5368 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5369 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5370 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005371 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5372 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5373 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5374 transparent item.
5375 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5376 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5377 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5378 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5379 endfor
5380
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005381system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5382 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5383 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5384 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5385 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005386 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005387 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5388 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5389 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5390 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005391 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005392
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005393 The result is a String. Example: >
5394 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005395
5396< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5397 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5398 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5399 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5400 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5401 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5402 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5403 concatenated commands.
5404
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005405 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5406 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5407
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005408 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5409 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005410
5411 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5412 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5413 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005414 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5415 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5416
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005417
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005418tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005419 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005420 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5421 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5422 omitted the current tab page is used.
5423 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5424 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5425 tablist = []
5426 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5427 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5428 endfor
5429< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5430
5431
5432tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005433 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5434 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5435 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5436 page is returned (the tab page count).
5437 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5438
5439
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005440tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
5441 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
5442 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5443 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5444 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5445 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5446 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5447 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5448 Useful examples: >
5449 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5450 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5451< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5452
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005453 *tagfiles()*
5454tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5455 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5456
5457
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005458taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5459 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005460 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5461 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005462 name Name of the tag.
5463 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005464 defined. It is either relative to the
5465 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005466 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5467 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005468 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005469 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005470 kind values. Only available when
5471 using a tags file generated by
5472 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005473 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005474 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005475 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5476 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5477 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5478 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5479 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5480 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005481
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005482 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5483 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005484
5485 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5486
5487 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5488 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5489 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5490
5491 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5492 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5493 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5494
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005495tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5496 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005497 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005498 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5499 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5500 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
5501< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
5502 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
5503 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
5504 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
5505 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5506 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5507
5508tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5509 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5510 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5511 the string).
5512
5513toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5514 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5515 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5516 the string).
5517
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005518tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5519 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5520 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5521 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5522 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5523 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5524 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5525
5526 Examples: >
5527 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5528< returns "Hello THere" >
5529 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5530< returns "{blob}"
5531
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005532trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005533 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005534 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5535 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5536 Examples: >
5537 echo trunc(1.456)
5538< 1.0 >
5539 echo trunc(-5.456)
5540< -5.0 >
5541 echo trunc(4.0)
5542< 4.0
5543 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5544
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005545 *type()*
5546type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005547 Number: 0
5548 String: 1
5549 Funcref: 2
5550 List: 3
5551 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005552 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005553 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005554 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5555 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5556 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5557 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005558 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005559 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005560
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005561values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005562 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005563 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005564
5565
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005566virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5567 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5568 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5569 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5570 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5571 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5572 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5573 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005574 For the byte position use |col()|.
5575 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5576 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005577 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005578 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005579 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005580 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5581 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5582 The accepted positions are:
5583 . the cursor position
5584 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5585 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5586 plus one)
5587 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5588 returned)
5589 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5590 Examples: >
5591 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5592 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005593 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5594< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005595 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5596 all lines: >
5597 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5598
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005599
5600visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5601 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005602 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5603 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5604 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5605 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5606 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005607 Example: >
5608 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5609< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5610 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5611 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005612 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
5613 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005614 *non-zero-arg*
5615 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
5616 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005617 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005618 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
5619 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
5620 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005621
5622 *winbufnr()*
5623winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005624 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005625 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5626 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5627 Example: >
5628 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5629<
5630 *wincol()*
5631wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5632 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5633 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5634
5635winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5636 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5637 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5638 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5639 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5640 Examples: >
5641 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5642<
5643 *winline()*
5644winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005645 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005646 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005647 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5648 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005649
5650 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005651winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5652 window. The top window has number 1.
5653 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005654 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005655 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5656 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005657 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
5658 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005659 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5660 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005661 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005662
5663 *winrestcmd()*
5664winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5665 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005666 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5667 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005668 Example: >
5669 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5670 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5671 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005672<
5673 *winrestview()*
5674winrestview({dict})
5675 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5676 the view of the current window.
5677 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5678 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5679
5680 *winsaveview()*
5681winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5682 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5683 restore the view.
5684 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5685 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5686 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005687 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5688 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005689 The return value includes:
5690 lnum cursor line number
5691 col cursor column
5692 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5693 curswant column for vertical movement
5694 topline first line in the window
5695 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5696 leftcol first column displayed
5697 skipcol columns skipped
5698 Note that no option values are saved.
5699
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005700
5701winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5702 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5703 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5704 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5705 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5706 Examples: >
5707 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5708 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5709 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5710 :endif
5711<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005712 *writefile()*
5713writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005714 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005715 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5716 Number.
5717 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5718 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5719 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5720 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5721 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5722 to writefile().
5723 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5724 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5725 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5726 fails.
5727 Also see |readfile()|.
5728 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5729 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5730 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5731<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005732
5733 *feature-list*
5734There are three types of features:
57351. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5736 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5737 :if has("cindent")
57382. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5739 Example: >
5740 :if has("gui_running")
5741< *has-patch*
57423. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5743 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5744 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5745 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005746< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
5747 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005748
5749all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5750amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5751arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5752arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005753autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005754balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005755balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005756beos BeOS version of Vim.
5757browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5758 work.
5759builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5760byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5761cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5762clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5763clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5764cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5765cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5766cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5767comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5768cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5769cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5770compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5771debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5772dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5773dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5774diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5775digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5776dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5777dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5778dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5779ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5780emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5781eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5782 true, of course!
5783ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5784extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5785 |'hlsearch'|
5786farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5787file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005788filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5789 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005790find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5791 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005792float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005793fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5794 Windows this is not present).
5795folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5796footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5797fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5798gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5799gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5800gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005801gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5802gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005803gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005804gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5805gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5806gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5807gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5808gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5809gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5810hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5811iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5812insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5813 Insert mode.
5814jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5815keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5816langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5817libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5818linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5819 support.
5820lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5821listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5822 and the argument list |arglist|.
5823localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5824mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5825macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5826menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5827mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5828modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5829mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5830mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5831mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5832mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5833mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5834mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005835mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005836mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5837multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5838multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5839multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005840mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005841netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005842netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005843ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5844os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5845osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5846path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5847perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5848postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5849printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005850profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005851python Compiled with Python interface.
5852qnx QNX version of Vim.
5853quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005854reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005855rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5856ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5857scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5858showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5859signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5860smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005861sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005862statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5863 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5864sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005865spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5866syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005867syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5868 current buffer.
5869system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5870tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5871 |tag-binary-search|.
5872tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5873 |tag-old-static|.
5874tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5875 files |tag-any-white|.
5876tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5877terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5878termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5879textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5880tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5881 or terminfo file.
5882title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5883toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5884unix Unix version of Vim.
5885user_commands User-defined commands.
5886viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5887vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5888vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5889virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5890visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5891visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5892 |blockwise-operators|.
5893vms VMS version of Vim.
5894vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5895wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5896wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5897windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5898winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5899win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5900win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5901win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5902win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5903win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5904writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5905xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5906xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5907xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5908xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5909xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5910xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5911 xterm screen.
5912x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5913
5914 *string-match*
5915Matching a pattern in a String
5916
5917A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5918the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5919everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5920like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5921line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5922with ".". Example: >
5923 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5924 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5925 aa
5926 xx
5927 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5928 a
5929 x
5930
5931Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5932"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5933"\n".
5934
5935==============================================================================
59365. Defining functions *user-functions*
5937
5938New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5939functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5940commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5941
5942The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5943builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5944avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5945the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5946
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005947It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5948|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005949
5950 *local-function*
5951A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5952can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5953and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005954function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005955instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5956
5957 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5958:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5959
5960:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005961 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5962 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005963 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005964
5965:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5966 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5967 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005968<
5969 *:function-verbose*
5970When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5971last defined. Example: >
5972
5973 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5974 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5975 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5976<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005977See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005978
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005979 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005980:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005981 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5982 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5983 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005984
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005985 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5986 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005987 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005988< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005989 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005990 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005991 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5992 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5993 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005994 *E127* *E122*
5995 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5996 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5997 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5998 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005999
6000 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6001
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006002 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6003 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6004 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6005 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6006 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6007 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6008 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006009
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006010 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6011 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006012
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006013 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006014 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006015 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6016 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006017
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006018 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006019 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006020 will not be changed by the function. This also
6021 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6022 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006023
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006024 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6025:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6026 by its own, without other commands.
6027
6028 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6029:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006030 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6031 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006032 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006033< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006034 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6035 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006036 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6037:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6038 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6039 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6040 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6041 the number 0 is returned.
6042 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6043 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6044
6045 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6046 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6047 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6048 are executed first. This process applies to all
6049 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6050 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6051
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006052 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006053An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006054be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006055 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006056Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6057arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6058may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6059as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006060can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6061that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006062 *E742*
6063The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006064However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006065Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6066it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6067|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006068
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006069When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6070to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6071may be larger.
6072
6073It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6074still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6075until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6076inside a function body.
6077
6078 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006079Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6080will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6081accessed with "g:".
6082
6083Example: >
6084 :function Table(title, ...)
6085 : echohl Title
6086 : echo a:title
6087 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006088 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6089 : for s in a:000
6090 : echon ' ' . s
6091 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006092 :endfunction
6093
6094This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006095 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6096 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006097
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006098To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6099 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006100 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006101 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006102 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006103 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006104 :endfunction
6105
6106This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006107 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006108 :if success == "ok"
6109 : echo div
6110 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006111<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006112 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006113:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6114 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6115 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006116 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006117 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6118 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6119 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6120 function.
6121 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6122 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6123 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6124 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006125 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006126 this works:
6127 *function-range-example* >
6128 :function Mynumber(arg)
6129 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6130 :endfunction
6131 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6132<
6133 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6134 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6135 the range.
6136
6137 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6138
6139 :function Cont() range
6140 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6141 :endfunction
6142 :4,8call Cont()
6143<
6144 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6145 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6146
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006147 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6148 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6149 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6150< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6151
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006152 *E132*
6153The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6154option.
6155
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006156
6157AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006158 *autoload-functions*
6159When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006160only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6161the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6162
6163
6164Using an autocommand ~
6165
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006166This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6167
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006168The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6169You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006170That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006171again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6172
6173Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6174function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006175
6176 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6177
6178The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6179"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6180
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006181
6182Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006183 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006184This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6185
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006186Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6187exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6188like this: >
6189
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006190 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006191
6192When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6193"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6194"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6195then define the function like this: >
6196
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006197 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006198 echo "Done!"
6199 endfunction
6200
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006201The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006202exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6203called.
6204
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006205It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6206a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006207
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006208 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006209
6210Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6211
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006212This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6213
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006214 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006215
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006216However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6217for an unknown variable.
6218
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006219When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6220be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6221
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006222 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6223 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006224
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006225Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6226defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6227function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006228And you will get an error message every time.
6229
6230Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006231other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006232Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006233
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006234Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6235|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6236
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006237==============================================================================
62386. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6239
6240Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6241This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6242{} like this: >
6243 my_{adjective}_variable
6244
6245When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6246that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6247name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6248"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6249"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6250
6251One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006252value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006253 echo my_{&background}_message
6254
6255would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6256on the current value of 'background'.
6257
6258You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6259 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6260..or even nest them: >
6261 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6262where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6263
6264However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006265variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006266 :let foo='a + b'
6267 :echo c{foo}d
6268.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6269
6270 *curly-braces-function-names*
6271You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6272Example: >
6273 :let func_end='whizz'
6274 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6275
6276This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6277
6278==============================================================================
62797. Commands *expression-commands*
6280
6281:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6282 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6283 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6284 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6285 is created.
6286
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006287:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6288 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6289 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6290 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6291 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006292 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6293 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6294 can do that like this: >
6295 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6296<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006297 *E711* *E719*
6298:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006299 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6300 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006301 correct number of items.
6302 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6303 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6304 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6305 end of the list, items will be added.
6306
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006307 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006308:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6309:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6310:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6311 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6312 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6313
6314
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006315:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6316 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6317 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006318:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6319 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6320 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6321 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006322
6323:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6324 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6325 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6326 must be the name of a writable register (see
6327 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6328 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6329 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6330 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6331 characterwise.
6332 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6333 :let @/ = ""
6334< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6335 that would match everywhere.
6336
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006337:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006338 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006339 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6340
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006341:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006342 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006343 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6344 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006345 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6346 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006347 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006348 Example: >
6349 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006350
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006351:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6352 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6353 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6354
6355:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6356:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6357 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6358 {expr1}.
6359
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006360:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006361:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6362:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6363:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006364 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6365 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6366
6367:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006368:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6369:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6370:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006371 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6372 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6373
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006374:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006375 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006376 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6377 {name2}, etc.
6378 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006379 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006380 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6381 command as mentioned above.
6382 Example: >
6383 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006384< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6385 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6386 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6387 :let x = [0, 1]
6388 :let i = 0
6389 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6390 :echo x
6391< The result is [0, 2].
6392
6393:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6394:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6395:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6396 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006397 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006398
6399:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006400 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006401 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6402 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6403 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006404 Example: >
6405 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6406<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006407:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6408:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6409:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6410 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006411 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006412 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006413:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006414 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6415 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006416 g: global variables
6417 b: local buffer variables
6418 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006419 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006420 s: script-local variables
6421 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006422 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006423
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00006424:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6425 variable is indicated before the value:
6426 <nothing> String
6427 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006428 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006429
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006430
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006431:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006432 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6433 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006434 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006435 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6436 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006437 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006438 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6439 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006440< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006441 :unlet dict['two']
6442 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006443< This is especially useful to clean up used global
6444 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6445 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6446 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6447 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006448
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006449:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6450 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6451 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6452 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6453 :lockvar v
6454 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6455 :unlet v
6456< *E741*
6457 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6458 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6459
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006460 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6461 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6462 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006463 cannot add or remove items, but can
6464 still change their values.
6465 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006466 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6467 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006468 items, but can still change the
6469 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006470 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6471 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6472 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6473 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6474 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006475 *E743*
6476 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6477 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6478 loops.
6479
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006480 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6481 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006482 locked when used through the other variable.
6483 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006484 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6485 :let cl = l
6486 :lockvar l
6487 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6488< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6489 See |deepcopy()|.
6490
6491
6492:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6493 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6494 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6495
6496
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006497:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6498:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6499 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6500
6501 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6502 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6503 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6504 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6505 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6506 part was not executed either.
6507
6508 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6509 versions: >
6510 :if version >= 500
6511 : version-5-specific-commands
6512 :endif
6513< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6514 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6515 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6516 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6517 avoid problems: >
6518 :if version >= 600
6519 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6520 :endif
6521<
6522 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6523 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6524
6525 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6526:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6527 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6528 executed.
6529
6530 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6531:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6532 is no extra ":endif".
6533
6534:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006535 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006536:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6537 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6538 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6539 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006540 Example: >
6541 :let lnum = 1
6542 :while lnum <= line("$")
6543 :call FixLine(lnum)
6544 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6545 :endwhile
6546<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006547 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006548 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006549
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006550:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006551:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6552 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006553 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006554 value of each item.
6555 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006556 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006557 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6558 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006559 :for item in copy(mylist)
6560< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6561 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006562 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006563 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6564 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6565 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
6566 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006567 :call remove(mylist, 0)
6568 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006569< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6570 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6571 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006572 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6573 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
6574 to allow multiple item types.
6575
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006576:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6577:endfo[r]
6578 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6579 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6580 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6581 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6582 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6583 :endfor
6584<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006585 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006586:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6587 to the start of the loop.
6588 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6589 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6590 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6591 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6592 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6593 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006594
6595 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006596:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6597 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6598 ":endfor".
6599 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6600 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6601 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6602 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6603 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6604 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006605
6606:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6607:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6608 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6609 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6610 or autocommand invocations.
6611
6612 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6613 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6614 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6615 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6616 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6617 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6618 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6619 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6620 Example: >
6621 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6622 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6623<
6624 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6625 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6626 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6627 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6628 processing is not terminated.
6629
6630 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6631 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6632 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6633 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6634 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6635 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6636 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6637 the error number.
6638 Examples: >
6639 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6640 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6641<
6642 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
6643:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
6644 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6645 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6646 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6647 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6648 commands are skipped.
6649 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6650 Examples: >
6651 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6652 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6653 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6654 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6655 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6656 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6657 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6658 :catch " same as /.*/
6659<
6660 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6661 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6662 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6663 {pattern}.
6664 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6665 an error message because it may vary in different
6666 locales.
6667
6668 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6669:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6670 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6671 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6672 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6673 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6674 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6675
6676 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6677:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6678 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6679 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6680 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6681 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6682 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6683 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6684 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6685 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6686 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6687 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6688 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6689 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6690 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6691 is terminated.
6692 Example: >
6693 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6694<
6695
6696 *:ec* *:echo*
6697:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6698 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6699 Also see |:comment|.
6700 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6701 cursor to the first column.
6702 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6703 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6704 Example: >
6705 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006706< *:echo-redraw*
6707 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6708 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
6709 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
6710 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
6711 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
6712 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
6713 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006714 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6715<
6716 *:echon*
6717:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6718 |:comment|.
6719 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6720 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6721 Example: >
6722 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6723<
6724 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6725 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6726 command: >
6727 :!echo % --> filename
6728< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6729 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6730< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6731 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6732 :echo % --> nothing
6733< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6734 :echo "%" --> %
6735< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6736 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6737< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6738
6739 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6740:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6741 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6742 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6743 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6744< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6745 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6746
6747 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6748:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6749 message in the |message-history|.
6750 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6751 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6752 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006753 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
6754 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
6755 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
6756 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
6757 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006758 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6759 Example: >
6760 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006761< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
6762 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006763 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6764:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6765 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6766 script or function the line number will be added.
6767 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006768 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006769 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6770 (see |try-echoerr|).
6771 Example: >
6772 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6773< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6774 And to get a beep: >
6775 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6776<
6777 *:exe* *:execute*
6778:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6779 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006780 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006781 used as the processed command, command line editing
6782 keys are not recognized.
6783 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6784 Examples: >
6785 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6786 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6787<
6788 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6789 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6790 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6791
6792< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6793 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6794 command: >
6795 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6796< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6797
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006798 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
6799 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006800 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
6801 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006802 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006803 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006804<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006805 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006806 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6807 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006808 :execute 'while i > 5'
6809 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6810<
6811 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6812 completely in the executed string: >
6813 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6814<
6815
6816 *:comment*
6817 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6818 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6819 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6820 comment. Example: >
6821 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6822
6823==============================================================================
68248. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6825
6826The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6827explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6828
6829Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6830|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6831exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6832
6833
6834TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6835
6836Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6837use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6838a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6839 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6840|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6841a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6842be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6843which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6844clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6845
6846 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006847 : ...
6848 : ... TRY BLOCK
6849 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006850 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006851 : ...
6852 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6853 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006854 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006855 : ...
6856 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6857 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006858 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006859 : ...
6860 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6861 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006862 :endtry
6863
6864The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6865appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6866from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6867 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6868is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6869script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6870 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6871lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6872patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6873after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6874executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6875":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6876(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6877continues in the following line as usual.
6878 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6879":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6880that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6881finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6882the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6883the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6884see |try-nesting|.
6885 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006886remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006887not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6888try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6889a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6890execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6891exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6892 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006893thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006894clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6895catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6896following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6897clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6898
6899The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6900a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6901try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6902from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6903sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6904":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6905":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6906from the finally clause.
6907 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6908try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6909clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6910":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6911clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6912":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6913this pending exception or command is discarded.
6914
6915For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6916
6917
6918NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6919
6920Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6921conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6922clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6923catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6924of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6925checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6926try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006927otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006928nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6929one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6930the inner try conditional.
6931
6932When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6933finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6934An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6935thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6936implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6937as usual.
6938
6939For examples see |throw-catch|.
6940
6941
6942EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6943
6944Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6945'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6946script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6947finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6948a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6949(see |debug-scripts|).
6950
6951
6952THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6953
6954You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6955and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6956 :throw 4711
6957 :throw "string"
6958< *throw-expression*
6959You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6960first, and the result is thrown: >
6961 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6962 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6963
6964An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6965command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6966The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6967 Example: >
6968
6969 :function! Foo(arg)
6970 : try
6971 : throw a:arg
6972 : catch /foo/
6973 : endtry
6974 : return 1
6975 :endfunction
6976 :
6977 :function! Bar()
6978 : echo "in Bar"
6979 : return 4710
6980 :endfunction
6981 :
6982 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6983
6984This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6985executed. >
6986 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6987however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6988
6989Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006990abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006991exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6992 Example: >
6993
6994 :if Foo("arrgh")
6995 : echo "then"
6996 :else
6997 : echo "else"
6998 :endif
6999
7000Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7001
7002 *catch-order*
7003Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7004commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7005command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7006gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7007 Example: >
7008
7009 :function! Foo(value)
7010 : try
7011 : throw a:value
7012 : catch /^\d\+$/
7013 : echo "Number thrown"
7014 : catch /.*/
7015 : echo "String thrown"
7016 : endtry
7017 :endfunction
7018 :
7019 :call Foo(0x1267)
7020 :call Foo('string')
7021
7022The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7023An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7024specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7025specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7026
7027 : catch /.*/
7028 : echo "String thrown"
7029 : catch /^\d\+$/
7030 : echo "Number thrown"
7031
7032The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7033never taken.
7034
7035 *throw-variables*
7036If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7037in the variable |v:exception|: >
7038
7039 : catch /^\d\+$/
7040 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7041
7042You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7043|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7044exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7045 Example: >
7046
7047 :function! Caught()
7048 : if v:exception != ""
7049 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7050 : else
7051 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7052 : endif
7053 :endfunction
7054 :
7055 :function! Foo()
7056 : try
7057 : try
7058 : try
7059 : throw 4711
7060 : finally
7061 : call Caught()
7062 : endtry
7063 : catch /.*/
7064 : call Caught()
7065 : throw "oops"
7066 : endtry
7067 : catch /.*/
7068 : call Caught()
7069 : finally
7070 : call Caught()
7071 : endtry
7072 :endfunction
7073 :
7074 :call Foo()
7075
7076This displays >
7077
7078 Nothing caught
7079 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7080 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7081 Nothing caught
7082
7083A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7084number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7085
7086 :function! LineNumber()
7087 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7088 :endfunction
7089 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7090<
7091 *try-nested*
7092An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7093a surrounding try conditional: >
7094
7095 :try
7096 : try
7097 : throw "foo"
7098 : catch /foobar/
7099 : echo "foobar"
7100 : finally
7101 : echo "inner finally"
7102 : endtry
7103 :catch /foo/
7104 : echo "foo"
7105 :endtry
7106
7107The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7108clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7109conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7110
7111 *throw-from-catch*
7112You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7113catch clause: >
7114
7115 :function! Foo()
7116 : throw "foo"
7117 :endfunction
7118 :
7119 :function! Bar()
7120 : try
7121 : call Foo()
7122 : catch /foo/
7123 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7124 : throw "bar"
7125 : endtry
7126 :endfunction
7127 :
7128 :try
7129 : call Bar()
7130 :catch /.*/
7131 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7132 :endtry
7133
7134This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7135
7136 *rethrow*
7137There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7138"v:exception" instead: >
7139
7140 :function! Bar()
7141 : try
7142 : call Foo()
7143 : catch /.*/
7144 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7145 : throw v:exception
7146 : endtry
7147 :endfunction
7148< *try-echoerr*
7149Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7150exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7151Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7152denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7153the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7154
7155 :try
7156 : try
7157 : asdf
7158 : catch /.*/
7159 : echoerr v:exception
7160 : endtry
7161 :catch /.*/
7162 : echo v:exception
7163 :endtry
7164
7165This code displays
7166
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007167 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007168
7169
7170CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7171
7172Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7173user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007174an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007175a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7176catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7177a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7178normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7179(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007180to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007181clause has been executed.)
7182Example: >
7183
7184 :try
7185 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7186 : set ts=17
7187 :
7188 : " Do the hard work here.
7189 :
7190 :finally
7191 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7192 : unlet s:saved_ts
7193 :endtry
7194
7195This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7196changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7197that function or script part.
7198
7199 *break-finally*
7200Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7201a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7202 Example: >
7203
7204 :let first = 1
7205 :while 1
7206 : try
7207 : if first
7208 : echo "first"
7209 : let first = 0
7210 : continue
7211 : else
7212 : throw "second"
7213 : endif
7214 : catch /.*/
7215 : echo v:exception
7216 : break
7217 : finally
7218 : echo "cleanup"
7219 : endtry
7220 : echo "still in while"
7221 :endwhile
7222 :echo "end"
7223
7224This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7225
7226 :function! Foo()
7227 : try
7228 : return 4711
7229 : finally
7230 : echo "cleanup\n"
7231 : endtry
7232 : echo "Foo still active"
7233 :endfunction
7234 :
7235 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7236
7237This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007238extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007239return value.)
7240
7241 *except-from-finally*
7242Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7243a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7244cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7245exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7246 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7247working correctly: >
7248
7249 :try
7250 : try
7251 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7252 : while 1
7253 : endwhile
7254 : finally
7255 : unlet novar
7256 : endtry
7257 :catch /novar/
7258 :endtry
7259 :echo "Script still running"
7260 :sleep 1
7261
7262If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7263think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7264|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7265
7266
7267CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7268
7269If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7270watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7271presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7272exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7273the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7274the error exception is.
7275 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7276
7277 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7278or >
7279 Vim:{errmsg}
7280
7281{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007282the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007283when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7284a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7285a space.
7286
7287Examples:
7288
7289The command >
7290 :unlet novar
7291normally produces the error message >
7292 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7293which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7294 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7295
7296The command >
7297 :dwim
7298normally produces the error message >
7299 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7300which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7301 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7302
7303You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7304 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7305or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7306 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7307
7308Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7309 :function nofunc
7310and >
7311 :delfunction nofunc
7312both produce the error message >
7313 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7314which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7315 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7316or >
7317 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7318respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7319command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7320 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7321
7322Some commands like >
7323 :let x = novar
7324produce multiple error messages, here: >
7325 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7326 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7327Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7328one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7329 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7330
7331You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7332 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7333
7334You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7335 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7336
7337You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7338 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7339<
7340 *catch-text*
7341NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7342 :catch /No such variable/
7343only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7344a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7345cite the message text in a comment: >
7346 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7347
7348
7349IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7350
7351You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7352
7353 :try
7354 : write
7355 :catch
7356 :endtry
7357
7358But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7359catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7360be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7361
7362 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7363
7364There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7365writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7366then hide the error from the user.
7367 It is much better to use >
7368
7369 :try
7370 : write
7371 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7372 :endtry
7373
7374which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7375intentionally.
7376
7377For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7378even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7379command: >
7380 :silent! nunmap k
7381This works also when a try conditional is active.
7382
7383
7384CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7385
7386When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007387the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007388script is not terminated, then.
7389 Example: >
7390
7391 :function! TASK1()
7392 : sleep 10
7393 :endfunction
7394
7395 :function! TASK2()
7396 : sleep 20
7397 :endfunction
7398
7399 :while 1
7400 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7401 : try
7402 : if command == ""
7403 : continue
7404 : elseif command == "END"
7405 : break
7406 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7407 : call TASK1()
7408 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7409 : call TASK2()
7410 : else
7411 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7412 : continue
7413 : endif
7414 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7415 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7416 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7417 : endtry
7418 :endwhile
7419
7420You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007421a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007422
7423For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7424your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7425command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7426
7427
7428CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7429
7430The commands >
7431
7432 :catch /.*/
7433 :catch //
7434 :catch
7435
7436catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7437explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7438a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7439 Example: >
7440
7441 :try
7442 :
7443 : " do the hard work here
7444 :
7445 :catch /MyException/
7446 :
7447 : " handle known problem
7448 :
7449 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7450 : echo "Script interrupted"
7451 :catch /.*/
7452 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7453 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7454 :endtry
7455 :" end of script
7456
7457Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7458strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7459specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7460 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7461by pressing CTRL-C: >
7462
7463 :while 1
7464 : try
7465 : sleep 1
7466 : catch
7467 : endtry
7468 :endwhile
7469
7470
7471EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7472
7473Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7474
7475 :autocmd User x try
7476 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7477 :autocmd User x catch
7478 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7479 :autocmd User x endtry
7480 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7481 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7482 :
7483 :try
7484 : doautocmd User x
7485 :catch
7486 : echo v:exception
7487 :endtry
7488
7489This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7490
7491 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7492For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7493command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7494of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7495abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7496 Example: >
7497
7498 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7499 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7500 :
7501 :try
7502 : write
7503 :catch
7504 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7505 :endtry
7506
7507Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7508you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7509autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7510script displays: >
7511
7512 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7513<
7514 *except-autocmd-Post*
7515For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7516command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7517an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7518is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7519 Example: >
7520
7521 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7522 :
7523 :try
7524 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7525 :catch
7526 : echo v:exception
7527 :endtry
7528
7529This just displays: >
7530
7531 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7532
7533If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7534fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7535 Example: >
7536
7537 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7538 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7539 :
7540 :try
7541 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7542 :catch
7543 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7544 :endtry
7545<
7546You can also use ":silent!": >
7547
7548 :let x = "ok"
7549 :let v:errmsg = ""
7550 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7551 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7552 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7553 :try
7554 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7555 :catch
7556 :endtry
7557 :echo x
7558
7559This displays "after fail".
7560
7561If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7562autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7563
7564 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7565 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7566 :
7567 :try
7568 : write
7569 :catch
7570 : echo v:exception
7571 :endtry
7572<
7573 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7574For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7575autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7576of the command.
7577 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007578had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007579some way. >
7580
7581 :if !exists("cnt")
7582 : let cnt = 0
7583 :
7584 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7585 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7586 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7587 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7588 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7589 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7590 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7591 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7592 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7593 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7594 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7595 :endif
7596 :
7597 :try
7598 : write
7599 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7600 : if &modified
7601 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7602 : else
7603 : echo "Error after writing"
7604 : endif
7605 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7606 : echo "Error on writing"
7607 :endtry
7608
7609When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
7610first >
7611 File successfully written!
7612then >
7613 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
7614then >
7615 Error after writing
7616etc.
7617
7618 *except-autocmd-ill*
7619You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
7620The following code is ill-formed: >
7621
7622 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7623 :
7624 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7625 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7626 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7627 :
7628 :write
7629
7630
7631EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7632
7633Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7634pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7635similar things in Vim.
7636 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7637class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7638string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7639 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7640it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7641for an error when writing "myfile".
7642 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7643base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7644parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7645 Example: >
7646
7647 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7648 : if a:a < 0
7649 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7650 : endif
7651 :endfunction
7652 :
7653 :function! Add(a, b)
7654 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7655 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7656 : let c = a:a + a:b
7657 : if c < 0
7658 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7659 : endif
7660 : return c
7661 :endfunction
7662 :
7663 :function! Div(a, b)
7664 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7665 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7666 : if (a:b == 0)
7667 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7668 : endif
7669 : return a:a / a:b
7670 :endfunction
7671 :
7672 :function! Write(file)
7673 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007674 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007675 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7676 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7677 : endtry
7678 :endfunction
7679 :
7680 :try
7681 :
7682 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7683 :
7684 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7685 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7686 : echo "Range error in" function
7687 :
7688 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7689 : echo "Math error"
7690 :
7691 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7692 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7693 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7694 : if file !~ '^/'
7695 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7696 : endif
7697 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7698 :
7699 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7700 : echo "Unspecified error"
7701 :
7702 :endtry
7703
7704The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7705a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7706exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7707 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7708failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7709
7710
7711PECULIARITIES
7712 *except-compat*
7713The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7714exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7715and/or a catch clause.
7716
7717In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7718continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7719after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7720functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7721or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7722(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7723
7724This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7725immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007726conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7727be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007728termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7729catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7730by specifying a finally clause.)
7731
7732When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7733behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7734scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7735
7736However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7737commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7738conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7739script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7740error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7741messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007742|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7743not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007744where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7745error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7746scripts.
7747
7748 *except-syntax-err*
7749Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7750the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7751clauses, however, is executed.
7752 Example: >
7753
7754 :try
7755 : try
7756 : throw 4711
7757 : catch /\(/
7758 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7759 : catch
7760 : echo "inner catch-all"
7761 : finally
7762 : echo "inner finally"
7763 : endtry
7764 :catch
7765 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7766 : finally
7767 : echo "outer finally"
7768 :endtry
7769
7770This displays: >
7771 inner finally
7772 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7773 outer finally
7774The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7775
7776 *except-single-line*
7777The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7778a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7779"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7780 Example: >
7781 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7782raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7783argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7784error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7785displayed.
7786
7787 *except-several-errors*
7788When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7789usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7790 Example: >
7791 echo novar
7792causes >
7793 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7794 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7795The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7796 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7797< *except-syntax-error*
7798But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7799the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7800 Example: >
7801 unlet novar #
7802causes >
7803 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7804 E488: Trailing characters
7805The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7806 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7807This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7808not intended by the user. Example: >
7809 try
7810 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7811 catch /.*/
7812 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7813 endtry
7814This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7815a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7816
7817==============================================================================
78189. Examples *eval-examples*
7819
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007820Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007821>
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007822 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the Hex string of a number.
7823 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007824 : let n = a:nr
7825 : let r = ""
7826 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007827 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
7828 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007829 : endwhile
7830 : return r
7831 :endfunc
7832
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007833 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
7834 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
7835 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007836 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007837 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
7838 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7839 : endfor
7840 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007841 :endfunc
7842
7843Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007844 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
7845result: "100000" >
7846 :echo String2Bin("32")
7847result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007848
7849
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007850Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007851
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007852This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
7853
7854 :func SortBuffer()
7855 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
7856 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
7857 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007858 :endfunction
7859
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007860As a one-liner: >
7861 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007862
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007863
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007864scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007865 *sscanf*
7866There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7867line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7868how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7869"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7870 :" Set up the match bit
7871 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7872 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7873 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7874 :"get each item out of the match
7875 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7876 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7877 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7878
7879The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7880"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7881
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007882
7883getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
7884 *scriptnames-dictionary*
7885The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
7886have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
7887(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
7888code can be used: >
7889 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
7890 let scriptnames_output = ''
7891 redir => scriptnames_output
7892 silent scriptnames
7893 redir END
7894
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007895 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007896 " "scripts" dictionary.
7897 let scripts = {}
7898 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
7899 " Only do non-blank lines.
7900 if line =~ '\S'
7901 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007902 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007903 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007904 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007905 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007906 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007907 endif
7908 endfor
7909 unlet scriptnames_output
7910
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007911==============================================================================
791210. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7913
7914When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7915evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7916to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7917recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7918and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7919only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7920recognized.
7921
7922Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7923missing: >
7924
7925 :if 1
7926 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7927 :else
7928 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7929 :endif
7930
7931==============================================================================
793211. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7933
7934The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7935options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7936these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007937these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007938a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007939The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007940
7941These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7942 - changing the buffer text
7943 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7944 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007945 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007946 - executing a shell command
7947 - reading or writing a file
7948 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007949 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007950This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7951
7952 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007953:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007954 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7955 'foldexpr'.
7956
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007957 *sandbox-option*
7958A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007959have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007960restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7961location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007962- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007963- while executing in the sandbox
7964- value coming from a modeline
7965
7966Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7967option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7968
7969==============================================================================
797012. Textlock *textlock*
7971
7972In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7973to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7974is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007975actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007976happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7977
7978This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7979 - changing the buffer text
7980 - jumping to another buffer or window
7981 - editing another file
7982 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7983 - etc.
7984
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007985
7986 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: