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Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0. Last change: 2006 Nov 01
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000080< 64 ~
81
82To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
83base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000084
85For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
86
87Note that in the command >
88 :if "foo"
89"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
90use strlen(): >
91 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000092< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
93List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000094
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 *E706*
96You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
97to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000098equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000100 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000101 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000103
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001041.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000105 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
108around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000109
110 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
111 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
114cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000116A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
117Dictionary entry. Example: >
118 :function dict.init() dict
119 : let self.val = 0
120 :endfunction
121
122The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
123function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
124
125A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
126 :call Fn()
127 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000128
129The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000131
132You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
133arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000134 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135
136
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001371.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000138 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000139A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
140can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
141position in the sequence.
142
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144List creation ~
145 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147Examples: >
148 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
149 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000152List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000153 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154
155An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
156
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157
158List index ~
159 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000160An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
162 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000165When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000166 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000167<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
169the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000170 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
171
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000172To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000173is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174 :echo get(mylist, idx)
175 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
176
177
178List concatenation ~
179
180Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
181 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000182 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183
184To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
185it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
186
187
188Sublist ~
189
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000190A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
191separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000192 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000193
194Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000195similar to -1.
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000196 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
197 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
198 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000199
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000200If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
201before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
202message.
203
204If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
205length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000206 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
207 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
208
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000209NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
210using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
211mylist[s : e].
212
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000213
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000214List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000215 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
217variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
218change "bb": >
219 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
220 :let bb = aa
221 :call add(aa, 4)
222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
225Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
226works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000227a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
229 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
232 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000237To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000239
240The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000241List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000242the same value. >
243 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
244 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
245 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000246< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000247 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000248< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000249
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
251same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
253different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
254variables. Example: >
255 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000256< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000258< 0
259
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000260Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
261can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
262
263 :let a = 5
264 :let b = "5"
265 echo a == b
266< 1 >
267 echo [a] == [b]
268< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000269
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000270
271List unpack ~
272
273To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
274square brackets, like list items: >
275 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
276
277When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
278this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
279and a variable name: >
280 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
281
282This works like: >
283 :let var1 = mylist[0]
284 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000285 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286
287Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
288empty list then.
289
290
291List modification ~
292 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000293To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000294 :let list[4] = "four"
295 :let listlist[0][3] = item
296
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000297To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000299 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
300
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000301Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
302examples: >
303 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
304 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
305 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
308 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000309 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000311 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000312 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000314Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000315 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
316 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
317
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318
319For loop ~
320
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000321The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
322to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000323 :for item in mylist
324 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325 :endfor
326
327This works like: >
328 :let index = 0
329 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000330 : let item = mylist[index]
331 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 : let index = index + 1
333 :endwhile
334
335Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000336results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000337the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000339If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000340function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000341
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000342Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
343requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
344 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
345 : call Doit(lnum, col)
346 :endfor
347
348This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
349must remain the same to avoid an error.
350
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000351It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000352 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
353 : call Doit(i, j)
354 : if !empty(rest)
355 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
356 : endif
357 :endfor
358
359
360List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000361 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000363 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000365 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
366 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
367 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000368 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
369 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000370 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
371 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000372 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
373 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000374 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
375 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000377Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
378example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
379 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
380
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003821.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000385entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
386ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000387
388
389Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000390 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
393only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
395 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000397A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
398String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
400Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000401
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403nested Dictionary: >
404 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
405
406An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
407
408
409Accessing entries ~
410
411The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
412 :let val = mydict["one"]
413 :let mydict["four"] = 4
414
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000415You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000416
417For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
418form can be used |expr-entry|: >
419 :let val = mydict.one
420 :let mydict.four = 4
421
422Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
423key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000424 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000425
426
427Dictionary to List conversion ~
428
429You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
430turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
431
432Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
433 :for key in keys(mydict)
434 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
435 :endfor
436
437The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
438 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
439
440To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
441 :for v in values(mydict)
442 : echo "value: " . v
443 :endfor
444
445If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000446a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000447 :for entry in items(mydict)
448 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
449 :endfor
450
451
452Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000453 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000454Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
455Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
456Dictionary: >
457 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
458 :let adict = onedict
459 :let adict['a'] = 11
460 :echo onedict['a']
461 11
462
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000463Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
464more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000465
466
467Dictionary modification ~
468 *dict-modification*
469To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
470use |:let| this way: >
471 :let dict[4] = "four"
472 :let dict['one'] = item
473
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000474Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
475Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
476 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
477 :unlet dict.aaa
478 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000481 :call extend(adict, bdict)
482This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
483in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000484Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
485expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
486adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000487
488Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000489 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491
492
493Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000494 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000495When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
496special way with a dictionary. Example: >
497 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000498 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000500 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
501 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000502
503This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
504Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
505the function was invoked from.
506
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000507It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
508Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
509
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000510 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
512assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000513 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
514 :function mydict.len() dict
515 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000516 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000517 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
520that references this function. The function can only be used through a
521|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
522remaining that refers to it.
523
524It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000525
526
527Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000528 *E715*
529Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
531 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
532 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
533 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
534 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
535 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
536 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
537 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000538
539
5401.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000541 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000542If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
543function.
544
545When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
546start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
547stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
548
549When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
550start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
551stored in the session file |session-file|.
552
553variable name can be stored where ~
554my_var_6 not
555My_Var_6 session file
556MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
557
558
559It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
560|curly-braces-names|.
561
562==============================================================================
5632. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
564
565Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
566
567|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
568
569|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
570
571|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
572
573|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
574 expr5 != expr5 not equal
575 expr5 > expr5 greater than
576 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
577 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
578 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
579 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
580 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
581
582 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
583 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
584 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
585 matching case
586
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000587 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
588 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000589
590|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000591 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
592 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
593
594|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
595 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
596 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
597
598|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
599 - expr7 unary minus
600 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
604 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
605 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
606 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000607
608|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000609 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000610 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000611 [expr1, ...] |List|
612 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613 &option option value
614 (expr1) nested expression
615 variable internal variable
616 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
617 $VAR environment variable
618 @r contents of register 'r'
619 function(expr1, ...) function call
620 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
621
622
623".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
624Example: >
625 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
626
627All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
628
629
630expr1 *expr1* *E109*
631-----
632
633expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
634
635The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
636non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
637otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
638Example: >
639 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
640
641Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
642other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
643Example: >
644 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
645
646To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
647 :echo lnum == 1
648 :\ ? "top"
649 :\ : lnum == 1000
650 :\ ? "last"
651 :\ : lnum
652
653
654expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
655---------------
656
657 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
658The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
659are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
660
661 input output ~
662n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
663zero zero zero zero
664zero non-zero non-zero zero
665non-zero zero non-zero zero
666non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
667
668The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
669
670 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
671
672Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
673
674 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
675
676Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
677arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
678
679 let a = 1
680 echo a || b
681
682This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
683so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
684
685 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
686
687This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
688only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
689
690
691expr4 *expr4*
692-----
693
694expr5 {cmp} expr5
695
696Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
697if it evaluates to true.
698
699 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
700 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
701 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
702 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
703 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
704 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000705 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000706 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
707equal == ==# ==?
708not equal != !=# !=?
709greater than > ># >?
710greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
711smaller than < <# <?
712smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
713regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
714regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000715same instance is
716different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000717
718Examples:
719"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
720"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
721"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
722
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000723 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000724A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
725"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
726Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000727
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000728 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000729A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
730equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000731recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
732
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000733 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000734A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
735equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000736
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000737When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
738referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
739the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
740using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000741different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
742is false.
743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000744When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
745and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
746because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
747
748When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
749results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
750necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
751
752When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
753'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
754
755When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
756'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
757
758The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
759argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
760This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
761matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
762portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
763single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
764Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
765(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
766can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
767 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
768 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
769
770
771expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
772---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000773expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000774expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
775expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000777For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000778result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000779
780expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
781expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
782expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000783
784For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
785
786Note the difference between "+" and ".":
787 "123" + "456" = 579
788 "123" . "456" = "123456"
789
790When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
791When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
792
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000793None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000794
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000795
796expr7 *expr7*
797-----
798! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
799- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
800+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
801
802For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
803For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
804For '+' the number is unchanged.
805
806A String will be converted to a Number first.
807
808These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
809 !-1 == 0
810 !!8 == 1
811 --9 == 9
812
813
814expr8 *expr8*
815-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000816expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000818If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
819expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000821
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000822Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
823text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
824cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000825 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000826
827If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000828String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
829compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
830
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000831If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000832for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
833error. Example: >
834 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
835
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000836Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
837|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
838error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000839
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000841expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000842
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000843If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
844from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000845expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
846encodings.
847
848If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
849string minus one is used.
850
851A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
852the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
853
854If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
855expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
856
857Examples: >
858 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
859 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
860 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
861 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
862
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000863If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
864the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
865just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
867 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
868 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
869
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000870Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
871error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000872
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000873
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000874expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000875
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000876If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
877name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
878expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000879
880The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
881but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
882
883There must not be white space before or after the dot.
884
885Examples: >
886 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
887 :echo dict.one
888 :echo dict .2
889
890Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
891always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
892
893
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000894expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000895
896When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
897
898
899
900 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000901number
902------
903number number constant *expr-number*
904
905Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
906
907
908string *expr-string* *E114*
909------
910"string" string constant *expr-quote*
911
912Note that double quotes are used.
913
914A string constant accepts these special characters:
915\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
916\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
917\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
918\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
919\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
920\X.. same as \x..
921\X. same as \x.
922\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
923 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
924\U.... same as \u....
925\b backspace <BS>
926\e escape <Esc>
927\f formfeed <FF>
928\n newline <NL>
929\r return <CR>
930\t tab <Tab>
931\\ backslash
932\" double quote
933\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
934
935Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
936
937
938literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
939---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000940'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000941
942Note that single quotes are used.
943
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000944This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000945meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000946
947Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
948to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
949 if a =~ "\\s*"
950 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000951
952
953option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
954------
955&option option value, local value if possible
956&g:option global option value
957&l:option local option value
958
959Examples: >
960 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
961 if &insertmode
962
963Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
964and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
965anyway.
966
967
968register *expr-register*
969--------
970@r contents of register 'r'
971
972The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
973Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000974register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
975registers.
976
977When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
978evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000979
980
981nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
982-------
983(expr1) nested expression
984
985
986environment variable *expr-env*
987--------------------
988$VAR environment variable
989
990The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
991result is an empty string.
992 *expr-env-expand*
993Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
994expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
995are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
996the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
997fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
998does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
999 :echo $version
1000 :echo expand("$version")
1001The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1002variable (if your shell supports it).
1003
1004
1005internal variable *expr-variable*
1006-----------------
1007variable internal variable
1008See below |internal-variables|.
1009
1010
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001011function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001012-------------
1013function(expr1, ...) function call
1014See below |functions|.
1015
1016
1017==============================================================================
10183. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1019 *E461*
1020An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1021cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1022|curly-braces-names|.
1023
1024An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001025An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1026|:unlet|.
1027Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1028been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001029
1030There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1031specified by what is prepended:
1032
1033 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1034|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1035|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001036|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037|global-variable| g: Global.
1038|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1039|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1040|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1041|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1042
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001043The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1044delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001045 :for k in keys(s:)
1046 : unlet s:[k]
1047 :endfor
1048<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001049 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1050A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1051Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1052This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1053|:bdelete|.
1054
1055One local buffer variable is predefined:
1056 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1057b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1058 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1059 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1060 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1061 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1062 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1063 : call My_Update()
1064 :endif
1065<
1066 *window-variable* *w:var*
1067A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1068is deleted when the window is closed.
1069
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001070 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1071A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1072It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1073without the +windows feature}
1074
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075 *global-variable* *g:var*
1076Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1077access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1078place if you like.
1079
1080 *local-variable* *l:var*
1081Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1082But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1083
1084 *script-variable* *s:var*
1085In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1086accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1087
1088They can be used in:
1089- commands executed while the script is sourced
1090- functions defined in the script
1091- autocommands defined in the script
1092- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1093 defined in the script (recursively)
1094- user defined commands defined in the script
1095Thus not in:
1096- other scripts sourced from this one
1097- mappings
1098- etc.
1099
1100script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1101Take this example:
1102
1103 let s:counter = 0
1104 function MyCounter()
1105 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1106 echo s:counter
1107 endfunction
1108 command Tick call MyCounter()
1109
1110You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1111that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1112"Tick" was defined is used.
1113
1114Another example that does the same: >
1115
1116 let s:counter = 0
1117 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1118
1119When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001120script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001121defined.
1122
1123The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1124function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1125
1126 let s:counter = 0
1127 function StartCounting(incr)
1128 if a:incr
1129 function MyCounter()
1130 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1131 endfunction
1132 else
1133 function MyCounter()
1134 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1135 endfunction
1136 endif
1137 endfunction
1138
1139This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1140when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1141called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1142
1143When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1144They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1145maintain a counter: >
1146
1147 if !exists("s:counter")
1148 let s:counter = 1
1149 echo "script executed for the first time"
1150 else
1151 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1152 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1153 endif
1154
1155Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1156variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1157
1158
1159Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1160
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001161 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1162v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1163 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1167v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
1170 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1171v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1172 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
1174 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001175v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1176 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1177 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1178 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001179 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1180 highlighted text is used.
1181 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1182
1183 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1184v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1185 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1186
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001187 *v:char* *char-variable*
1188v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'.
1189
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1191v:charconvert_from
1192 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1193 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1194
1195 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1196v:charconvert_to
1197 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1198 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1199
1200 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1201v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1202 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1203 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1204 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1205 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1206 possible to append this variable directly after the
1207 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1208 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1209 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1210 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1211 in 'printexpr'.
1212
1213 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1214v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1215 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1216 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1217 can be used.
1218
1219 *v:count* *count-variable*
1220v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1221 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1222 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1223< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1224 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001225 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001226 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1227
1228 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1229v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1230 used.
1231
1232 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1233v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1234 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1235 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1236 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1237 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1238 command.
1239 See |multi-lang|.
1240
1241 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1242v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1243 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1244 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1245 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1246 Example: >
1247 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1248<
1249 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1250v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1251 Example: >
1252 :let v:errmsg = ""
1253 :silent! next
1254 :if v:errmsg != ""
1255 : ... handle error
1256< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1257
1258 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1259v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1260 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1261 Example: >
1262 :try
1263 : throw "oops"
1264 :catch /.*/
1265 : echo "caught" v:exception
1266 :endtry
1267< Output: "caught oops".
1268
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001269 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1270v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1271 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1272 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1273 deleted file no longer exists
1274 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1275 changed and buffer is modified
1276 changed file contents has changed
1277 mode mode of file changed
1278 time only file timestamp changed
1279
1280 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1281v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1282 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1283 do with the affected buffer:
1284 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1285 the file was deleted).
1286 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1287 was no autocommand. Except that when
1288 only the timestamp changed nothing
1289 will happen.
1290 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1291 everything that needs to be done.
1292 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1293 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1294
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001295 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001296v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001297 option used for ~
1298 'charconvert' file to be converted
1299 'diffexpr' original file
1300 'patchexpr' original file
1301 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001302 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001303
1304 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1305v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1306 evaluating:
1307 option used for ~
1308 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1309 'diffexpr' output of diff
1310 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1311 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1312 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1313 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1314 file and different from v:fname_in.
1315
1316 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1317v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1318 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1319
1320 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1321v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1322 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1323
1324 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1325v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1326 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001327 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001328
1329 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1330v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001331 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001332
1333 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1334v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001335 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001336
1337 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1338v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001339 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001341 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1342v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1343 events. Values:
1344 i Insert mode
1345 r Replace mode
1346 v Virtual Replace mode
1347
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001348 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001349v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001350 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1351 Read-only.
1352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1354v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1355 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1356 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1357 The value is system dependent.
1358 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1359 command.
1360 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1361 in a different language than what is used for character
1362 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1363
1364 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1365v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1366 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1367 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1368 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1369 command. See |multi-lang|.
1370
1371 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001372v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001373 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1374 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1375 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001376
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001377 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1378v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1379 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1380 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1381
1382 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1383v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1384 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1385 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1386
1387 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1388v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1389 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1390 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1391
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001392 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1393v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1394 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1395 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1396 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1397< Read-only.
1398
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001399 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1400v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1401 See |profiling|.
1402
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001403 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1404v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1405 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1406 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1407 Read-only.
1408
1409 *v:register* *register-variable*
1410v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1411 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1412
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001413 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1414v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1415 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1416 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1417 typed command.
1418 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1419 hit-enter prompt.
1420
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001421 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1422v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1423 Read-only.
1424
1425 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1426v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1427 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1428 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1429 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1430 executed. Read-only.
1431 Example: >
1432 :!mv foo bar
1433 :if v:shell_error
1434 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1435 :endif
1436< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1437
1438 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1439v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1440
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001441 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1442v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1443 the swap file found. Read-only.
1444
1445 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1446v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1447 for handling an existing swap file:
1448 'o' Open read-only
1449 'e' Edit anyway
1450 'r' Recover
1451 'd' Delete swapfile
1452 'q' Quit
1453 'a' Abort
1454 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1455 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1456 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1457
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001458 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001459v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001460 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1461 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1462 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001463 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001464
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001465 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1466v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1467 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1468 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1469 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1470 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1471 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1472 terminal.
1473 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1474 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1475 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1476 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1477 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1478
1479 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1480v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1481 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1482 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1483 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1484
1485 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1486v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1487 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1488 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1489 Example: >
1490 :try
1491 : throw "oops"
1492 :catch /.*/
1493 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1494 :endtry
1495< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1496
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001497 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001498v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1499 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001500 |filter()|. Read-only.
1501
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001502 *v:version* *version-variable*
1503v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1504 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1505 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1506 compatibility.
1507 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1508 if has("patch123")
1509< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1510 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1511 completely different.
1512
1513 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1514v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1515
1516==============================================================================
15174. Builtin Functions *functions*
1518
1519See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1520
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001521(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001522
1523USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1524
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001525add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001526append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001527append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001529argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001530argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001531argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001532browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1533 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001534browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001535bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001536buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1537bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001538bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1539bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1540bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1541byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001542byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001543call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1544 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001545changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001546char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001547cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001548col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001549complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001550complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1551complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001552confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1553 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001554copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001555count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1556 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1558 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001559cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1560 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1561cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001562deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001563delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1564did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001565diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1566diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001567empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001568escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001569eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001570eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001571executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1572exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001573extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1574 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00001576feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001578filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001579filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1580 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001581finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001582 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001583findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001584 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001585fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001586foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1587foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001588foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001589foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001590foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001591foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001592function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001593garbagecollect() none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001594get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001595get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001596getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1597 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001598getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001599getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1600getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001601getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1602getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001603getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001605getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1606getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001607getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001608getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001609getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001610getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1611getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001612getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001613getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001614getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001615getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001616getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001617gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1618 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001619getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1620getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001621getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1623globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1624has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001625has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001626hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1627 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001628histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1629histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1630histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1631histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1632hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1633hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1634hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001635iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1636indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001637index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1638 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001639input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1640 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001642inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001643inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1644inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001646insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001647isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001648islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001649items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001650join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001651keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001652len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1653libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001654libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1655line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1656line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001657lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001658localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001659map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001660maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1661 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1662mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1663 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001664match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001665 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001666matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001667matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001668 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001669matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1670 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001671matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1672 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001673max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1674min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001675mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1676 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001677mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001678nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1679nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001680pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001681prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001682printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001683pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001684range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1685 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001686readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1687 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001688reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1689reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001690remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1691 String send expression
1692remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1693remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1694 Number check for reply string
1695remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1696remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1697 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001698remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001699remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001700rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1701repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1702resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001703reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001704search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001705searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1706 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001707searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001709searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001710 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001711searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001712 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001713server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1714 Number send reply string
1715serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1716setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1717setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1718setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001719setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1720 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001721setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001722setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001723setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001724settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1725 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001726setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001727shellescape( {string}) String escape {string} for use as shell
1728 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001729simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001730sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001731soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001732spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001733spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1734 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001735split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001736 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001737str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001738strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001739stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1740 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001741string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001742strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1743strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1744 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001745strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1746 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001747strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001748submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1750 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001751synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001752synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1753 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1754synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001755system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001756tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1757tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1758tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1759 Number number of current window in tab page
1760taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001761tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001762tempname() String name for a temporary file
1763tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1764toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001765tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1766 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001767type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001768values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001769virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1770visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1771winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1772wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1773winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1774winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001775winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001776winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001777winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1778winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001779winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001780writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1781 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001782
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001783add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001784 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1785 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001786 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1787 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001788< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001789 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001790 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001791
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001792
1793append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001794 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1795 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001796 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1797 the current buffer.
1798 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001799 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1800 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001802 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001803<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001804 *argc()*
1805argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1806 current window. See |arglist|.
1807
1808 *argidx()*
1809argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1810 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1811
1812 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001813argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001814 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1815 Example: >
1816 :let i = 0
1817 :while i < argc()
1818 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1819 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1820 : let i = i + 1
1821 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001822< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1823 returned.
1824
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001825 *browse()*
1826browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1827 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1828 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1829 The input fields are:
1830 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1831 {title} title for the requester
1832 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1833 {default} default file name
1834 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1835 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1836
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001837 *browsedir()*
1838browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1839 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1840 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1841 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1842 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1843 to be used.
1844 The input fields are:
1845 {title} title for the requester
1846 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1847 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1848 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1849
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001850bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1851 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1852 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001853 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001854 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001855 exactly. The name can be:
1856 - Relative to the current directory.
1857 - A full path.
1858 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1859 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001860 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1861 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1862 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1863 long name to be able to find them.
1864 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1865 file name.
1866 *buffer_exists()*
1867 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1868
1869buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1870 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1871 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001872 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001873
1874bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1875 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1876 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001877 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001878
1879bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1880 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1881 ":ls" command.
1882 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1883 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1884 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1885 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1886 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1887 match an empty string is returned.
1888 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1889 alternate buffer.
1890 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1891 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1892 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1893 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1894 buffers are searched for.
1895 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1896 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1897 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1898< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1899 string is returned. >
1900 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1901 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1902 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1903 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1904< *buffer_name()*
1905 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1906
1907 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001908bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1909 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001910 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001911 above.
1912 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1913 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1914 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001915 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1916 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1917< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1918 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1919 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1920 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1921 *buffer_number()*
1922 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1923 *last_buffer_nr()*
1924 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1925
1926bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1927 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1928 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1929 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1930 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1931
1932 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1933
1934< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1935 |:wincmd|.
1936
1937
1938byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1939 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1940 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1941 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1942 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1943 one.
1944 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1945 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1946 feature}
1947
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001948byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1949 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1950 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1951 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1952 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1953 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1954 Example : >
1955 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1956< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1957 same: >
1958 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1959 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1960< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1961 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1962 is returned.
1963
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001964call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001965 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001966 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001967 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001968 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1969 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001970 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1971 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001972
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001973changenr() *changenr()*
1974 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
1975 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
1976 with the |:undo| command.
1977 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
1978 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
1979 one less than the number of the undone change.
1980
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001981char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1982 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1983 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1984 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1985< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001986 char2nr("?") returns 225
1987 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001988< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001989
1990cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1991 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1992 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1993 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1994 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1995 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1996 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001997 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001998
1999 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002000col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002001 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2002 . the cursor position
2003 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2004 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2005 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2006 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002007 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
2008 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002009 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2010 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2011 Examples: >
2012 col(".") column of cursor
2013 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2014 col("'t") column of mark t
2015 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
2016< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
2017 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2018 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2019 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2020 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2021 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2022 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2023 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2024<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002025
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002026complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2027 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2028 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
2029 with an expression argument |:map-<expr>| or CTRL-R =
2030 |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O.
2031 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2032 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2033 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2034 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2035 match.
2036 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2037 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2038 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2039 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2040 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2041 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2042 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2043 Example: >
2044 inoremap <expr> <F5> ListMonths()
2045
2046 func! ListMonths()
2047 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2048 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2049 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2050 return ''
2051 endfunc
2052< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2053 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2054
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002055complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2056 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2057 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2058 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2059 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2060 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002061 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2062 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002063
2064complete_check() *complete_check()*
2065 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2066 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2067 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2068 zero otherwise.
2069 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2070 'completefunc' option.
2071
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002072 *confirm()*
2073confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2074 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2075 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2076 choice this is 1.
2077 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2078 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2079 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2080 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2081 used (and translated).
2082 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2083 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2084 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2085 by '\n', e.g. >
2086 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2087< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2088 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2089 not need to be the first letter: >
2090 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2091< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2092 the default shortcut key.
2093 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2094 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2095 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2096 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2097 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2098 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2099 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2100 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2101 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2102 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2103 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2104
2105 An example: >
2106 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2107 :if choice == 0
2108 : echo "make up your mind!"
2109 :elseif choice == 3
2110 : echo "tasteful"
2111 :else
2112 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2113 :endif
2114< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2115 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2116 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2117 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2118 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2119 the horizontal layout is always used.
2120
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002121 *copy()*
2122copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2123 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002124 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2125 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002126 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002127 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002128 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002129
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002130count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002131 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002132 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002133 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002134 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002135 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2136
2137
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002138 *cscope_connection()*
2139cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2140 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2141 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2142 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2143 if there are no cscope connections;
2144 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2145
2146 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2147 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2148
2149 {num} Description of existence check
2150 ----- ------------------------------
2151 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2152 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2153 {dbpath}.
2154 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2155 {dbpath}.
2156 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2157 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2158 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2159 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2160
2161 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2162
2163 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2164
2165 # pid database name prepend path
2166 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2167<
2168 Invocation Return Val ~
2169 ---------- ---------- >
2170 cscope_connection() 1
2171 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2172 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2173 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2174 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2175 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2176 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2177 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2178<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002179cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2180cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002181 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002182 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002183 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002184 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2185 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002186 Does not change the jumplist.
2187 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2188 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2189 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002190 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002191 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2192 line.
2193 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002194 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2195 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2196 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002197
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002198
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002199deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002200 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2201 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002202 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2203 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2204 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002205 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002206 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2207 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2208 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2209 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2210 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2211 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002212 *E724*
2213 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002214 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2215 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002216 Also see |copy()|.
2217
2218delete({fname}) *delete()*
2219 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002220 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2221 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002222 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002223
2224 *did_filetype()*
2225did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2226 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2227 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2228 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2229 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2230 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2231 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2232 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2233 file.
2234
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002235diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2236 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2237 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2238 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2239 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2240 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2241 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2242 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2243
2244diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2245 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2246 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2247 diff change zero is returned.
2248 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2249 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2250 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2251 line.
2252 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2253 syntax information about the highlighting.
2254
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002255empty({expr}) *empty()*
2256 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002257 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2258 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2259 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2260 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002261
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002262escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2263 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2264 backslash. Example: >
2265 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2266< results in: >
2267 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002268
2269< *eval()*
2270eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2271 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2272 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002273 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002274
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002275eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2276 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2277 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2278 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2279 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2280
2281executable({expr}) *executable()*
2282 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2283 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002284 arguments.
2285 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2286 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2287 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2288 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2289 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2290 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2291 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2292 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2293 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2294 extension.
2295 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2296 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002297 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2298 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2299 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002300 The result is a Number:
2301 1 exists
2302 0 does not exist
2303 -1 not implemented on this system
2304
2305 *exists()*
2306exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2307 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2308 which contains one of these:
2309 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2310 not if it really works)
2311 +option-name Vim option that works.
2312 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2313 done by comparing with an empty
2314 string)
2315 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2316 or user defined function (see
2317 |user-functions|).
2318 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002319 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002320 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2321 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2322 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002323 invoked cause an error message for an
2324 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002325 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2326 command or command modifier |:command|.
2327 Returns:
2328 1 for match with start of a command
2329 2 full match with a command
2330 3 matches several user commands
2331 To check for a supported command
2332 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002333 :2match The |:2match| command.
2334 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002335 #event autocommand defined for this event
2336 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2337 pattern (the pattern is taken
2338 literally and compared to the
2339 autocommand patterns character by
2340 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002341 #group autocommand group exists
2342 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2343 event.
2344 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002345 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002346 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002347 ##event autocommand for this event is
2348 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002349 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2350
2351 Examples: >
2352 exists("&shortname")
2353 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2354 exists("*strftime")
2355 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2356 exists("bufcount")
2357 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002358 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002359 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002360 exists("#filetypeindent")
2361 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2362 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002363 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002364< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2365 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002366 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2367 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2368 the future, thus don't count on it!
2369 Working example: >
2370 exists(":make")
2371< NOT working example: >
2372 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002373
2374< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2375 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002376 exists(bufcount)
2377< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002378 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002379
2380expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2381 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2382 The result is a String.
2383
2384 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2385 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2386 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2387
2388 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2389 for a non-existing file is not included.
2390
2391 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2392 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2393 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2394
2395 % current file name
2396 # alternate file name
2397 #n alternate file name n
2398 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2399 <afile> autocmd file name
2400 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2401 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2402 <sfile> sourced script file name
2403 <cword> word under the cursor
2404 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2405 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2406 message |server2client()|
2407 Modifiers:
2408 :p expand to full path
2409 :h head (last path component removed)
2410 :t tail (last path component only)
2411 :r root (one extension removed)
2412 :e extension only
2413
2414 Example: >
2415 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2416< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2417 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2418 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2419< Use this: >
2420 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2421< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2422 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2423 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2424 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2425 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2426<
2427 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2428 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2429 to modify normal file names.
2430
2431 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2432 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2433 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2434 '/' added.
2435
2436 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2437 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2438 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2439 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002440 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2441 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2442 files in the current directory and below: >
2443 :echo expand("**/README")
2444<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002445 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2446 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2447 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2448 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2449 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2450 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2451 "$FOOBAR".
2452
2453 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2454 getting the raw output of an external command.
2455
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002456extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002457 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2458 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002459
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002460 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002461 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2462 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2463 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2464 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002465 Examples: >
2466 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2467 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002468< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2469 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002470 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002471<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002472 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002473 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2474 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2475 used to decide what to do:
2476 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2477 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002478 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002479 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2480
2481 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2482 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2483 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2484 Returns {expr1}.
2485
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002486
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002487feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2488 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002489 come from a mapping or were typed by user. They are added to
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002490 the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
2491 being executed these characters come after them.
2492 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2493 {string}.
2494 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2495 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
2496 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the Enter key. But
2497 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2498 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2499 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002500 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2501 'n' Do not remap keys.
2502 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2503 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2504 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002505 Return value is always 0.
2506
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002507filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2508 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2509 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2510 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2511 expression, which is used as a String.
2512 *file_readable()*
2513 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2514
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002515
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002516filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002517 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002518 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002519 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002520 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002521 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002522 Examples: >
2523 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2524< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2525 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2526< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2527 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002528< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002529
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002530 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2531 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2532 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2533
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002534 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2535 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002536 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002537
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002538< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002539 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2540 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002541
2542
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002543finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002544 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2545 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2546 for the syntax of {path}.
2547 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2548 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2549 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002550 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2551 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002552 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002553 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002554 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002555 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2556
2557findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2558 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002559 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2560 Example: >
2561 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2562< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2563 the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002564
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002565filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2566 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2567 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2568 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2569 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2570
2571fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2572 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2573 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2574 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2575 Example: >
2576 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2577< results in: >
2578 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2579< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2580 |expand()| first then.
2581
2582foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2583 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2584 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2585 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2586
2587foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2588 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2589 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2590 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2591
2592foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2593 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2594 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2595 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2596 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2597 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2598 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2599 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2600 previous line is usually available.
2601
2602 *foldtext()*
2603foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2604 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2605 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2606 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2607 The returned string looks like this: >
2608 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2609< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2610 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2611 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2612 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2613 options is removed.
2614 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2615
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002616foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2617 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2618 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2619 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2620 returned.
2621 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2622 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2623 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2624 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2625
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002626 *foreground()*
2627foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2628 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2629 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2630 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2631 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2632 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2633 Win32 console version}
2634
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002635
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002636function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002637 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002638 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2639
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002640
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002641garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002642 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002643 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2644 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2645 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2646 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2647 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002648 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2649 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2650 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002651
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002652get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002653 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002654 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2655 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002656get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002657 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002658 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2659 {default} is omitted.
2660
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002661 *getbufline()*
2662getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002663 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2664 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2665 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002666
2667 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2668
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002669 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2670 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002671
2672 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002673 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002674
2675 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2676 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002677 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002678 returned.
2679
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002680 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002681 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002682
2683 Example: >
2684 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002685
2686getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2687 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2688 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2689 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002690 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2691 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2692 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002693 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2694 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2695 returned, there is no error message.
2696 Examples: >
2697 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2698 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2699<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002700getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002701 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002702 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2703 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002704 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002705 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002706 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
2707
2708 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
2709 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
2710 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2711 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
2712 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00002713 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
2714 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
2715 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
2716 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002717
2718 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00002719 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
2720 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002721
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00002722 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
2723 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
2724 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
2725 mouse as it would normally happen: >
2726 let c = getchar()
2727 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
2728 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
2729 exe v:mouse_lnum
2730 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
2731 endif
2732<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002733 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2734 user that a character has to be typed.
2735 There is no mapping for the character.
2736 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2737 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2738 sequence. Examples: >
2739 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2740 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2741< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2742 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2743 :function FindChar()
2744 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2745 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2746 : normal l
2747 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2748 : break
2749 : endif
2750 : endwhile
2751 :endfunction
2752
2753getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2754 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2755 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2756 These values are added together:
2757 2 shift
2758 4 control
2759 8 alt (meta)
2760 16 mouse double click
2761 32 mouse triple click
2762 64 mouse quadruple click
2763 128 Macintosh only: command
2764 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2765 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2766 with no modifier.
2767
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002768getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2769 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2770 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2771 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2772 Example: >
2773 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002774< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002775
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002776getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002777 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2778 byte count. The first column is 1.
2779 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2780 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002781 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2782
2783getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2784 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2785 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002786 : normal Ex command
2787 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2788 / forward search command
2789 ? backward search command
2790 @ |input()| command
2791 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002792 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2793 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2794 otherwise.
2795 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002796
2797 *getcwd()*
2798getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2799 working directory.
2800
2801getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2802 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2803 given file {fname}.
2804 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2805 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2806
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002807getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2808 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2809 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2810 |hl-Normal|.
2811 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2812 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2813 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2814 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00002815 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002816 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2817 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002818 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2819 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002820
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002821getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2822 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2823 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2824 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2825 empty string is returned.
2826 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2827 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2828 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2829 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2830 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2831 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2832< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2833 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002834
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002835getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2836 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2837 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2838 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2839 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2840 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2841
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002842getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2843 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2844 file of the given file {fname}.
2845 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2846 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2847 results:
2848 Normal file "file"
2849 Directory "dir"
2850 Symbolic link "link"
2851 Block device "bdev"
2852 Character device "cdev"
2853 Socket "socket"
2854 FIFO "fifo"
2855 All other "other"
2856 Example: >
2857 getftype("/home")
2858< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2859 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2860 "file" are returned.
2861
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002862 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002863getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2864 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2865 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002866 getline(1)
2867< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2868 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2869 To get the line under the cursor: >
2870 getline(".")
2871< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2872 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2873
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002874 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2875 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002876 including line {end}.
2877 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2878 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002879 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002880 Example: >
2881 :let start = line('.')
2882 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2883 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2884
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002885getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2886 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2887 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2888 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002889 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2890 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002891
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002892getqflist() *getqflist()*
2893 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2894 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2895 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2896 bufname() to get the name
2897 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2898 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002899 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2900 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002901 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00002902 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002903 text description of the error
2904 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2905 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2906
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002907 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00002908 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
2909 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002910
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002911 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2912 do something with them: >
2913 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2914 :for d in getqflist()
2915 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2916 :endfor
2917
2918
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002919getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002920 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002921 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002922 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2923< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002924 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002925 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2926 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2927 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002928 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2929
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002930
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002931getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2932 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2933 The value will be one of:
2934 "v" for |characterwise| text
2935 "V" for |linewise| text
2936 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2937 0 for an empty or unknown register
2938 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2939 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2940
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002941gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
2942 Get the value of an option or local window variable {varname}
2943 in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
2944 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
2945 use |getwinvar()|.
2946 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
2947 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2948 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2949 or buffer-local variable.
2950 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2951 Examples: >
2952 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
2953 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
2954
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002955 *getwinposx()*
2956getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2957 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2958 -1 if the information is not available.
2959
2960 *getwinposy()*
2961getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2962 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2963 information is not available.
2964
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002965getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2966 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002967 Examples: >
2968 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2969 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2970<
2971 *glob()*
2972glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2973 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2974 characters.
2975 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2976 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2977
2978 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2979 any external command. Example: >
2980 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2981 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2982< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2983 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2984
2985 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2986 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2987
2988globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2989 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2990 the results. Example: >
2991 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2992< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2993 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2994 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2995 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2996 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2997 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2998 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2999 error message.
3000 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
3001 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
3002
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003003 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3004 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3005 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3006 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
3007<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003008 *has()*
3009has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3010 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3011 string. See |feature-list| below.
3012 Also see |exists()|.
3013
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003014
3015has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003016 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3017 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003018
3019
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003020hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003021 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3022 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3023 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3024 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003025 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003026 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3027 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003028 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3029 buffer are checked for a match.
3030 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3031 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3032 n Normal mode
3033 v Visual mode
3034 o Operator-pending mode
3035 i Insert mode
3036 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3037 c Command-line mode
3038 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3039
3040 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
3041 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
3042 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3043 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3044 :endif
3045< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3046 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3047
3048histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3049 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3050 one of: *hist-names*
3051 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3052 "search" or "/" search pattern history
3053 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
3054 "input" or "@" input line history
3055 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3056 shifted to become the newest entry.
3057 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3058 otherwise 0 is returned.
3059
3060 Example: >
3061 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3062 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3063< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3064
3065histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003066 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003067 for the possible values of {history}.
3068
3069 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
3070 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
3071 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
3072 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
3073 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
3074 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
3075 if it exists.
3076
3077 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3078 otherwise 0 is returned.
3079
3080 Examples:
3081 Clear expression register history: >
3082 :call histdel("expr")
3083<
3084 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3085 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3086<
3087 The following three are equivalent: >
3088 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3089 :call histdel("search", -1)
3090 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3091<
3092 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3093 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3094 :call histdel("search", -1)
3095 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3096
3097histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3098 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3099 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3100 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3101 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3102 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3103
3104 Examples:
3105 Redo the second last search from history. >
3106 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3107
3108< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3109 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3110 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3111<
3112histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3113 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3114 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3115 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3116
3117 Example: >
3118 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3119<
3120hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3121 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3122 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3123 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3124 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3125 item.
3126 *highlight_exists()*
3127 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3128
3129 *hlID()*
3130hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3131 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3132 zero is returned.
3133 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3134 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3135 "Comment" group: >
3136 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3137< *highlightID()*
3138 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3139
3140hostname() *hostname()*
3141 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003142 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003143 256 characters long are truncated.
3144
3145iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3146 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3147 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3148 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3149 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3150 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3151 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3152 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3153 can be done.
3154 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3155 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3156 UTF-8 and use: >
3157 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3158< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3159 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3160 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3161 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3162
3163 *indent()*
3164indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3165 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3166 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3167 |getline()|.
3168 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3169
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003170
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003171index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003172 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003173 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003174 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3175 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003176 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3177 case must match.
3178 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3179 Example: >
3180 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003181 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003182
3183
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003184input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003185 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3186 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3187 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003188 prompt to start a new line.
3189 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3190 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3191 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3192 for lines typed for input().
3193 Example: >
3194 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3195 : echo "Cheers!"
3196 :endif
3197<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003198 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3199 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003200 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3201
3202< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3203 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3204 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3205 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3206 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3207 more information. Example: >
3208 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3209<
3210 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3211 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003212 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3213 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3214 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3215 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3216 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3217 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3218 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3219
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003220 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003221 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3222 :function GetFoo()
3223 : call inputsave()
3224 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3225 : call inputrestore()
3226 :endfunction
3227
3228inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3229 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3230 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3231 Example: >
3232 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3233 :if n != ""
3234 : let &sw = n
3235 :endif
3236< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3237 omitted an empty string is returned.
3238 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3239 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003240 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003241
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003242inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003243 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3244 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3245 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003246 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3247 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3248 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3249 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3250 is returned.
3251 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3252 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3253 the start of the string. Example: >
3254 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3255 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3256
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003257inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3258 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3259 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3260 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3261 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3262
3263inputsave() *inputsave()*
3264 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3265 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3266 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3267 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3268 many inputrestore() calls.
3269 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3270
3271inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3272 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3273 two exceptions:
3274 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3275 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3276 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3277 |history| stack.
3278 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3279 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003280 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003281
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003282insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003283 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003284 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3285 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3286 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3287 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003288 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003289 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3290 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3291 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003292< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003293 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003294 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003295
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003296isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3297 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3298 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3299 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3300 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3301
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003302islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003303 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3304 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003305 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3306 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003307 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3308 :lockvar 1 alist
3309 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3310 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3311
3312< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003313 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003314
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003315items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003316 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3317 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3318 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3319 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003320
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003321
3322join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3323 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3324 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3325 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3326 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3327 add it there too: >
3328 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003329< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003330 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3331 The opposite function is |split()|.
3332
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003333keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003334 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003335 arbitrary order.
3336
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003337 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003338len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3339 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3340 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003341 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003342 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003343 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3344 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003345 Otherwise an error is given.
3346
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003347 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3348libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3349 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3350 with single argument {argument}.
3351 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3352 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3353 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3354 limited.
3355 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3356 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3357 to Vim.
3358 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3359 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3360 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3361 null-terminated string.
3362 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3363
3364 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3365 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3366 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3367 very probably crash.
3368
3369 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3370 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3371 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3372 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3373 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3374 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3375 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3376 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3377 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3378 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3379
3380 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3381 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3382 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3383 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3384 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3385 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3386 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3387 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3388 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3389 feature is present}
3390 Examples: >
3391 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3392 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3393<
3394 *libcallnr()*
3395libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3396 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3397 int instead of a string.
3398 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3399 feature is present}
3400 Example (not very useful...): >
3401 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3402 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3403<
3404 *line()*
3405line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3406 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3407 . the cursor position
3408 $ the last line in the current buffer
3409 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3410 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003411 w0 first line visible in current window
3412 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003413 Note that a mark in another file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003414 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3415 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003416 Examples: >
3417 line(".") line number of the cursor
3418 line("'t") line number of mark t
3419 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3420< *last-position-jump*
3421 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3422 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3423 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003424
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003425line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3426 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3427 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3428 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3429 line returns 1.
3430 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3431 below the last line: >
3432 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3433< This is the file size plus one.
3434 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3435 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3436 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3437
3438lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3439 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3440 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3441 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3442 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3443 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3444 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3445
3446localtime() *localtime()*
3447 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3448 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3449
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003450
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003451map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003452 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003453 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3454 {string}.
3455 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003456 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003457 Example: >
3458 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003459< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003460
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003461 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003462 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003463 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3464 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003465
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003466 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3467 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003468 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003469
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003470< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003471 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3472 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003473
3474
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003475maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003476 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3477 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003478 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003479 "n" Normal
3480 "v" Visual
3481 "o" Operator-pending
3482 "i" Insert
3483 "c" Cmd-line
3484 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3485 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003486 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003487 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3488 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003489 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3490 command. The returned String has special characters
3491 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3492 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3493 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003494 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3495 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3496 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3497
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003498
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003499mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003500 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3501 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3502 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003503 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3504 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003505 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3506 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3507
3508 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3509 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3510 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3511 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3512 mapcheck("b") no no no
3513
3514 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3515 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3516 mapping for {name} exactly.
3517 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3518 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3519 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3520 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3521 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3522 then the global mappings.
3523 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3524 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3525 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3526 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3527 :endif
3528< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3529 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3530
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003531match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003532 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3533 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003534 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003535 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3536 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3537 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003538 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003539 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3540 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003541 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003542 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003543< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003544 *strpbrk()*
3545 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3546 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3547< *strcasestr()*
3548 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3549 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3550 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3551<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003552 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003553 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003554 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003555 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003556 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3557< result is again "4". >
3558 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3559< result is again "4". >
3560 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3561< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003562 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003563 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3564 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3565 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3566 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003567 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3568 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003569 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3570 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003571
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003572 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003573 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003574 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3575 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3576< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003577 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3578 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003579
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003580 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3581 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3582 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3583 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3584
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003585
3586matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003587 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003588 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3589 Return a |List| with two elements:
3590 The name of the highlight group used
3591 The pattern used.
3592 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3593 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
3594 This is usef to save and restore a |:match|.
3595
3596
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003597matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003598 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3599 the match. Example: >
3600 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3601< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003602 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3603 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3604 do it with matchend(): >
3605 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3606 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3607< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3608
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003609 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3610 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3611< results in "7". >
3612 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3613< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003614 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003615
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003616matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003617 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003618 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3619 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00003620 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
3621 empty string is used. Example: >
3622 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
3623< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003624 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3625
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003626matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003627 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3628 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3629< results in "ing".
3630 When there is no match "" is returned.
3631 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3632 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3633< results in "ing". >
3634 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3635< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003636 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003637 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003638
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003639 *max()*
3640max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3641 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3642 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003643 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003644
3645 *min()*
3646min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3647 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3648 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003649 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003650
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003651 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003652mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3653 Create directory {name}.
3654 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3655 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3656 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3657 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3658 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3659 for others.
3660 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3661 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3662 :if exists("*mkdir")
3663<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003664 *mode()*
3665mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3666 n Normal
3667 v Visual by character
3668 V Visual by line
3669 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3670 s Select by character
3671 S Select by line
3672 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3673 i Insert
3674 R Replace
3675 c Command-line
3676 r Hit-enter prompt
3677 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3678 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3679
3680nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3681 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3682 that is not blank. Example: >
3683 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3684< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3685 below it, zero is returned.
3686 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3687
3688nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3689 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3690 value {expr}. Examples: >
3691 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3692 nr2char(32) returns " "
3693< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3694 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3695< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3696 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3697 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003698 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003699
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003700 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003701getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3702 see |line()|.
3703 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3704 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3705 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3706 is the buffer number of the mark.
3707 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3708 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003709 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3710 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3711 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3712 character.
3713 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3714 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3715 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00003716 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003717< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003718
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003719pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
3720 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
3721 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
3722 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
3723 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
3724 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
3725< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
3726 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
3727
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003728prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3729 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3730 that is not blank. Example: >
3731 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3732< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3733 above it, zero is returned.
3734 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3735
3736
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003737printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3738 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3739 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003740 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003741< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003742 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003743
3744 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003745 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003746 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3747 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003748 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003749 %d decimal number
3750 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3751 %x hex number
3752 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3753 %X hex number using upper case letters
3754 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003755 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003756
3757 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3758 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3759 the result.
3760
3761 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003762 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003763
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003764 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003765
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003766 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003767 Zero or more of the following flags:
3768
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003769 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3770 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3771 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3772 of the number is increased to force the first
3773 character of the output string to a zero (except
3774 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3775 precision of zero).
3776 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3777 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3778 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003779
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003780 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3781 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3782 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3783 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3784 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003785
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003786 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3787 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3788 The converted value is padded on the right with
3789 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3790 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003791
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003792 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3793 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003794
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003795 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3796 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3797 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003798
3799 field-width
3800 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003801 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3802 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3803 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3804 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003805
3806 .precision
3807 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3808 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3809 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3810 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3811 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003812 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003813
3814 type
3815 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3816 be applied, see below.
3817
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003818 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3819 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3820 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3821 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3822 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3823 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003824 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003825< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003826 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003827
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003828 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003829
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003830 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3831 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3832 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3833 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003834 conversions.
3835 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3836 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3837 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3838 zeros.
3839 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3840 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3841 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3842 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3843
3844 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3845 resulting character is written.
3846
3847 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3848 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3849 specified are used.
3850
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003851 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3852 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003853
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003854 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3855 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3856 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003857
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003858 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003859 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3860 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003861 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003862
3863
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003864pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3865 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3866 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003867 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
3868 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003869
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003870 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003871range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003872 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003873 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3874 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3875 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3876 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3877 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003878 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3879 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3880 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003881 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003882 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003883 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3884 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003885 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003886 range(0) " []
3887 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003888<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003889 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003890readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003891 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3892 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003893 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3894 NL appears somewhere).
3895 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3896 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3897 added.
3898 - No CR characters are removed.
3899 Otherwise:
3900 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3901 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3902 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003903 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3904 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3905 lines of a file: >
3906 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3907 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3908 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003909< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3910 are returned, or as many as there are.
3911 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003912 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3913 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3914 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003915 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3916 the result is an empty list.
3917 Also see |writefile()|.
3918
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003919reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
3920 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
3921 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
3922 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
3923 Without an argument it returns the current time.
3924 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
3925 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003926 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003927 and {end}.
3928 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
3929 reltime().
3930 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3931
3932reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
3933 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
3934 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
3935 microseconds. Example: >
3936 let start = reltime()
3937 call MyFunction()
3938 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
3939< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
3940 The accuracy depends on the system.
3941 Also see |profiling|.
3942 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3943
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003944 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3945remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3946 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3947 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003948 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
3949 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
3950 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003951 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3952 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3953 remote_read() is stored there.
3954 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3955 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3956 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3957 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3958 and the result will be the empty string.
3959 Examples: >
3960 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3961 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3962<
3963
3964remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3965 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3966 This works like: >
3967 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3968< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3969 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3970 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003971 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3972 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003973 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3974 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3975 Win32 console version}
3976
3977
3978remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3979 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3980 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3981 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3982 name of a variable.
3983 Returns zero if none are available.
3984 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3985 See also |clientserver|.
3986 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3987 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3988 Examples: >
3989 :let repl = ""
3990 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3991
3992remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3993 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3994 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3995 See also |clientserver|.
3996 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3997 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3998 Example: >
3999 :echo remote_read(id)
4000<
4001 *remote_send()* *E241*
4002remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004003 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
4004 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4005 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004006 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4007 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4008 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004009 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4010 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4011 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4012 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4013 up the display.
4014 Examples: >
4015 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4016 \ remote_read(serverid)
4017
4018 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4019 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4020 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4021 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004022<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004023remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004024 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004025 return it.
4026 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
4027 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
4028 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4029 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4030 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004031 Example: >
4032 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004033 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004034remove({dict}, {key})
4035 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4036 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4037< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4038
4039 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004040
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004041rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4042 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4043 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4044 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4045 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
4046 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4047
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004048repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4049 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4050 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004051 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004052< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004053 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004054 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004055 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4056< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004057
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004058
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004059resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4060 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4061 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4062 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4063 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4064 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4065 stopped after 100 iterations.
4066 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4067 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4068 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4069 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4070 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4071
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004072 *reverse()*
4073reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
4074 {list}.
4075 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4076 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4077
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004078search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004079 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004080 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004081
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004082 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4083 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004084 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
4085 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004086 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004087 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4088 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004089 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4090 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4091 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4092
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004093 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4094 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4095 flag.
4096
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004097 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4098 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4099 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4100 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4101 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4102< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4103 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
4104
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004105 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4106 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004107 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4108 *search()-sub-match*
4109 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4110 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4111 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004112 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004113
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004114 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4115 flag is used.
4116
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004117 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4118 :let n = 1
4119 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4120 : exe "argument " . n
4121 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4122 : " first search to find match at start of file
4123 : normal G$
4124 : let flags = "w"
4125 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
4126 : s/foo/bar/g
4127 : let flags = "W"
4128 : endwhile
4129 : update " write the file if modified
4130 : let n = n + 1
4131 :endwhile
4132<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004133 Example for using some flags: >
4134 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4135< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4136 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4137 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4138 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4139 line:
4140 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4141 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4142 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4143 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4144 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4145
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004146
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004147searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4148 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004149
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004150 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4151 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4152 first match in the function.
4153
4154 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4155 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4156 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4157
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004158 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4159 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4160 Example: >
4161 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4162 echo getline('.')
4163 endif
4164<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004165 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004166searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004167 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4168 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4169 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004170 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4171 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4172 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4173 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4174 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4175 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004176
4177 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4178 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4179 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4180 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4181 typical use is: >
4182 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4183< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4184
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004185 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4186 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004187 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4188 outer pair
4189 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004190 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004191
4192 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4193 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4194 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4195 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4196 or a string.
4197 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4198 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4199 and -1 returned.
4200
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004201 For {stopline} see |search()|.
4202
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004203 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4204 patterns are used like it's on.
4205
4206 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4207 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4208 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4209 if 1
4210 if 2
4211 endif 2
4212 endif 1
4213< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4214 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4215 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4216 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4217 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4218 "endif 2".
4219 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4220 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4221 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4222 the matching start.
4223
4224 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4225
4226 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4227 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4228
4229< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4230 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4231 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4232 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4233 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4234 match.
4235 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4236
4237 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4238
4239< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4240 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4241 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4242
4243 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4244 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4245<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004246 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004247searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004248 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4249 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4250 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004251 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4252 returns [0, 0].
4253>
4254 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4255<
4256 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4257
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004258searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4259 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004260 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4261 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4262 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4263 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004264 Example: >
4265 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4266
4267< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4268 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4269 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4270< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4271 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4272
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004273server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4274 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4275 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4276 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4277 Note:
4278 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004279 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004280 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4281 See also |clientserver|.
4282 Example: >
4283 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4284<
4285serverlist() *serverlist()*
4286 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4287 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4288 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4289 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4290 Example: >
4291 :echo serverlist()
4292<
4293setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4294 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4295 {val}.
4296 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4297 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4298 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4299 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4300 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4301 Examples: >
4302 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4303 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4304< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4305
4306setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4307 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4308 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4309 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4310 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004311 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4312 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4313 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4314 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4315 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004316 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4317 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4318 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4319 line.
4320
4321setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004322 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4323 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004324 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4325 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004326 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4327 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004328 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004329< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004330 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4331 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4332< This is equivalent to: >
4333 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4334 : call setline(n, l)
4335 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004336< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4337
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004338setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4339 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4340 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004341 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4342 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004343 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004344
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004345 *setpos()*
4346setpos({expr}, {list})
4347 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4348 . the cursor
4349 'x mark x
4350
4351 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4352 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4353
4354 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004355 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004356 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4357 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4358 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004359 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004360
4361 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4362 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4363
4364 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4365 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4366 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4367 character.
4368
4369 Also see |getpos()|
4370
4371
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004372setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004373 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4374 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4375 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4376 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004377
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004378 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
4379 buffer
4380 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
4381 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004382 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004383 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004384 col column number
4385 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004386 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004387 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004388 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004389 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004390
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004391 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4392 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4393 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004394 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
4395 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
4396 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004397 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4398 be used.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004399 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
4400 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004401
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004402 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4403 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4404 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4405 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4406 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4407 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4408
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004409 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4410
4411 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4412 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4413 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4414
4415
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004416 *setreg()*
4417setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4418 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4419 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4420 then the value is appended.
4421 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4422 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4423 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4424 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4425 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4426 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4427 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4428 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4429
4430 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4431 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4432 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4433 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4434
4435 Examples: >
4436 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4437 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4438 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4439
4440< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4441 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004442 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004443 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4444 ....
4445 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4446
4447< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4448 nothing: >
4449 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4450
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004451settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4452 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4453 {val}.
4454 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4455 use |setwinvar()|.
4456 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004457 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4458 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4459 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4460 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004461 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4462 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4463 Examples: >
4464 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4465 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4466< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4467
4468setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4469 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004470 Examples: >
4471 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4472 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004473
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00004474shellescape({string}) *shellescape()*
4475 Escape {string} for use as shell command argument.
4476 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
4477 will enclose {string} double quotes and double all double
4478 quotes within {string}.
4479 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
4480 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
4481 Example: >
4482 :echo shellescape('c:\program files\vim')
4483< results in:
4484 "c:\program files\vim" ~
4485 Example usage: >
4486 :call system("chmod +x -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
4487
4488
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004489simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4490 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4491 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4492 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4493 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4494 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4495 not removed either.
4496 Example: >
4497 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4498< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4499 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4500 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4501 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4502 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4503
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004504
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004505sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004506 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4507 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4508 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4509< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004510 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004511 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004512 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004513 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4514 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004515 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4516 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4517 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4518 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4519 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4520 endfunc
4521 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004522<
4523
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004524 *soundfold()*
4525soundfold({word})
4526 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4527 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004528 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4529 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004530 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4531 the method can be quite slow.
4532
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004533 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004534spellbadword([{sentence}])
4535 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4536 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4537 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4538 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4539
4540 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4541 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4542 result is an empty string.
4543
4544 The return value is a list with two items:
4545 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4546 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004547 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004548 "rare" rare word
4549 "local" word only valid in another region
4550 "caps" word should start with Capital
4551 Example: >
4552 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4553< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4554
4555 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4556 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4557 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004558
4559 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004560spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004561 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004562 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4563 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4564
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004565 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4566 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4567 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4568
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004569 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4570 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004571 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4572 replace a line.
4573
4574 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004575 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4576 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004577
4578 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004579 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4580 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004581
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004582
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004583split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004584 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4585 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4586 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004587 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004588 removing the matched characters.
4589 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4590 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004591 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4592 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004593 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004594 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004595< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004596 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004597< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4598 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4599< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004600 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4601 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4602< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004603
4604
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004605str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4606 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4607 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4608 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4609 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4610 with the default String to Number conversion.
4611 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4612 different base the result will be zero.
4613 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004614
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004615
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004616strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4617 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4618 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4619 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4620 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4621 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4622 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4623 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4624 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4625 Examples: >
4626 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4627 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4628 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4629 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4630 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4631 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004632< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4633 :if exists("*strftime")
4634
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004635stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4636 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4637 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004638 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4639 This can be used to find a second match: >
4640 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4641 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4642< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004643 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004644 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004645 See also |strridx()|.
4646 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004647 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4648 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4649 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004650< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004651 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4652 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4653
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004654 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004655string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4656 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4657 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004658 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004659 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004660 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004661 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004662 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004663 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004664 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004665
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004666 *strlen()*
4667strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004668 {expr} in bytes.
4669 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4670 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004671
4672 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004673<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004674 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4675 For other types an error is given.
4676 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004677
4678strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4679 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004680 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004681 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4682 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4683 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4684 end of the {src}. >
4685 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4686 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4687 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4688 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4689< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4690 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00004691 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004692<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004693strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4694 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4695 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4696 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4697 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4698 match: >
4699 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4700 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4701< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004702 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4703 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004704 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004705 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004706 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004707< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004708 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4709 function strrchr().
4710
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004711strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4712 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4713 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4714 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4715 echo strtrans(@a)
4716< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4717 starting a new line.
4718
4719submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4720 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4721 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4722 the whole matched text is returned.
4723 Example: >
4724 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4725< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4726 A line break is included as a newline character.
4727
4728substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4729 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4730 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4731 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4732 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4733 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00004734 'ignorecase' is still relevant.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004735 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4736 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4737 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4738 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4739 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4740 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4741 unmodified.
4742 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4743 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4744 Example: >
4745 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4746< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4747 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4748< results in "TESTING".
4749
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004750synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004751 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004752 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004753 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4754 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004755
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004756 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004757 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4758
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004759 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4760 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4761 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4762 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4763 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4764 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4765 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4766
4767 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4768 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4769<
4770synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4771 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4772 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4773 about a syntax item.
4774 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4775 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4776 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4777 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4778 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4779 {what} result
4780 "name" the name of the syntax item
4781 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4782 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4783 term: empty string)
4784 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4785 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4786 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4787 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4788 "bold" "1" if bold
4789 "italic" "1" if italic
4790 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4791 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4792 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004793 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004794
4795 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4796 cursor): >
4797 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4798<
4799synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4800 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4801 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4802 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4803 ":highlight link" are followed.
4804
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004805system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4806 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4807 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4808 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4809 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004810 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004811 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4812 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4813 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004814 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4815 The result is a String. Example: >
4816
4817 :let files = system("ls")
4818
4819< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4820 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4821 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4822 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4823 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4824 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4825 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4826 concatenated commands.
4827
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004828 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
4829 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
4830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004831 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4832 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004833
4834 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4835 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4836 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004837 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4838 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4839
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004840
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004841tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004842 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004843 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4844 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4845 omitted the current tab page is used.
4846 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4847 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4848 tablist = []
4849 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4850 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4851 endfor
4852< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4853
4854
4855tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004856 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4857 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4858 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4859 page is returned (the tab page count).
4860 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4861
4862
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004863tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4864 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4865 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4866 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4867 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4868 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4869 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4870 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4871 Useful examples: >
4872 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4873 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4874< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4875
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00004876 *tagfiles()*
4877tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4878 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4879
4880
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004881taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4882 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004883 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4884 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004885 name Name of the tag.
4886 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004887 defined.
4888 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4889 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004890 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004891 entry depends on the language specific
4892 kind values generated by the ctags
4893 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004894 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004895 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004896 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4897 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4898 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4899 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4900 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4901 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4902 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004903
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004904 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4905 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004906
4907 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4908
4909 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4910 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4911 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4912
4913 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4914 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4915 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4916
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004917tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4918 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4919 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4920 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4921 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4922 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4923< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4924 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4925 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4926 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4927 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4928 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4929
4930tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4931 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4932 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4933 the string).
4934
4935toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4936 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4937 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4938 the string).
4939
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004940tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4941 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4942 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4943 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4944 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4945 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4946 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4947
4948 Examples: >
4949 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4950< returns "Hello THere" >
4951 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4952< returns "{blob}"
4953
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004954 *type()*
4955type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004956 Number: 0
4957 String: 1
4958 Funcref: 2
4959 List: 3
4960 Dictionary: 4
4961 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004962 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4963 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4964 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4965 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004966 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004967
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004968values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004969 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4970 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004971
4972
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004973virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4974 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4975 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4976 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4977 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4978 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4979 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4980 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004981 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004982 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4983 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004984 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4985 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4986 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4987 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004988 For the byte position use |col()|.
4989 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4990 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4991 The accepted positions are:
4992 . the cursor position
4993 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4994 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4995 plus one)
4996 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4997 returned)
4998 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4999 Examples: >
5000 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5001 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
5002 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5003< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
5004
5005visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5006 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005007 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5008 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5009 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5010 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5011 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005012 Example: >
5013 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5014< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5015 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5016 Visual mode that was used.
5017
5018 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
5019 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
5020 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
5021 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
5022
5023 *winbufnr()*
5024winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005025 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005026 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5027 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5028 Example: >
5029 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5030<
5031 *wincol()*
5032wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5033 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5034 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5035
5036winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5037 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5038 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5039 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5040 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5041 Examples: >
5042 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5043<
5044 *winline()*
5045winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
5046 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
5047 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005048 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5049 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005050
5051 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005052winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5053 window. The top window has number 1.
5054 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005055 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005056 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5057 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
5058 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
5059 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5060 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005061
5062 *winrestcmd()*
5063winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5064 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005065 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5066 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005067 Example: >
5068 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5069 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5070 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005071<
5072 *winrestview()*
5073winrestview({dict})
5074 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5075 the view of the current window.
5076 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5077 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5078
5079 *winsaveview()*
5080winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5081 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5082 restore the view.
5083 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5084 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5085 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005086 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5087 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005088 The return value includes:
5089 lnum cursor line number
5090 col cursor column
5091 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5092 curswant column for vertical movement
5093 topline first line in the window
5094 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5095 leftcol first column displayed
5096 skipcol columns skipped
5097 Note that no option values are saved.
5098
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005099
5100winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5101 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5102 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5103 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5104 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5105 Examples: >
5106 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5107 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5108 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5109 :endif
5110<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005111 *writefile()*
5112writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005113 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005114 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5115 Number.
5116 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5117 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5118 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5119 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5120 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5121 to writefile().
5122 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5123 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5124 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5125 fails.
5126 Also see |readfile()|.
5127 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5128 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5129 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5130<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005131
5132 *feature-list*
5133There are three types of features:
51341. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5135 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5136 :if has("cindent")
51372. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5138 Example: >
5139 :if has("gui_running")
5140< *has-patch*
51413. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5142 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5143 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5144 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
5145
5146all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5147amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5148arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5149arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005150autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005151balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005152balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005153beos BeOS version of Vim.
5154browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5155 work.
5156builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5157byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5158cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5159clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5160clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5161cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5162cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5163cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5164comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5165cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5166cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5167compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5168debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5169dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5170dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5171diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5172digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5173dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5174dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5175dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5176ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5177emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5178eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5179 true, of course!
5180ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5181extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5182 |'hlsearch'|
5183farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5184file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005185filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5186 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005187find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5188 |+find_in_path|.
5189fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5190 Windows this is not present).
5191folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5192footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5193fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5194gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5195gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5196gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005197gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5198gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
5199gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5200gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5201gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5202gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5203gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5204gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5205hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5206iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5207insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5208 Insert mode.
5209jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5210keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5211langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5212libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5213linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5214 support.
5215lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5216listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5217 and the argument list |arglist|.
5218localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5219mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5220macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5221menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5222mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5223modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5224mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5225mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5226mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5227mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5228mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5229mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5230mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5231multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5232multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5233multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005234mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005235netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005236netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005237ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5238os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5239osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5240path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5241perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5242postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5243printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005244profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005245python Compiled with Python interface.
5246qnx QNX version of Vim.
5247quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005248reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005249rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5250ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5251scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5252showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5253signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5254smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005255sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005256statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5257 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5258sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005259spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5260syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005261syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5262 current buffer.
5263system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5264tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5265 |tag-binary-search|.
5266tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5267 |tag-old-static|.
5268tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5269 files |tag-any-white|.
5270tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5271terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5272termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5273textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5274tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5275 or terminfo file.
5276title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5277toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5278unix Unix version of Vim.
5279user_commands User-defined commands.
5280viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5281vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5282vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5283virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5284visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5285visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5286 |blockwise-operators|.
5287vms VMS version of Vim.
5288vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5289wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5290wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5291windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5292winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5293win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5294win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5295win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5296win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5297win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5298writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5299xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5300xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5301xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5302xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5303xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5304xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5305 xterm screen.
5306x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5307
5308 *string-match*
5309Matching a pattern in a String
5310
5311A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5312the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5313everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5314like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5315line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5316with ".". Example: >
5317 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5318 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5319 aa
5320 xx
5321 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5322 a
5323 x
5324
5325Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5326"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5327"\n".
5328
5329==============================================================================
53305. Defining functions *user-functions*
5331
5332New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5333functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5334commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5335
5336The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5337builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5338avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5339the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5340
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005341It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5342|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005343
5344 *local-function*
5345A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5346can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5347and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5348function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5349instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5350
5351 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5352:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5353
5354:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005355 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5356 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005357 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005358
5359:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5360 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5361 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005362<
5363 *:function-verbose*
5364When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5365last defined. Example: >
5366
5367 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5368 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5369 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5370<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005371See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005372
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005373 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005374:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005375 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5376 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5377 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005378
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005379 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5380 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005381 :function dict.init(arg)
5382< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5383 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5384 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5385 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5386 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5387 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005388 *E127* *E122*
5389 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5390 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5391 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5392 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005393
5394 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5395
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005396 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5397 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5398 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5399 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5400 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5401 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5402 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005403
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005404 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5405 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005406
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005407 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005408 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005409 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5410 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005411
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005412 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5413 will not be changed by the function.
5414
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005415 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5416:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5417 by its own, without other commands.
5418
5419 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5420:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005421 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5422 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005423 :delfunc dict.init
5424< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5425 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5426 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005427 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5428:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5429 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5430 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5431 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5432 the number 0 is returned.
5433 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5434 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5435
5436 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5437 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5438 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5439 are executed first. This process applies to all
5440 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5441 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5442
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005443 *function-argument* *a:var*
5444An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5445be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5446 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5447Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5448arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5449may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5450as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005451can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5452that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005453 *E742*
5454The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005455However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5456Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5457it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5458|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005459
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005460When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5461to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5462may be larger.
5463
5464It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5465still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5466until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5467inside a function body.
5468
5469 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005470Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5471will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5472accessed with "g:".
5473
5474Example: >
5475 :function Table(title, ...)
5476 : echohl Title
5477 : echo a:title
5478 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005479 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5480 : for s in a:000
5481 : echon ' ' . s
5482 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005483 :endfunction
5484
5485This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005486 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5487 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005488
5489To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5490 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5491 : if a:n2 == 0
5492 : return "fail"
5493 : endif
5494 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5495 : return "ok"
5496 :endfunction
5497
5498This function can then be called with: >
5499 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5500 :if success == "ok"
5501 : echo div
5502 :endif
5503
5504An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5505with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5506 :function Foo()
5507 : execute Bar()
5508 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5509 :endfunction
5510
5511 :function Bar()
5512 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5513 :endfunction
5514
5515The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5516the caller to set the names.
5517
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005518 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005519:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5520 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5521 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5522 used.
5523 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5524 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5525 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5526 function.
5527 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5528 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5529 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5530 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5531 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5532 this works:
5533 *function-range-example* >
5534 :function Mynumber(arg)
5535 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5536 :endfunction
5537 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5538<
5539 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5540 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5541 the range.
5542
5543 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5544
5545 :function Cont() range
5546 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5547 :endfunction
5548 :4,8call Cont()
5549<
5550 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5551 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5552
5553 *E132*
5554The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5555option.
5556
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005557
5558AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005559 *autoload-functions*
5560When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005561only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5562the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5563
5564
5565Using an autocommand ~
5566
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005567This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5568
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005569The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5570You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5571That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5572again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5573
5574Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5575function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005576
5577 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5578
5579The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5580"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5581
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005582
5583Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005584 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005585This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5586
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005587Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5588exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5589like this: >
5590
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005591 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005592
5593When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5594"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5595"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5596then define the function like this: >
5597
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005598 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005599 echo "Done!"
5600 endfunction
5601
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005602The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005603exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5604called.
5605
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005606It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5607a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005608
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005609 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005610
5611Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5612
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005613This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5614
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005615 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005616
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005617However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5618for an unknown variable.
5619
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005620When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5621be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5622
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005623 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5624 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005625
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005626Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5627defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5628function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005629And you will get an error message every time.
5630
5631Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5632other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5633Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005634
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005635Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
5636|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
5637
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005638==============================================================================
56396. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5640
5641Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5642This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5643{} like this: >
5644 my_{adjective}_variable
5645
5646When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5647that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5648name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5649"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5650"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5651
5652One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5653value. For example, the statement >
5654 echo my_{&background}_message
5655
5656would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5657on the current value of 'background'.
5658
5659You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5660 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5661..or even nest them: >
5662 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5663where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5664
5665However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005666variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005667 :let foo='a + b'
5668 :echo c{foo}d
5669.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5670
5671 *curly-braces-function-names*
5672You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5673Example: >
5674 :let func_end='whizz'
5675 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5676
5677This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5678
5679==============================================================================
56807. Commands *expression-commands*
5681
5682:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5683 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5684 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5685 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5686 is created.
5687
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005688:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5689 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5690 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5691 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5692 the index can be repeated.
5693 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5694
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005695 *E711* *E719*
5696:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005697 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5698 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005699 correct number of items.
5700 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5701 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5702 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5703 end of the list, items will be added.
5704
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005705 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005706:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5707:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5708:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5709 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5710 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5711
5712
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005713:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5714 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5715 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005716:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5717 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5718 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5719 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005720
5721:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5722 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5723 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5724 must be the name of a writable register (see
5725 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5726 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5727 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5728 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5729 characterwise.
5730 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5731 :let @/ = ""
5732< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5733 that would match everywhere.
5734
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005735:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5736 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5737 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5738
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005739:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5740 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005741 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5742 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005743 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5744 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005745 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005746 Example: >
5747 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005748
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005749:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5750 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5751 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5752
5753:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5754:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5755 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5756 {expr1}.
5757
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005758:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005759:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5760:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5761:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005762 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5763 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5764
5765:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005766:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5767:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5768:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005769 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5770 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5771
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005772:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005773 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005774 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5775 {name2}, etc.
5776 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005777 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005778 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5779 command as mentioned above.
5780 Example: >
5781 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005782< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5783 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5784 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5785 :let x = [0, 1]
5786 :let i = 0
5787 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5788 :echo x
5789< The result is [0, 2].
5790
5791:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5792:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5793:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5794 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005795 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005796
5797:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005798 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005799 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5800 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5801 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005802 Example: >
5803 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5804<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005805:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5806:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5807:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5808 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005809 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005810 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005811:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005812 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5813 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005814 g: global variables
5815 b: local buffer variables
5816 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005817 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005818 s: script-local variables
5819 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005820 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005821
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005822:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5823 variable is indicated before the value:
5824 <nothing> String
5825 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005826 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005827
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005828
5829:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5830 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5831 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005832 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005833 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5834 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005835 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005836 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5837 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005838< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005839 :unlet dict['two']
5840 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005841
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005842:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5843 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5844 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5845 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5846 :lockvar v
5847 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5848 :unlet v
5849< *E741*
5850 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5851 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5852
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005853 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5854 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5855 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005856 cannot add or remove items, but can
5857 still change their values.
5858 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005859 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5860 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005861 items, but can still change the
5862 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005863 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5864 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5865 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5866 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5867 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005868 *E743*
5869 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5870 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5871 loops.
5872
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005873 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5874 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005875 locked when used through the other variable.
5876 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005877 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5878 :let cl = l
5879 :lockvar l
5880 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5881< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5882 See |deepcopy()|.
5883
5884
5885:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5886 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5887 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5888
5889
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005890:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5891:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5892 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5893
5894 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5895 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5896 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5897 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5898 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5899 part was not executed either.
5900
5901 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5902 versions: >
5903 :if version >= 500
5904 : version-5-specific-commands
5905 :endif
5906< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5907 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5908 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5909 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5910 avoid problems: >
5911 :if version >= 600
5912 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5913 :endif
5914<
5915 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5916 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5917
5918 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5919:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5920 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5921 executed.
5922
5923 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5924:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5925 is no extra ":endif".
5926
5927:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005928 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005929:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5930 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5931 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5932 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005933 Example: >
5934 :let lnum = 1
5935 :while lnum <= line("$")
5936 :call FixLine(lnum)
5937 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5938 :endwhile
5939<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005940 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005941 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005942
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005943:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005944:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5945 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005946 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005947 value of each item.
5948 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005949 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005950 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5951 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005952 :for item in copy(mylist)
5953< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5954 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5955 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5956 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5957 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5958 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5959 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005960 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5961 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005962< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5963 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5964 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005965 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5966 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5967 to allow multiple item types.
5968
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005969:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5970:endfo[r]
5971 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5972 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5973 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5974 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5975 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5976 :endfor
5977<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005978 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005979:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5980 to the start of the loop.
5981 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5982 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5983 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5984 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5985 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5986 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005987
5988 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005989:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5990 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5991 ":endfor".
5992 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5993 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5994 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5995 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5996 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5997 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005998
5999:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6000:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6001 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6002 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6003 or autocommand invocations.
6004
6005 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6006 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6007 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6008 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6009 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6010 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6011 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6012 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6013 Example: >
6014 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6015 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6016<
6017 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6018 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6019 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6020 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6021 processing is not terminated.
6022
6023 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6024 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6025 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6026 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6027 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6028 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6029 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6030 the error number.
6031 Examples: >
6032 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6033 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6034<
6035 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
6036:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
6037 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6038 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6039 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6040 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6041 commands are skipped.
6042 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6043 Examples: >
6044 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6045 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6046 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6047 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6048 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6049 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6050 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6051 :catch " same as /.*/
6052<
6053 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6054 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6055 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6056 {pattern}.
6057 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6058 an error message because it may vary in different
6059 locales.
6060
6061 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6062:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6063 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6064 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6065 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6066 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6067 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6068
6069 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6070:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6071 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6072 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6073 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6074 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6075 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6076 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6077 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6078 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6079 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6080 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6081 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6082 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6083 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6084 is terminated.
6085 Example: >
6086 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6087<
6088
6089 *:ec* *:echo*
6090:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6091 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6092 Also see |:comment|.
6093 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6094 cursor to the first column.
6095 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6096 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6097 Example: >
6098 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
6099< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6100 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
6101 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
6102 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
6103 command. Example: >
6104 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6105<
6106 *:echon*
6107:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6108 |:comment|.
6109 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6110 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6111 Example: >
6112 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6113<
6114 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6115 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6116 command: >
6117 :!echo % --> filename
6118< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6119 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6120< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6121 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6122 :echo % --> nothing
6123< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6124 :echo "%" --> %
6125< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6126 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6127< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6128
6129 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6130:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6131 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6132 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6133 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6134< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6135 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6136
6137 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6138:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6139 message in the |message-history|.
6140 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6141 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6142 displayed, not interpreted.
6143 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6144 Example: >
6145 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
6146<
6147 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6148:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6149 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6150 script or function the line number will be added.
6151 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6152 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
6153 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6154 (see |try-echoerr|).
6155 Example: >
6156 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6157< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6158 And to get a beep: >
6159 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6160<
6161 *:exe* *:execute*
6162:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6163 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
6164 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
6165 used as the processed command, command line editing
6166 keys are not recognized.
6167 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6168 Examples: >
6169 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6170 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6171<
6172 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6173 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6174 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6175
6176< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6177 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6178 command: >
6179 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6180< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6181
6182 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006183 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6184 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006185 :execute 'while i > 5'
6186 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6187<
6188 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6189 completely in the executed string: >
6190 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6191<
6192
6193 *:comment*
6194 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6195 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6196 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6197 comment. Example: >
6198 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6199
6200==============================================================================
62018. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6202
6203The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6204explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6205
6206Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6207|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6208exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6209
6210
6211TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6212
6213Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6214use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6215a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6216 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6217|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6218a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6219be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6220which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6221clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6222
6223 :try
6224 : ...
6225 : ... TRY BLOCK
6226 : ...
6227 :catch /{pattern}/
6228 : ...
6229 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6230 : ...
6231 :catch /{pattern}/
6232 : ...
6233 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6234 : ...
6235 :finally
6236 : ...
6237 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6238 : ...
6239 :endtry
6240
6241The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6242appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6243from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6244 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6245is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6246script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6247 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6248lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6249patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6250after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6251executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6252":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6253(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6254continues in the following line as usual.
6255 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6256":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6257that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6258finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6259the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6260the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6261see |try-nesting|.
6262 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6263remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6264not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6265try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6266a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6267execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6268exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6269 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6270thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6271clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6272catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6273following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6274clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6275
6276The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6277a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6278try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6279from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6280sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6281":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6282":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6283from the finally clause.
6284 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6285try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6286clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6287":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6288clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6289":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6290this pending exception or command is discarded.
6291
6292For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6293
6294
6295NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6296
6297Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6298conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6299clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6300catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6301of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6302checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6303try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6304otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6305nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6306one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6307the inner try conditional.
6308
6309When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6310finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6311An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6312thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6313implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6314as usual.
6315
6316For examples see |throw-catch|.
6317
6318
6319EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6320
6321Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6322'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6323script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6324finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6325a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6326(see |debug-scripts|).
6327
6328
6329THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6330
6331You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6332and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6333 :throw 4711
6334 :throw "string"
6335< *throw-expression*
6336You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6337first, and the result is thrown: >
6338 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6339 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6340
6341An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6342command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6343The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6344 Example: >
6345
6346 :function! Foo(arg)
6347 : try
6348 : throw a:arg
6349 : catch /foo/
6350 : endtry
6351 : return 1
6352 :endfunction
6353 :
6354 :function! Bar()
6355 : echo "in Bar"
6356 : return 4710
6357 :endfunction
6358 :
6359 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6360
6361This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6362executed. >
6363 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6364however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6365
6366Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6367abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6368exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6369 Example: >
6370
6371 :if Foo("arrgh")
6372 : echo "then"
6373 :else
6374 : echo "else"
6375 :endif
6376
6377Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6378
6379 *catch-order*
6380Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6381commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6382command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6383gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6384 Example: >
6385
6386 :function! Foo(value)
6387 : try
6388 : throw a:value
6389 : catch /^\d\+$/
6390 : echo "Number thrown"
6391 : catch /.*/
6392 : echo "String thrown"
6393 : endtry
6394 :endfunction
6395 :
6396 :call Foo(0x1267)
6397 :call Foo('string')
6398
6399The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6400An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6401specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6402specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6403
6404 : catch /.*/
6405 : echo "String thrown"
6406 : catch /^\d\+$/
6407 : echo "Number thrown"
6408
6409The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6410never taken.
6411
6412 *throw-variables*
6413If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6414in the variable |v:exception|: >
6415
6416 : catch /^\d\+$/
6417 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6418
6419You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6420|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6421exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6422 Example: >
6423
6424 :function! Caught()
6425 : if v:exception != ""
6426 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6427 : else
6428 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6429 : endif
6430 :endfunction
6431 :
6432 :function! Foo()
6433 : try
6434 : try
6435 : try
6436 : throw 4711
6437 : finally
6438 : call Caught()
6439 : endtry
6440 : catch /.*/
6441 : call Caught()
6442 : throw "oops"
6443 : endtry
6444 : catch /.*/
6445 : call Caught()
6446 : finally
6447 : call Caught()
6448 : endtry
6449 :endfunction
6450 :
6451 :call Foo()
6452
6453This displays >
6454
6455 Nothing caught
6456 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6457 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6458 Nothing caught
6459
6460A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6461number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6462
6463 :function! LineNumber()
6464 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6465 :endfunction
6466 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6467<
6468 *try-nested*
6469An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6470a surrounding try conditional: >
6471
6472 :try
6473 : try
6474 : throw "foo"
6475 : catch /foobar/
6476 : echo "foobar"
6477 : finally
6478 : echo "inner finally"
6479 : endtry
6480 :catch /foo/
6481 : echo "foo"
6482 :endtry
6483
6484The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6485clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6486conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6487
6488 *throw-from-catch*
6489You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6490catch clause: >
6491
6492 :function! Foo()
6493 : throw "foo"
6494 :endfunction
6495 :
6496 :function! Bar()
6497 : try
6498 : call Foo()
6499 : catch /foo/
6500 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6501 : throw "bar"
6502 : endtry
6503 :endfunction
6504 :
6505 :try
6506 : call Bar()
6507 :catch /.*/
6508 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6509 :endtry
6510
6511This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6512
6513 *rethrow*
6514There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6515"v:exception" instead: >
6516
6517 :function! Bar()
6518 : try
6519 : call Foo()
6520 : catch /.*/
6521 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6522 : throw v:exception
6523 : endtry
6524 :endfunction
6525< *try-echoerr*
6526Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6527exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6528Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6529denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6530the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6531
6532 :try
6533 : try
6534 : asdf
6535 : catch /.*/
6536 : echoerr v:exception
6537 : endtry
6538 :catch /.*/
6539 : echo v:exception
6540 :endtry
6541
6542This code displays
6543
6544 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6545
6546
6547CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6548
6549Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6550user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6551an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6552a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6553catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6554a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6555normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6556(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6557to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6558clause has been executed.)
6559Example: >
6560
6561 :try
6562 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6563 : set ts=17
6564 :
6565 : " Do the hard work here.
6566 :
6567 :finally
6568 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6569 : unlet s:saved_ts
6570 :endtry
6571
6572This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6573changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6574that function or script part.
6575
6576 *break-finally*
6577Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6578a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6579 Example: >
6580
6581 :let first = 1
6582 :while 1
6583 : try
6584 : if first
6585 : echo "first"
6586 : let first = 0
6587 : continue
6588 : else
6589 : throw "second"
6590 : endif
6591 : catch /.*/
6592 : echo v:exception
6593 : break
6594 : finally
6595 : echo "cleanup"
6596 : endtry
6597 : echo "still in while"
6598 :endwhile
6599 :echo "end"
6600
6601This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6602
6603 :function! Foo()
6604 : try
6605 : return 4711
6606 : finally
6607 : echo "cleanup\n"
6608 : endtry
6609 : echo "Foo still active"
6610 :endfunction
6611 :
6612 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6613
6614This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6615extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6616return value.)
6617
6618 *except-from-finally*
6619Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6620a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6621cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6622exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6623 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6624working correctly: >
6625
6626 :try
6627 : try
6628 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6629 : while 1
6630 : endwhile
6631 : finally
6632 : unlet novar
6633 : endtry
6634 :catch /novar/
6635 :endtry
6636 :echo "Script still running"
6637 :sleep 1
6638
6639If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6640think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6641|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6642
6643
6644CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6645
6646If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6647watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6648presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6649exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6650the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6651the error exception is.
6652 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6653
6654 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6655or >
6656 Vim:{errmsg}
6657
6658{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6659the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6660when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6661a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6662a space.
6663
6664Examples:
6665
6666The command >
6667 :unlet novar
6668normally produces the error message >
6669 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6670which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6671 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6672
6673The command >
6674 :dwim
6675normally produces the error message >
6676 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6677which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6678 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6679
6680You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6681 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6682or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6683 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6684
6685Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6686 :function nofunc
6687and >
6688 :delfunction nofunc
6689both produce the error message >
6690 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6691which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6692 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6693or >
6694 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6695respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6696command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6697 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6698
6699Some commands like >
6700 :let x = novar
6701produce multiple error messages, here: >
6702 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6703 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6704Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6705one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6706 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6707
6708You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6709 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6710
6711You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6712 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6713
6714You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6715 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6716<
6717 *catch-text*
6718NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6719 :catch /No such variable/
6720only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6721a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6722cite the message text in a comment: >
6723 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6724
6725
6726IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6727
6728You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6729
6730 :try
6731 : write
6732 :catch
6733 :endtry
6734
6735But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6736catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6737be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6738
6739 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6740
6741There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6742writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6743then hide the error from the user.
6744 It is much better to use >
6745
6746 :try
6747 : write
6748 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6749 :endtry
6750
6751which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6752intentionally.
6753
6754For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6755even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6756command: >
6757 :silent! nunmap k
6758This works also when a try conditional is active.
6759
6760
6761CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6762
6763When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6764the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6765script is not terminated, then.
6766 Example: >
6767
6768 :function! TASK1()
6769 : sleep 10
6770 :endfunction
6771
6772 :function! TASK2()
6773 : sleep 20
6774 :endfunction
6775
6776 :while 1
6777 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6778 : try
6779 : if command == ""
6780 : continue
6781 : elseif command == "END"
6782 : break
6783 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6784 : call TASK1()
6785 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6786 : call TASK2()
6787 : else
6788 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6789 : continue
6790 : endif
6791 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6792 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6793 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6794 : endtry
6795 :endwhile
6796
6797You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6798a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6799
6800For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6801your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6802command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6803
6804
6805CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6806
6807The commands >
6808
6809 :catch /.*/
6810 :catch //
6811 :catch
6812
6813catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6814explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6815a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6816 Example: >
6817
6818 :try
6819 :
6820 : " do the hard work here
6821 :
6822 :catch /MyException/
6823 :
6824 : " handle known problem
6825 :
6826 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6827 : echo "Script interrupted"
6828 :catch /.*/
6829 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6830 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6831 :endtry
6832 :" end of script
6833
6834Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6835strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6836specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6837 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6838by pressing CTRL-C: >
6839
6840 :while 1
6841 : try
6842 : sleep 1
6843 : catch
6844 : endtry
6845 :endwhile
6846
6847
6848EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6849
6850Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6851
6852 :autocmd User x try
6853 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6854 :autocmd User x catch
6855 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6856 :autocmd User x endtry
6857 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6858 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6859 :
6860 :try
6861 : doautocmd User x
6862 :catch
6863 : echo v:exception
6864 :endtry
6865
6866This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6867
6868 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6869For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6870command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6871of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6872abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6873 Example: >
6874
6875 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6876 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6877 :
6878 :try
6879 : write
6880 :catch
6881 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6882 :endtry
6883
6884Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6885you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6886autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6887script displays: >
6888
6889 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6890<
6891 *except-autocmd-Post*
6892For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6893command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6894an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6895is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6896 Example: >
6897
6898 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6899 :
6900 :try
6901 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6902 :catch
6903 : echo v:exception
6904 :endtry
6905
6906This just displays: >
6907
6908 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6909
6910If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6911fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6912 Example: >
6913
6914 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6915 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6916 :
6917 :try
6918 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6919 :catch
6920 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6921 :endtry
6922<
6923You can also use ":silent!": >
6924
6925 :let x = "ok"
6926 :let v:errmsg = ""
6927 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6928 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6929 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6930 :try
6931 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6932 :catch
6933 :endtry
6934 :echo x
6935
6936This displays "after fail".
6937
6938If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6939autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6940
6941 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6942 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6943 :
6944 :try
6945 : write
6946 :catch
6947 : echo v:exception
6948 :endtry
6949<
6950 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6951For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6952autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6953of the command.
6954 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6955had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6956some way. >
6957
6958 :if !exists("cnt")
6959 : let cnt = 0
6960 :
6961 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6962 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6963 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6964 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6965 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6966 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6967 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6968 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6969 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6970 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6971 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6972 :endif
6973 :
6974 :try
6975 : write
6976 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6977 : if &modified
6978 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6979 : else
6980 : echo "Error after writing"
6981 : endif
6982 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6983 : echo "Error on writing"
6984 :endtry
6985
6986When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6987first >
6988 File successfully written!
6989then >
6990 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6991then >
6992 Error after writing
6993etc.
6994
6995 *except-autocmd-ill*
6996You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6997The following code is ill-formed: >
6998
6999 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7000 :
7001 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7002 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7003 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7004 :
7005 :write
7006
7007
7008EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7009
7010Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7011pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7012similar things in Vim.
7013 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7014class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7015string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7016 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7017it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7018for an error when writing "myfile".
7019 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7020base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7021parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7022 Example: >
7023
7024 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7025 : if a:a < 0
7026 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7027 : endif
7028 :endfunction
7029 :
7030 :function! Add(a, b)
7031 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7032 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7033 : let c = a:a + a:b
7034 : if c < 0
7035 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7036 : endif
7037 : return c
7038 :endfunction
7039 :
7040 :function! Div(a, b)
7041 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7042 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7043 : if (a:b == 0)
7044 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7045 : endif
7046 : return a:a / a:b
7047 :endfunction
7048 :
7049 :function! Write(file)
7050 : try
7051 : execute "write" a:file
7052 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7053 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7054 : endtry
7055 :endfunction
7056 :
7057 :try
7058 :
7059 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7060 :
7061 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7062 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7063 : echo "Range error in" function
7064 :
7065 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7066 : echo "Math error"
7067 :
7068 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7069 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7070 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7071 : if file !~ '^/'
7072 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7073 : endif
7074 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7075 :
7076 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7077 : echo "Unspecified error"
7078 :
7079 :endtry
7080
7081The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7082a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7083exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7084 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7085failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7086
7087
7088PECULIARITIES
7089 *except-compat*
7090The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7091exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7092and/or a catch clause.
7093
7094In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7095continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7096after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7097functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7098or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7099(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7100
7101This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7102immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
7103conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7104be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
7105termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7106catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7107by specifying a finally clause.)
7108
7109When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7110behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7111scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7112
7113However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7114commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7115conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7116script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7117error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7118messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
7119|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7120not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
7121where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7122error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7123scripts.
7124
7125 *except-syntax-err*
7126Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7127the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7128clauses, however, is executed.
7129 Example: >
7130
7131 :try
7132 : try
7133 : throw 4711
7134 : catch /\(/
7135 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7136 : catch
7137 : echo "inner catch-all"
7138 : finally
7139 : echo "inner finally"
7140 : endtry
7141 :catch
7142 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7143 : finally
7144 : echo "outer finally"
7145 :endtry
7146
7147This displays: >
7148 inner finally
7149 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7150 outer finally
7151The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7152
7153 *except-single-line*
7154The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7155a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7156"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7157 Example: >
7158 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7159raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7160argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7161error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7162displayed.
7163
7164 *except-several-errors*
7165When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7166usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7167 Example: >
7168 echo novar
7169causes >
7170 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7171 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7172The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7173 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7174< *except-syntax-error*
7175But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7176the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7177 Example: >
7178 unlet novar #
7179causes >
7180 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7181 E488: Trailing characters
7182The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7183 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7184This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7185not intended by the user. Example: >
7186 try
7187 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7188 catch /.*/
7189 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7190 endtry
7191This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7192a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7193
7194==============================================================================
71959. Examples *eval-examples*
7196
7197Printing in Hex ~
7198>
7199 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
7200 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
7201 : let n = a:nr
7202 : let r = ""
7203 : while n
7204 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
7205 : let n = n / 16
7206 : endwhile
7207 : return r
7208 :endfunc
7209
7210 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
7211 :" character Hex string.
7212 :func String2Hex(str)
7213 : let out = ''
7214 : let ix = 0
7215 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
7216 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7217 : let ix = ix + 1
7218 : endwhile
7219 : return out
7220 :endfunc
7221
7222Example of its use: >
7223 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
7224result: "20" >
7225 :echo String2Hex("32")
7226result: "3332"
7227
7228
7229Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
7230
7231Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
7232":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
7233platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
7234function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
7235with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
7236>
7237 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
7238 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
7239 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
7240 : return -1
7241 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
7242 : return 1
7243 : else
7244 : return 0
7245 : endif
7246 :endfunction
7247
7248 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
7249 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
7250 : if (a:start >= a:end)
7251 : return
7252 : endif
7253 : let partition = a:start - 1
7254 : let middle = partition
7255 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
7256 : let i = a:start
7257 : while (i <= a:end)
7258 : let str = getline(i)
7259 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
7260 : if (result <= 0)
7261 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
7262 : let partition = partition + 1
7263 : if (result == 0)
7264 : let middle = partition
7265 : endif
7266 : if (i != partition)
7267 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7268 : call setline(i, str2)
7269 : call setline(partition, str)
7270 : endif
7271 : endif
7272 : let i = i + 1
7273 : endwhile
7274
7275 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
7276 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
7277 : " the end of the partition.
7278 : if (middle != partition)
7279 : let str = getline(middle)
7280 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7281 : call setline(middle, str2)
7282 : call setline(partition, str)
7283 : endif
7284 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
7285 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
7286 :endfunc
7287
7288 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
7289 :" function that will compare two lines.
7290 :func! Sort(cmp) range
7291 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
7292 :endfunc
7293
7294 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
7295 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
7296<
7297 *sscanf*
7298There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7299line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7300how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7301"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7302 :" Set up the match bit
7303 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7304 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7305 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7306 :"get each item out of the match
7307 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7308 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7309 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7310
7311The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7312"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7313
7314==============================================================================
731510. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7316
7317When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7318evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7319to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7320recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7321and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7322only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7323recognized.
7324
7325Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7326missing: >
7327
7328 :if 1
7329 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7330 :else
7331 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7332 :endif
7333
7334==============================================================================
733511. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7336
7337The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7338options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7339these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7340these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007341a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007342The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007343
7344These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7345 - changing the buffer text
7346 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7347 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7348 - executing a shell command
7349 - reading or writing a file
7350 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007351 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007352This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7353
7354 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007355:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007356 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7357 'foldexpr'.
7358
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007359 *sandbox-option*
7360A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007361have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007362restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7363location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007364- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007365- while executing in the sandbox
7366- value coming from a modeline
7367
7368Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7369option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7370
7371==============================================================================
737212. Textlock *textlock*
7373
7374In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7375to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7376is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7377actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7378happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7379
7380This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7381 - changing the buffer text
7382 - jumping to another buffer or window
7383 - editing another file
7384 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7385 - etc.
7386
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007387
7388 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: