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Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +02001*insert.txt* For Vim version 7.3. Last change: 2012 Apr 05
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7 *Insert* *Insert-mode*
8Inserting and replacing text *mode-ins-repl*
9
10Most of this file is about Insert and Replace mode. At the end are a few
11commands for inserting text in other ways.
12
13An overview of the most often used commands can be found in chapter 24 of the
14user manual |usr_24.txt|.
15
161. Special keys |ins-special-keys|
172. Special special keys |ins-special-special|
183. 'textwidth' and 'wrapmargin' options |ins-textwidth|
194. 'expandtab', 'smarttab' and 'softtabstop' options |ins-expandtab|
205. Replace mode |Replace-mode|
216. Virtual Replace mode |Virtual-Replace-mode|
227. Insert mode completion |ins-completion|
238. Insert mode commands |inserting|
249. Ex insert commands |inserting-ex|
2510. Inserting a file |inserting-file|
26
27Also see 'virtualedit', for moving the cursor to positions where there is no
28character. Useful for editing a table.
29
30==============================================================================
311. Special keys *ins-special-keys*
32
33In Insert and Replace mode, the following characters have a special meaning;
34other characters are inserted directly. To insert one of these special
35characters into the buffer, precede it with CTRL-V. To insert a <Nul>
36character use "CTRL-V CTRL-@" or "CTRL-V 000". On some systems, you have to
37use "CTRL-V 003" to insert a CTRL-C. Note: When CTRL-V is mapped you can
38often use CTRL-Q instead |i_CTRL-Q|.
39
40If you are working in a special language mode when inserting text, see the
41'langmap' option, |'langmap'|, on how to avoid switching this mode on and off
42all the time.
43
44If you have 'insertmode' set, <Esc> and a few other keys get another meaning.
45See |'insertmode'|.
46
47char action ~
48-----------------------------------------------------------------------
49 *i_CTRL-[* *i_<Esc>*
50<Esc> or CTRL-[ End insert or Replace mode, go back to Normal mode. Finish
51 abbreviation.
52 Note: If your <Esc> key is hard to hit on your keyboard, train
53 yourself to use CTRL-[.
54 *i_CTRL-C*
55CTRL-C Quit insert mode, go back to Normal mode. Do not check for
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +000056 abbreviations. Does not trigger the |InsertLeave| autocommand
57 event.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000058
59 *i_CTRL-@*
60CTRL-@ Insert previously inserted text and stop insert. {Vi: only
61 when typed as first char, only up to 128 chars}
62 *i_CTRL-A*
63CTRL-A Insert previously inserted text. {not in Vi}
64
65 *i_CTRL-H* *i_<BS>* *i_BS*
66<BS> or CTRL-H Delete the character before the cursor (see |i_backspacing|
67 about joining lines).
68 See |:fixdel| if your <BS> key does not do what you want.
69 {Vi: does not delete autoindents}
70 *i_<Del>* *i_DEL*
71<Del> Delete the character under the cursor. If the cursor is at
72 the end of the line, and the 'backspace' option includes
73 "eol", delete the <EOL>; the next line is appended after the
74 current one.
75 See |:fixdel| if your <Del> key does not do what you want.
76 {not in Vi}
77 *i_CTRL-W*
78CTRL-W Delete the word before the cursor (see |i_backspacing| about
79 joining lines). See the section "word motions",
80 |word-motions|, for the definition of a word.
81 *i_CTRL-U*
82CTRL-U Delete all entered characters in the current line (see
83 |i_backspacing| about joining lines).
84
85 *i_CTRL-I* *i_<Tab>* *i_Tab*
86<Tab> or CTRL-I Insert a tab. If the 'expandtab' option is on, the
87 equivalent number of spaces is inserted (use CTRL-V <Tab> to
88 avoid the expansion; use CTRL-Q <Tab> if CTRL-V is mapped
89 |i_CTRL-Q|). See also the 'smarttab' option and
90 |ins-expandtab|.
91 *i_CTRL-J* *i_<NL>*
92<NL> or CTRL-J Begin new line.
93 *i_CTRL-M* *i_<CR>*
94<CR> or CTRL-M Begin new line.
95 *i_CTRL-K*
96CTRL-K {char1} [char2]
97 Enter digraph (see |digraphs|). When {char1} is a special
98 key, the code for that key is inserted in <> form. For
99 example, the string "<S-Space>" can be entered by typing
100 <C-K><S-Space> (two keys). Neither char is considered for
101 mapping. {not in Vi}
102
103CTRL-N Find next keyword (see |i_CTRL-N|). {not in Vi}
104CTRL-P Find previous keyword (see |i_CTRL-P|). {not in Vi}
105
106CTRL-R {0-9a-z"%#*+:.-=} *i_CTRL-R*
107 Insert the contents of a register. Between typing CTRL-R and
108 the second character, '"' will be displayed to indicate that
109 you are expected to enter the name of a register.
110 The text is inserted as if you typed it, but mappings and
111 abbreviations are not used. If you have options like
112 'textwidth', 'formatoptions', or 'autoindent' set, this will
113 influence what will be inserted. This is different from what
114 happens with the "p" command and pasting with the mouse.
115 Special registers:
116 '"' the unnamed register, containing the text of
117 the last delete or yank
118 '%' the current file name
119 '#' the alternate file name
120 '*' the clipboard contents (X11: primary selection)
121 '+' the clipboard contents
122 '/' the last search pattern
123 ':' the last command-line
124 '.' the last inserted text
125 '-' the last small (less than a line) delete
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100126 *i_CTRL-R_=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000127 '=' the expression register: you are prompted to
128 enter an expression (see |expression|)
Bram Moolenaar293ee4d2004-12-09 21:34:53 +0000129 Note that 0x80 (128 decimal) is used for
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000130 special keys. E.g., you can use this to move
131 the cursor up:
132 CTRL-R ="\<Up>"
133 Use CTRL-R CTRL-R to insert text literally.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +0000134 When the result is a |List| the items are used
135 as lines. They can have line breaks inside
136 too.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100137 When the result is a Float it's automatically
138 converted to a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000139 See |registers| about registers. {not in Vi}
140
141CTRL-R CTRL-R {0-9a-z"%#*+/:.-=} *i_CTRL-R_CTRL-R*
142 Insert the contents of a register. Works like using a single
143 CTRL-R, but the text is inserted literally, not as if typed.
144 This differs when the register contains characters like <BS>.
145 Example, where register a contains "ab^Hc": >
146 CTRL-R a results in "ac".
147 CTRL-R CTRL-R a results in "ab^Hc".
148< Options 'textwidth', 'formatoptions', etc. still apply. If
149 you also want to avoid these, use "<C-R><C-O>r", see below.
150 The '.' register (last inserted text) is still inserted as
151 typed. {not in Vi}
152
153CTRL-R CTRL-O {0-9a-z"%#*+/:.-=} *i_CTRL-R_CTRL-O*
154 Insert the contents of a register literally and don't
155 auto-indent. Does the same as pasting with the mouse
156 |<MiddleMouse>|.
157 Does not replace characters!
158 The '.' register (last inserted text) is still inserted as
159 typed. {not in Vi}
160
161CTRL-R CTRL-P {0-9a-z"%#*+/:.-=} *i_CTRL-R_CTRL-P*
162 Insert the contents of a register literally and fix the
163 indent, like |[<MiddleMouse>|.
164 Does not replace characters!
165 The '.' register (last inserted text) is still inserted as
166 typed. {not in Vi}
167
168 *i_CTRL-T*
169CTRL-T Insert one shiftwidth of indent at the start of the current
170 line. The indent is always rounded to a 'shiftwidth' (this is
171 vi compatible). {Vi: only when in indent}
172 *i_CTRL-D*
173CTRL-D Delete one shiftwidth of indent at the start of the current
174 line. The indent is always rounded to a 'shiftwidth' (this is
175 vi compatible). {Vi: CTRL-D works only when used after
176 autoindent}
177 *i_0_CTRL-D*
1780 CTRL-D Delete all indent in the current line. {Vi: CTRL-D works
179 only when used after autoindent}
180 *i_^_CTRL-D*
181^ CTRL-D Delete all indent in the current line. The indent is
182 restored in the next line. This is useful when inserting a
183 label. {Vi: CTRL-D works only when used after autoindent}
184
185 *i_CTRL-V*
186CTRL-V Insert next non-digit literally. For special keys, the
187 terminal code is inserted. It's also possible to enter the
188 decimal, octal or hexadecimal value of a character
189 |i_CTRL-V_digit|.
190 The characters typed right after CTRL-V are not considered for
191 mapping. {Vi: no decimal byte entry}
192 Note: When CTRL-V is mapped (e.g., to paste text) you can
193 often use CTRL-Q instead |i_CTRL-Q|.
194
195 *i_CTRL-Q*
196CTRL-Q Same as CTRL-V.
197 Note: Some terminal connections may eat CTRL-Q, it doesn't
198 work then. It does work in the GUI.
199
200CTRL-X Enter CTRL-X mode. This is a sub-mode where commands can
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000201 be given to complete words or scroll the window. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000202 |i_CTRL-X| and |ins-completion|. {not in Vi}
203
204 *i_CTRL-E*
205CTRL-E Insert the character which is below the cursor. {not in Vi}
206 *i_CTRL-Y*
207CTRL-Y Insert the character which is above the cursor. {not in Vi}
208 Note that for CTRL-E and CTRL-Y 'textwidth' is not used, to be
209 able to copy characters from a long line.
210
211 *i_CTRL-_*
212CTRL-_ Switch between languages, as follows:
213 - When in a rightleft window, revins and nohkmap are toggled,
214 since English will likely be inserted in this case.
215 - When in a norightleft window, revins and hkmap are toggled,
216 since Hebrew will likely be inserted in this case.
217
218 CTRL-_ moves the cursor to the end of the typed text.
219
220 This command is only available when the 'allowrevins' option
221 is set.
222 Please refer to |rileft.txt| for more information about
223 right-to-left mode.
224 {not in Vi}
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +0000225 Only if compiled with the |+rightleft| feature.
226
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000227 *i_CTRL-^*
228CTRL-^ Toggle the use of typing language characters.
229 When language |:lmap| mappings are defined:
230 - If 'iminsert' is 1 (langmap mappings used) it becomes 0 (no
231 langmap mappings used).
232 - If 'iminsert' has another value it becomes 1, thus langmap
233 mappings are enabled.
234 When no language mappings are defined:
235 - If 'iminsert' is 2 (Input Method used) it becomes 0 (no
236 Input Method used).
237 - If 'iminsert' has another value it becomes 2, thus the Input
238 Method is enabled.
239 When set to 1, the value of the "b:keymap_name" variable, the
240 'keymap' option or "<lang>" appears in the status line.
241 The language mappings are normally used to type characters
242 that are different from what the keyboard produces. The
243 'keymap' option can be used to install a whole number of them.
244 {not in Vi}
245
246 *i_CTRL-]*
247CTRL-] Trigger abbreviation, without inserting a character. {not in
248 Vi}
249
250 *i_<Insert>*
251<Insert> Toggle between Insert and Replace mode. {not in Vi}
252-----------------------------------------------------------------------
253
254 *i_backspacing*
255The effect of the <BS>, CTRL-W, and CTRL-U depend on the 'backspace' option
256(unless 'revins' is set). This is a comma separated list of items:
257
258item action ~
259indent allow backspacing over autoindent
260eol allow backspacing over end-of-line (join lines)
261start allow backspacing over the start position of insert; CTRL-W and
262 CTRL-U stop once at the start position
263
264When 'backspace' is empty, Vi compatible backspacing is used. You cannot
265backspace over autoindent, before column 1 or before where insert started.
266
267For backwards compatibility the values "0", "1" and "2" are also allowed, see
268|'backspace'|.
269
270If the 'backspace' option does contain "eol" and the cursor is in column 1
271when one of the three keys is used, the current line is joined with the
272previous line. This effectively deletes the <EOL> in front of the cursor.
273{Vi: does not cross lines, does not delete past start position of insert}
274
275 *i_CTRL-V_digit*
276With CTRL-V the decimal, octal or hexadecimal value of a character can be
277entered directly. This way you can enter any character, except a line break
278(<NL>, value 10). There are five ways to enter the character value:
279
280first char mode max nr of chars max value ~
281(none) decimal 3 255
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000282o or O octal 3 377 (255)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000283x or X hexadecimal 2 ff (255)
284u hexadecimal 4 ffff (65535)
285U hexadecimal 8 7fffffff (2147483647)
286
287Normally you would type the maximum number of characters. Thus to enter a
288space (value 32) you would type <C-V>032. You can omit the leading zero, in
289which case the character typed after the number must be a non-digit. This
290happens for the other modes as well: As soon as you type a character that is
291invalid for the mode, the value before it will be used and the "invalid"
292character is dealt with in the normal way.
293
294If you enter a value of 10, it will end up in the file as a 0. The 10 is a
295<NL>, which is used internally to represent the <Nul> character. When writing
296the buffer to a file, the <NL> character is translated into <Nul>. The <NL>
297character is written at the end of each line. Thus if you want to insert a
298<NL> character in a file you will have to make a line break.
299
300 *i_CTRL-X* *insert_expand*
301CTRL-X enters a sub-mode where several commands can be used. Most of these
302commands do keyword completion; see |ins-completion|. These are not available
303when Vim was compiled without the |+insert_expand| feature.
304
305Two commands can be used to scroll the window up or down, without exiting
306insert mode:
307
308 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-E*
309CTRL-X CTRL-E scroll window one line up.
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +0000310 When doing completion look here: |complete_CTRL-E|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000311
312 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-Y*
313CTRL-X CTRL-Y scroll window one line down.
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +0000314 When doing completion look here: |complete_CTRL-Y|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000315
316After CTRL-X is pressed, each CTRL-E (CTRL-Y) scrolls the window up (down) by
317one line unless that would cause the cursor to move from its current position
318in the file. As soon as another key is pressed, CTRL-X mode is exited and
319that key is interpreted as in Insert mode.
320
321
322==============================================================================
3232. Special special keys *ins-special-special*
324
325The following keys are special. They stop the current insert, do something,
326and then restart insertion. This means you can do something without getting
327out of Insert mode. This is very handy if you prefer to use the Insert mode
328all the time, just like editors that don't have a separate Normal mode. You
329may also want to set the 'backspace' option to "indent,eol,start" and set the
330'insertmode' option. You can use CTRL-O if you want to map a function key to
331a command.
332
333The changes (inserted or deleted characters) before and after these keys can
334be undone separately. Only the last change can be redone and always behaves
335like an "i" command.
336
337char action ~
338-----------------------------------------------------------------------
339<Up> cursor one line up *i_<Up>*
340<Down> cursor one line down *i_<Down>*
341CTRL-G <Up> cursor one line up, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_<Up>*
342CTRL-G k cursor one line up, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_k*
343CTRL-G CTRL-K cursor one line up, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_CTRL-K*
344CTRL-G <Down> cursor one line down, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_<Down>*
345CTRL-G j cursor one line down, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_j*
346CTRL-G CTRL-J cursor one line down, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_CTRL-J*
347<Left> cursor one character left *i_<Left>*
348<Right> cursor one character right *i_<Right>*
349<S-Left> cursor one word back (like "b" command) *i_<S-Left>*
350<C-Left> cursor one word back (like "b" command) *i_<C-Left>*
351<S-Right> cursor one word forward (like "w" command) *i_<S-Right>*
352<C-Right> cursor one word forward (like "w" command) *i_<C-Right>*
353<Home> cursor to first char in the line *i_<Home>*
354<End> cursor to after last char in the line *i_<End>*
355<C-Home> cursor to first char in the file *i_<C-Home>*
356<C-End> cursor to after last char in the file *i_<C-End>*
357<LeftMouse> cursor to position of mouse click *i_<LeftMouse>*
358<S-Up> move window one page up *i_<S-Up>*
359<PageUp> move window one page up *i_<PageUp>*
360<S-Down> move window one page down *i_<S-Down>*
361<PageDown> move window one page down *i_<PageDown>*
Bram Moolenaar8d9b40e2010-07-25 15:49:07 +0200362<ScrollWheelDown> move window three lines down *i_<ScrollWheelDown>*
363<S-ScrollWheelDown> move window one page down *i_<S-ScrollWheelDown>*
364<ScrollWheelUp> move window three lines up *i_<ScrollWheelUp>*
365<S-ScrollWheelUp> move window one page up *i_<S-ScrollWheelUp>*
366<ScrollWheelLeft> move window six columns left *i_<ScrollWheelLeft>*
367<S-ScrollWheelLeft> move window one page left *i_<S-ScrollWheelLeft>*
368<ScrollWheelRight> move window six columns right *i_<ScrollWheelRight>*
369<S-ScrollWheelRight> move window one page right *i_<S-ScrollWheelRight>*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000370CTRL-O execute one command, return to Insert mode *i_CTRL-O*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +0000371CTRL-\ CTRL-O like CTRL-O but don't move the cursor *i_CTRL-\_CTRL-O*
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000372CTRL-L when 'insertmode' is set: go to Normal mode *i_CTRL-L*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000373CTRL-G u break undo sequence, start new change *i_CTRL-G_u*
374-----------------------------------------------------------------------
375
376Note: If the cursor keys take you out of Insert mode, check the 'noesckeys'
377option.
378
379The CTRL-O command sometimes has a side effect: If the cursor was beyond the
380end of the line, it will be put on the last character in the line. In
381mappings it's often better to use <Esc> (first put an "x" in the text, <Esc>
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000382will then always put the cursor on it). Or use CTRL-\ CTRL-O, but then
383beware of the cursor possibly being beyond the end of the line.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000384
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +0200385The CTRL-O command takes you to Normal mode. If you then use a command enter
386Insert mode again it doesn't nest. Thus when typing "a<C-O>a" and then <Esc>
387takes you back to Normal mode, you do not need to type <Esc> twice.
388
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000389The shifted cursor keys are not available on all terminals.
390
391Another side effect is that a count specified before the "i" or "a" command is
392ignored. That is because repeating the effect of the command after CTRL-O is
393too complicated.
394
395An example for using CTRL-G u: >
396
397 :inoremap <C-H> <C-G>u<C-H>
398
399This redefines the backspace key to start a new undo sequence. You can now
400undo the effect of the backspace key, without changing what you typed before
Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +0200401that, with CTRL-O u. Another example: >
402
403 :inoremap <CR> <C-]><C-G>u<CR>
404
405This breaks undo at each line break. It also expands abbreviations before
406this.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000407
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +0000408Using CTRL-O splits undo: the text typed before and after it is undone
409separately. If you want to avoid this (e.g., in a mapping) you might be able
410to use CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. E.g., to call a function: >
411 :imap <F2> <C-R>=MyFunc()<CR>
412
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000413When the 'whichwrap' option is set appropriately, the <Left> and <Right>
414keys on the first/last character in the line make the cursor wrap to the
415previous/next line.
416
417The CTRL-G j and CTRL-G k commands can be used to insert text in front of a
418column. Example: >
419 int i;
420 int j;
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000421Position the cursor on the first "int", type "istatic <C-G>j ". The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000422result is: >
423 static int i;
424 int j;
425When inserting the same text in front of the column in every line, use the
426Visual blockwise command "I" |v_b_I|.
427
428==============================================================================
4293. 'textwidth' and 'wrapmargin' options *ins-textwidth*
430
431The 'textwidth' option can be used to automatically break a line before it
432gets too long. Set the 'textwidth' option to the desired maximum line
433length. If you then type more characters (not spaces or tabs), the
434last word will be put on a new line (unless it is the only word on the
435line). If you set 'textwidth' to 0, this feature is disabled.
436
437The 'wrapmargin' option does almost the same. The difference is that
438'textwidth' has a fixed width while 'wrapmargin' depends on the width of the
439screen. When using 'wrapmargin' this is equal to using 'textwidth' with a
440value equal to (columns - 'wrapmargin'), where columns is the width of the
441screen.
442
443When 'textwidth' and 'wrapmargin' are both set, 'textwidth' is used.
444
445If you don't really want to break the line, but view the line wrapped at a
446convenient place, see the 'linebreak' option.
447
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000448The line is only broken automatically when using Insert mode, or when
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000449appending to a line. When in replace mode and the line length is not
450changed, the line will not be broken.
451
452Long lines are broken if you enter a non-white character after the margin.
453The situations where a line will be broken can be restricted by adding
454characters to the 'formatoptions' option:
455"l" Only break a line if it was not longer than 'textwidth' when the insert
456 started.
457"v" Only break at a white character that has been entered during the
458 current insert command. This is mostly Vi-compatible.
459"lv" Only break if the line was not longer than 'textwidth' when the insert
460 started and only at a white character that has been entered during the
461 current insert command. Only differs from "l" when entering non-white
462 characters while crossing the 'textwidth' boundary.
463
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000464Normally an internal function will be used to decide where to break the line.
465If you want to do it in a different way set the 'formatexpr' option to an
466expression that will take care of the line break.
467
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000468If you want to format a block of text, you can use the "gq" operator. Type
469"gq" and a movement command to move the cursor to the end of the block. In
470many cases, the command "gq}" will do what you want (format until the end of
471paragraph). Alternatively, you can use "gqap", which will format the whole
472paragraph, no matter where the cursor currently is. Or you can use Visual
473mode: hit "v", move to the end of the block, and type "gq". See also |gq|.
474
475==============================================================================
4764. 'expandtab', 'smarttab' and 'softtabstop' options *ins-expandtab*
477
478If the 'expandtab' option is on, spaces will be used to fill the amount of
479whitespace of the tab. If you want to enter a real <Tab>, type CTRL-V first
480(use CTRL-Q when CTRL-V is mapped |i_CTRL-Q|).
481The 'expandtab' option is off by default. Note that in Replace mode, a single
482character is replaced with several spaces. The result of this is that the
483number of characters in the line increases. Backspacing will delete one
484space at a time. The original character will be put back for only one space
485that you backspace over (the last one). {Vi does not have the 'expandtab'
486option}
487
488 *ins-smarttab*
489When the 'smarttab' option is on, a <Tab> inserts 'shiftwidth' positions at
490the beginning of a line and 'tabstop' positions in other places. This means
491that often spaces instead of a <Tab> character are inserted. When 'smarttab
492is off, a <Tab> always inserts 'tabstop' positions, and 'shiftwidth' is only
493used for ">>" and the like. {not in Vi}
494
495 *ins-softtabstop*
496When the 'softtabstop' option is non-zero, a <Tab> inserts 'softtabstop'
497positions, and a <BS> used to delete white space, will delete 'softtabstop'
498positions. This feels like 'tabstop' was set to 'softtabstop', but a real
499<Tab> character still takes 'tabstop' positions, so your file will still look
500correct when used by other applications.
501
502If 'softtabstop' is non-zero, a <BS> will try to delete as much white space to
503move to the previous 'softtabstop' position, except when the previously
504inserted character is a space, then it will only delete the character before
505the cursor. Otherwise you cannot always delete a single character before the
506cursor. You will have to delete 'softtabstop' characters first, and then type
507extra spaces to get where you want to be.
508
509==============================================================================
5105. Replace mode *Replace* *Replace-mode* *mode-replace*
511
512Enter Replace mode with the "R" command in normal mode.
513
514In Replace mode, one character in the line is deleted for every character you
515type. If there is no character to delete (at the end of the line), the
516typed character is appended (as in Insert mode). Thus the number of
517characters in a line stays the same until you get to the end of the line.
518If a <NL> is typed, a line break is inserted and no character is deleted.
519
520Be careful with <Tab> characters. If you type a normal printing character in
521its place, the number of characters is still the same, but the number of
522columns will become smaller.
523
524If you delete characters in Replace mode (with <BS>, CTRL-W, or CTRL-U), what
525happens is that you delete the changes. The characters that were replaced
526are restored. If you had typed past the existing text, the characters you
527added are deleted. This is effectively a character-at-a-time undo.
528
529If the 'expandtab' option is on, a <Tab> will replace one character with
530several spaces. The result of this is that the number of characters in the
531line increases. Backspacing will delete one space at a time. The original
532character will be put back for only one space that you backspace over (the
533last one). {Vi does not have the 'expandtab' option}
534
535==============================================================================
5366. Virtual Replace mode *vreplace-mode* *Virtual-Replace-mode*
537
538Enter Virtual Replace mode with the "gR" command in normal mode.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +0200539{not available when compiled without the |+vreplace| feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000540{Vi does not have Virtual Replace mode}
541
542Virtual Replace mode is similar to Replace mode, but instead of replacing
543actual characters in the file, you are replacing screen real estate, so that
544characters further on in the file never appear to move.
545
546So if you type a <Tab> it may replace several normal characters, and if you
547type a letter on top of a <Tab> it may not replace anything at all, since the
548<Tab> will still line up to the same place as before.
549
550Typing a <NL> still doesn't cause characters later in the file to appear to
551move. The rest of the current line will be replaced by the <NL> (that is,
552they are deleted), and replacing continues on the next line. A new line is
553NOT inserted unless you go past the end of the file.
554
555Interesting effects are seen when using CTRL-T and CTRL-D. The characters
556before the cursor are shifted sideways as normal, but characters later in the
557line still remain still. CTRL-T will hide some of the old line under the
558shifted characters, but CTRL-D will reveal them again.
559
560As with Replace mode, using <BS> etc will bring back the characters that were
561replaced. This still works in conjunction with 'smartindent', CTRL-T and
562CTRL-D, 'expandtab', 'smarttab', 'softtabstop', etc.
563
564In 'list' mode, Virtual Replace mode acts as if it was not in 'list' mode,
565unless "L" is in 'cpoptions'.
566
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +0200567Note that the only situations for which characters beyond the cursor should
568appear to move are in List mode |'list'|, and occasionally when 'wrap' is set
569(and the line changes length to become shorter or wider than the width of the
570screen). In other cases spaces may be inserted to avoid following characters
571to move.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000572
573This mode is very useful for editing <Tab> separated columns in tables, for
574entering new data while keeping all the columns aligned.
575
576==============================================================================
5777. Insert mode completion *ins-completion*
578
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000579In Insert and Replace mode, there are several commands to complete part of a
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000580keyword or line that has been typed. This is useful if you are using
581complicated keywords (e.g., function names with capitals and underscores).
582
583These commands are not available when the |+insert_expand| feature was
584disabled at compile time.
585
586Completion can be done for:
587
5881. Whole lines |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-L|
5892. keywords in the current file |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-N|
5903. keywords in 'dictionary' |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-K|
5914. keywords in 'thesaurus', thesaurus-style |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-T|
5925. keywords in the current and included files |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-I|
5936. tags |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-]|
5947. file names |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-F|
5958. definitions or macros |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-D|
5969. Vim command-line |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-V|
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +000059710. User defined completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-U|
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +000059811. omni completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-O|
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +000059912. Spelling suggestions |i_CTRL-X_s|
60013. keywords in 'complete' |i_CTRL-N|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000601
602All these (except 2) are done in CTRL-X mode. This is a sub-mode of Insert
603and Replace modes. You enter CTRL-X mode by typing CTRL-X and one of the
604CTRL-X commands. You exit CTRL-X mode by typing a key that is not a valid
605CTRL-X mode command. Valid keys are the CTRL-X command itself, CTRL-N (next),
606and CTRL-P (previous).
607
608Also see the 'infercase' option if you want to adjust the case of the match.
609
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +0000610 *complete_CTRL-E*
611When completion is active you can use CTRL-E to stop it and go back to the
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +0000612originally typed text. The CTRL-E will not be inserted.
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +0000613
614 *complete_CTRL-Y*
615When the popup menu is displayed you can use CTRL-Y to stop completion and
616accept the currently selected entry. The CTRL-Y is not inserted. Typing a
617space, Enter, or some other unprintable character will leave completion mode
618and insert that typed character.
619
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000620When the popup menu is displayed there are a few more special keys, see
621|popupmenu-keys|.
622
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000623Note: The keys that are valid in CTRL-X mode are not mapped. This allows for
624":map ^F ^X^F" to work (where ^F is CTRL-F and ^X is CTRL-X). The key that
625ends CTRL-X mode (any key that is not a valid CTRL-X mode command) is mapped.
626Also, when doing completion with 'complete' mappings apply as usual.
627
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +0000628Note: While completion is active Insert mode can't be used recursively.
629Mappings that somehow invoke ":normal i.." will generate an E523 error.
630
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000631The following mappings are suggested to make typing the completion commands
632a bit easier (although they will hide other commands): >
633 :inoremap ^] ^X^]
634 :inoremap ^F ^X^F
635 :inoremap ^D ^X^D
636 :inoremap ^L ^X^L
637
638As a special case, typing CTRL-R to perform register insertion (see
639|i_CTRL-R|) will not exit CTRL-X mode. This is primarily to allow the use of
640the '=' register to call some function to determine the next operation. If
641the contents of the register (or result of the '=' register evaluation) are
642not valid CTRL-X mode keys, then CTRL-X mode will be exited as if those keys
643had been typed.
644
645For example, the following will map <Tab> to either actually insert a <Tab> if
646the current line is currently only whitespace, or start/continue a CTRL-N
647completion operation: >
648
649 function! CleverTab()
650 if strpart( getline('.'), 0, col('.')-1 ) =~ '^\s*$'
651 return "\<Tab>"
652 else
653 return "\<C-N>"
Bram Moolenaarb52073a2010-03-17 20:02:06 +0100654 endif
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000655 endfunction
656 inoremap <Tab> <C-R>=CleverTab()<CR>
657
658
659
660Completing whole lines *compl-whole-line*
661
662 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-L*
663CTRL-X CTRL-L Search backwards for a line that starts with the
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +0000664 same characters as those in the current line before
665 the cursor. Indent is ignored. The matching line is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000666 inserted in front of the cursor.
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +0000667 The 'complete' option is used to decide which buffers
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000668 are searched for a match. Both loaded and unloaded
669 buffers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000670 CTRL-L or
671 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching line. This line
672 replaces the previous matching line.
673
674 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching line. This line
675 replaces the previous matching line.
676
677 CTRL-X CTRL-L After expanding a line you can additionally get the
678 line next to it by typing CTRL-X CTRL-L again, unless
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100679 a double CTRL-X is used. Only works for loaded
680 buffers.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000681
682Completing keywords in current file *compl-current*
683
684 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-P*
685 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-N*
686CTRL-X CTRL-N Search forwards for words that start with the keyword
687 in front of the cursor. The found keyword is inserted
688 in front of the cursor.
689
690CTRL-X CTRL-P Search backwards for words that start with the keyword
691 in front of the cursor. The found keyword is inserted
692 in front of the cursor.
693
694 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
695 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
696
697 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
698 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
699
700 CTRL-X CTRL-N or
701 CTRL-X CTRL-P Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-N or CTRL-X CTRL-P will
702 copy the words following the previous expansion in
703 other contexts unless a double CTRL-X is used.
704
705If there is a keyword in front of the cursor (a name made out of alphabetic
706characters and characters in 'iskeyword'), it is used as the search pattern,
707with "\<" prepended (meaning: start of a word). Otherwise "\<\k\k" is used
708as search pattern (start of any keyword of at least two characters).
709
710In Replace mode, the number of characters that are replaced depends on the
711length of the matched string. This works like typing the characters of the
712matched string in Replace mode.
713
714If there is not a valid keyword character before the cursor, any keyword of
715at least two characters is matched.
716 e.g., to get:
717 printf("(%g, %g, %g)", vector[0], vector[1], vector[2]);
718 just type:
719 printf("(%g, %g, %g)", vector[0], ^P[1], ^P[2]);
720
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000721The search wraps around the end of the file, the value of 'wrapscan' is not
722used here.
723
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000724Multiple repeats of the same completion are skipped; thus a different match
725will be inserted at each CTRL-N and CTRL-P (unless there is only one
726matching keyword).
727
728Single character matches are never included, as they usually just get in
729the way of what you were really after.
730 e.g., to get:
731 printf("name = %s\n", name);
732 just type:
733 printf("name = %s\n", n^P);
734 or even:
735 printf("name = %s\n", ^P);
736The 'n' in '\n' is skipped.
737
738After expanding a word, you can use CTRL-X CTRL-P or CTRL-X CTRL-N to get the
739word following the expansion in other contexts. These sequences search for
740the text just expanded and further expand by getting an extra word. This is
741useful if you need to repeat a sequence of complicated words. Although CTRL-P
742and CTRL-N look just for strings of at least two characters, CTRL-X CTRL-P and
743CTRL-X CTRL-N can be used to expand words of just one character.
744 e.g., to get:
745 M&eacute;xico
746 you can type:
747 M^N^P^X^P^X^P
748CTRL-N starts the expansion and then CTRL-P takes back the single character
749"M", the next two CTRL-X CTRL-P's get the words "&eacute" and ";xico".
750
751If the previous expansion was split, because it got longer than 'textwidth',
752then just the text in the current line will be used.
753
754If the match found is at the end of a line, then the first word in the next
755line will be inserted and the message "word from next line" displayed, if
756this word is accepted the next CTRL-X CTRL-P or CTRL-X CTRL-N will search
757for those lines starting with this word.
758
759
760Completing keywords in 'dictionary' *compl-dictionary*
761
762 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-K*
763CTRL-X CTRL-K Search the files given with the 'dictionary' option
764 for words that start with the keyword in front of the
765 cursor. This is like CTRL-N, but only the dictionary
766 files are searched, not the current file. The found
767 keyword is inserted in front of the cursor. This
768 could potentially be pretty slow, since all matches
769 are found before the first match is used. By default,
770 the 'dictionary' option is empty.
771 For suggestions where to find a list of words, see the
772 'dictionary' option.
773
774 CTRL-K or
775 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
776 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
777
778 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
779 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
780
781 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-T*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000782CTRL-X CTRL-T Works as CTRL-X CTRL-K, but in a special way. It uses
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000783 the 'thesaurus' option instead of 'dictionary'. If a
784 match is found in the thesaurus file, all the
785 remaining words on the same line are included as
786 matches, even though they don't complete the word.
787 Thus a word can be completely replaced.
788
789 For an example, imagine the 'thesaurus' file has a
790 line like this: >
791 angry furious mad enraged
792< Placing the cursor after the letters "ang" and typing
793 CTRL-X CTRL-T would complete the word "angry";
794 subsequent presses would change the word to "furious",
795 "mad" etc.
796 Other uses include translation between two languages,
797 or grouping API functions by keyword.
798
799 CTRL-T or
800 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
801 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
802
803 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
804 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
805
806
807Completing keywords in the current and included files *compl-keyword*
808
809The 'include' option is used to specify a line that contains an include file
810name. The 'path' option is used to search for include files.
811
812 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-I*
813CTRL-X CTRL-I Search for the first keyword in the current and
814 included files that starts with the same characters
815 as those before the cursor. The matched keyword is
816 inserted in front of the cursor.
817
818 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching keyword. This
819 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
820 Note: CTRL-I is the same as <Tab>, which is likely to
821 be typed after a successful completion, therefore
822 CTRL-I is not used for searching for the next match.
823
824 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching keyword. This
825 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
826
827 CTRL-X CTRL-I Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-I will copy the words
828 following the previous expansion in other contexts
829 unless a double CTRL-X is used.
830
831Completing tags *compl-tag*
832 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-]*
833CTRL-X CTRL-] Search for the first tag that starts with the same
834 characters as before the cursor. The matching tag is
835 inserted in front of the cursor. Alphabetic
836 characters and characters in 'iskeyword' are used
837 to decide which characters are included in the tag
838 name (same as for a keyword). See also |CTRL-]|.
839 The 'showfulltag' option can be used to add context
840 from around the tag definition.
841 CTRL-] or
842 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching tag. This tag
843 replaces the previous matching tag.
844
845 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching tag. This tag
846 replaces the previous matching tag.
847
848
849Completing file names *compl-filename*
850 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-F*
851CTRL-X CTRL-F Search for the first file name that starts with the
852 same characters as before the cursor. The matching
853 file name is inserted in front of the cursor.
854 Alphabetic characters and characters in 'isfname'
855 are used to decide which characters are included in
856 the file name. Note: the 'path' option is not used
857 here (yet).
858 CTRL-F or
859 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching file name. This
860 file name replaces the previous matching file name.
861
862 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching file name.
863 This file name replaces the previous matching file
864 name.
865
866
867Completing definitions or macros *compl-define*
868
869The 'define' option is used to specify a line that contains a definition.
870The 'include' option is used to specify a line that contains an include file
871name. The 'path' option is used to search for include files.
872
873 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-D*
874CTRL-X CTRL-D Search in the current and included files for the
875 first definition (or macro) name that starts with
876 the same characters as before the cursor. The found
877 definition name is inserted in front of the cursor.
878 CTRL-D or
879 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching macro name. This
880 macro name replaces the previous matching macro
881 name.
882
883 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching macro name.
884 This macro name replaces the previous matching macro
885 name.
886
887 CTRL-X CTRL-D Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-D will copy the words
888 following the previous expansion in other contexts
889 unless a double CTRL-X is used.
890
891
892Completing Vim commands *compl-vim*
893
894Completion is context-sensitive. It works like on the Command-line. It
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000895completes an Ex command as well as its arguments. This is useful when writing
896a Vim script.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000897
898 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-V*
899CTRL-X CTRL-V Guess what kind of item is in front of the cursor and
900 find the first match for it.
901 Note: When CTRL-V is mapped you can often use CTRL-Q
Bram Moolenaar3577c6f2008-06-24 21:16:56 +0000902 instead of |i_CTRL-Q|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000903 CTRL-V or
904 CTRL-N Search forwards for next match. This match replaces
905 the previous one.
906
Bram Moolenaar3577c6f2008-06-24 21:16:56 +0000907 CTRL-P Search backwards for previous match. This match
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000908 replaces the previous one.
909
910 CTRL-X CTRL-V Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-V will do the same as
911 CTRL-V. This allows mapping a key to do Vim command
912 completion, for example: >
913 :imap <Tab> <C-X><C-V>
914
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000915User defined completion *compl-function*
Bram Moolenaarcfbc5ee2004-07-02 15:38:35 +0000916
917Completion is done by a function that can be defined by the user with the
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000918'completefunc' option. See below for how the function is called and an
919example |complete-functions|.
Bram Moolenaarcfbc5ee2004-07-02 15:38:35 +0000920
921 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-U*
922CTRL-X CTRL-U Guess what kind of item is in front of the cursor and
923 find the first match for it.
924 CTRL-U or
925 CTRL-N Use the next match. This match replaces the previous
926 one.
927
928 CTRL-P Use the previous match. This match replaces the
929 previous one.
930
931
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000932Omni completion *compl-omni*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000933
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +0000934Completion is done by a function that can be defined by the user with the
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000935'omnifunc' option. This is to be used for filetype-specific completion.
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +0000936
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000937See below for how the function is called and an example |complete-functions|.
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000938For remarks about specific filetypes see |compl-omni-filetypes|.
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +0000939More completion scripts will appear, check www.vim.org. Currently there is a
940first version for C++.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000941
942 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-O*
943CTRL-X CTRL-O Guess what kind of item is in front of the cursor and
944 find the first match for it.
945 CTRL-O or
946 CTRL-N Use the next match. This match replaces the previous
947 one.
948
949 CTRL-P Use the previous match. This match replaces the
950 previous one.
951
952
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000953Spelling suggestions *compl-spelling*
954
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +0000955A word before or at the cursor is located and correctly spelled words are
956suggested to replace it. If there is a badly spelled word in the line, before
957or under the cursor, the cursor is moved to after it. Otherwise the word just
958before the cursor is used for suggestions, even though it isn't badly spelled.
959
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000960NOTE: CTRL-S suspends display in many Unix terminals. Use 's' instead. Type
961CTRL-Q to resume displaying.
962
963 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-S* *i_CTRL-X_s*
964CTRL-X CTRL-S or
965CTRL-X s Locate the word in front of the cursor and find the
966 first spell suggestion for it.
967 CTRL-S or
968 CTRL-N Use the next suggestion. This replaces the previous
969 one. Note that you can't use 's' here.
970
971 CTRL-P Use the previous suggestion. This replaces the
972 previous one.
973
974
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000975Completing keywords from different sources *compl-generic*
976
977 *i_CTRL-N*
978CTRL-N Find next match for words that start with the
979 keyword in front of the cursor, looking in places
980 specified with the 'complete' option. The found
981 keyword is inserted in front of the cursor.
982
983 *i_CTRL-P*
984CTRL-P Find previous match for words that start with the
985 keyword in front of the cursor, looking in places
986 specified with the 'complete' option. The found
987 keyword is inserted in front of the cursor.
988
989 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
990 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
991
992 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
993 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
994
995 CTRL-X CTRL-N or
996 CTRL-X CTRL-P Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-N or CTRL-X CTRL-P will
997 copy the words following the previous expansion in
998 other contexts unless a double CTRL-X is used.
999
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001000
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001001FUNCTIONS FOR FINDING COMPLETIONS *complete-functions*
1002
1003This applies to 'completefunc' and 'omnifunc'.
1004
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001005The function is called in two different ways:
1006- First the function is called to find the start of the text to be completed.
1007- Later the function is called to actually find the matches.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001008
1009On the first invocation the arguments are:
1010 a:findstart 1
1011 a:base empty
1012
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001013The function must return the column where the completion starts. It must be a
1014number between zero and the cursor column "col('.')". This involves looking
1015at the characters just before the cursor and including those characters that
1016could be part of the completed item. The text between this column and the
1017cursor column will be replaced with the matches. Return -1 if no completion
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01001018can be done, the completion will be cancelled with an error message. Return
1019-2 to cancel silently.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001020
1021On the second invocation the arguments are:
1022 a:findstart 0
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001023 a:base the text with which matches should match; the text that was
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001024 located in the first call (can be empty)
1025
1026The function must return a List with the matching words. These matches
1027usually include the "a:base" text. When there are no matches return an empty
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001028List.
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +02001029
1030In order to return more information than the matching words, return a Dict
1031that contains the List. The Dict can have these items:
1032 words The List of matching words (mandatory).
1033 refresh A string to control re-invocation of the function
1034 (optional).
1035 The only value currently recognized is "always", the
1036 effect is that the function is called whenever the
1037 leading text is changed.
1038Other items are ignored.
1039
1040For example, the function can contain this: >
1041 let matches = ... list of words ...
1042 return {'words': matches, 'refresh': 'always'}
1043<
Bram Moolenaar5c4bab02006-03-10 21:37:46 +00001044 *complete-items*
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001045Each list item can either be a string or a Dictionary. When it is a string it
1046is used as the completion. When it is a Dictionary it can contain these
1047items:
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001048 word the text that will be inserted, mandatory
1049 abbr abbreviation of "word"; when not empty it is used in
1050 the menu instead of "word"
Bram Moolenaar8dff8182006-04-06 20:18:50 +00001051 menu extra text for the popup menu, displayed after "word"
1052 or "abbr"
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001053 info more information about the item, can be displayed in a
1054 preview window
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001055 kind single letter indicating the type of completion
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00001056 icase when non-zero case is to be ignored when comparing
1057 items to be equal; when omitted zero is used, thus
1058 items that only differ in case are added
Bram Moolenaar4a85b412006-04-23 22:40:29 +00001059 dup when non-zero this match will be added even when an
1060 item with the same word is already present.
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001061 empty when non-zero this match will be added even when it is
1062 an empty string
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001063
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +02001064All of these except 'icase', 'dup' and 'empty' must be a string. If an item
1065does not meet these requirements then an error message is given and further
1066items in the list are not used. You can mix string and Dictionary items in
1067the returned list.
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001068
1069The "menu" item is used in the popup menu and may be truncated, thus it should
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001070be relatively short. The "info" item can be longer, it will be displayed in
1071the preview window when "preview" appears in 'completeopt'. The "info" item
1072will also remain displayed after the popup menu has been removed. This is
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001073useful for function arguments. Use a single space for "info" to remove
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02001074existing text in the preview window. The size of the preview window is three
1075lines, but 'previewheight' is used when it has a value of 1 or 2.
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001076
1077The "kind" item uses a single letter to indicate the kind of completion. This
1078may be used to show the completion differently (different color or icon).
1079Currently these types can be used:
1080 v variable
1081 f function or method
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001082 m member of a struct or class
1083 t typedef
1084 d #define or macro
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001085
1086When searching for matches takes some time call |complete_add()| to add each
1087match to the total list. These matches should then not appear in the returned
1088list! Call |complete_check()| now and then to allow the user to press a key
1089while still searching for matches. Stop searching when it returns non-zero.
1090
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001091 *E839* *E840*
1092The function is allowed to move the cursor, it is restored afterwards.
1093The function is not allowed to move to another window or delete text.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001094
1095An example that completes the names of the months: >
1096 fun! CompleteMonths(findstart, base)
1097 if a:findstart
1098 " locate the start of the word
1099 let line = getline('.')
1100 let start = col('.') - 1
1101 while start > 0 && line[start - 1] =~ '\a'
1102 let start -= 1
1103 endwhile
1104 return start
1105 else
1106 " find months matching with "a:base"
1107 let res = []
1108 for m in split("Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec")
1109 if m =~ '^' . a:base
1110 call add(res, m)
1111 endif
1112 endfor
1113 return res
1114 endif
1115 endfun
1116 set completefunc=CompleteMonths
1117<
1118The same, but now pretending searching for matches is slow: >
1119 fun! CompleteMonths(findstart, base)
1120 if a:findstart
1121 " locate the start of the word
1122 let line = getline('.')
1123 let start = col('.') - 1
1124 while start > 0 && line[start - 1] =~ '\a'
1125 let start -= 1
1126 endwhile
1127 return start
1128 else
1129 " find months matching with "a:base"
1130 for m in split("Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec")
1131 if m =~ '^' . a:base
1132 call complete_add(m)
1133 endif
1134 sleep 300m " simulate searching for next match
1135 if complete_check()
1136 break
1137 endif
1138 endfor
1139 return []
1140 endif
1141 endfun
1142 set completefunc=CompleteMonths
1143<
1144
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001145INSERT COMPLETION POPUP MENU *ins-completion-menu*
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00001146 *popupmenu-completion*
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001147Vim can display the matches in a simplistic popup menu.
1148
1149The menu is used when:
Bram Moolenaara2031822006-03-07 22:29:51 +00001150- The 'completeopt' option contains "menu" or "menuone".
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001151- The terminal supports at least 8 colors.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00001152- There are at least two matches. One if "menuone" is used.
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001153
Bram Moolenaar56718732006-03-15 22:53:57 +00001154The 'pumheight' option can be used to set a maximum height. The default is to
1155use all space available.
1156
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001157There are three states:
11581. A complete match has been inserted, e.g., after using CTRL-N or CTRL-P.
11592. A cursor key has been used to select another match. The match was not
1160 inserted then, only the entry in the popup menu is highlighted.
11613. Only part of a match has been inserted and characters were typed or the
1162 backspace key was used. The list of matches was then adjusted for what is
1163 in front of the cursor.
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00001164
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001165You normally start in the first state, with the first match being inserted.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001166When "longest" is in 'completeopt' and there is more than one match you start
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001167in the third state.
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00001168
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001169If you select another match, e.g., with CTRL-N or CTRL-P, you go to the first
1170state. This doesn't change the list of matches.
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001171
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001172When you are back at the original text then you are in the third state. To
Bram Moolenaara2031822006-03-07 22:29:51 +00001173get there right away you can use a mapping that uses CTRL-P right after
1174starting the completion: >
1175 :imap <F7> <C-N><C-P>
Bram Moolenaar76916e62006-03-21 21:23:25 +00001176<
1177 *popupmenu-keys*
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001178In the first state these keys have a special meaning:
1179<BS> and CTRL-H Delete one character, find the matches for the word before
1180 the cursor. This reduces the list of matches, often to one
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001181 entry, and switches to the second state.
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001182Any non-special character:
1183 Stop completion without changing the match and insert the
1184 typed character.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001185
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001186In the second and third state these keys have a special meaning:
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001187<BS> and CTRL-H Delete one character, find the matches for the shorter word
1188 before the cursor. This may find more matches.
1189CTRL-L Add one character from the current match, may reduce the
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001190 number of matches.
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001191any printable, non-white character:
1192 Add this character and reduce the number of matches.
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00001193
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001194In all three states these can be used:
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +00001195CTRL-Y Yes: Accept the currently selected match and stop completion.
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001196CTRL-E End completion, go back to what was there before selecting a
1197 match (what was typed or longest common string).
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001198<PageUp> Select a match several entries back, but don't insert it.
1199<PageDown> Select a match several entries further, but don't insert it.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001200<Up> Select the previous match, as if CTRL-P was used, but don't
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001201 insert it.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001202<Down> Select the next match, as if CTRL-N was used, but don't
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001203 insert it.
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001204<Space> or <Tab> Stop completion without changing the match and insert the
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001205 typed character.
1206
Bram Moolenaar044b68f2007-05-10 17:39:52 +00001207The behavior of the <Enter> key depends on the state you are in:
Bram Moolenaar779b74b2006-04-10 14:55:34 +00001208first state: Use the text as it is and insert a line break.
1209second state: Insert the currently selected match.
1210third state: Use the text as it is and insert a line break.
1211
1212In other words: If you used the cursor keys to select another entry in the
Bram Moolenaar044b68f2007-05-10 17:39:52 +00001213list of matches then the <Enter> key inserts that match. If you typed
1214something else then <Enter> inserts a line break.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001215
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001216
1217The colors of the menu can be changed with these highlight groups:
1218Pmenu normal item |hl-Pmenu|
1219PmenuSel selected item |hl-PmenuSel|
1220PmenuSbar scrollbar |hl-PmenuSbar|
1221PmenuThumb thumb of the scrollbar |hl-PmenuThumb|
1222
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001223There are no special mappings for when the popup menu is visible. However,
1224you can use an Insert mode mapping that checks the |pumvisible()| function to
1225do something different. Example: >
1226 :inoremap <Down> <C-R>=pumvisible() ? "\<lt>C-N>" : "\<lt>Down>"<CR>
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001227
Bram Moolenaar5c4bab02006-03-10 21:37:46 +00001228You can use of <expr> in mapping to have the popup menu used when typing a
1229character and some condition is met. For example, for typing a dot: >
1230 inoremap <expr> . MayComplete()
1231 func MayComplete()
1232 if (can complete)
1233 return ".\<C-X>\<C-O>"
1234 endif
1235 return '.'
1236 endfunc
1237
1238See |:map-<expr>| for more info.
1239
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001240
1241FILETYPE-SPECIFIC REMARKS FOR OMNI COMPLETION *compl-omni-filetypes*
1242
1243The file used for {filetype} should be autoload/{filetype}complete.vim
1244in 'runtimepath'. Thus for "java" it is autoload/javacomplete.vim.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001245
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001246
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001247C *ft-c-omni*
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001248
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001249Completion of C code requires a tags file. You should use Exuberant ctags,
1250because it adds extra information that is needed for completion. You can find
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001251it here: http://ctags.sourceforge.net/ Version 5.6 or later is recommended.
1252
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001253For version 5.5.4 you should add a patch that adds the "typename:" field:
Bram Moolenaar36fc5352006-03-04 21:49:37 +00001254 ftp://ftp.vim.org/pub/vim/unstable/patches/ctags-5.5.4.patch
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001255A compiled .exe for MS-Windows can be found at:
Bram Moolenaar36fc5352006-03-04 21:49:37 +00001256 http://georgevreilly.com/vim/ctags.html
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001257
1258If you want to complete system functions you can do something like this. Use
1259ctags to generate a tags file for all the system header files: >
1260 % ctags -R -f ~/.vim/systags /usr/include /usr/local/include
1261In your vimrc file add this tags file to the 'tags' option: >
1262 set tags+=~/.vim/systags
1263
1264When using CTRL-X CTRL-O after a name without any "." or "->" it is completed
1265from the tags file directly. This works for any identifier, also function
1266names. If you want to complete a local variable name, which does not appear
1267in the tags file, use CTRL-P instead.
1268
1269When using CTRL-X CTRL-O after something that has "." or "->" Vim will attempt
1270to recognize the type of the variable and figure out what members it has.
1271This means only members valid for the variable will be listed.
1272
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001273When a member name already was complete, CTRL-X CTRL-O will add a "." or
1274"->" for composite types.
1275
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001276Vim doesn't include a C compiler, only the most obviously formatted
1277declarations are recognized. Preprocessor stuff may cause confusion.
1278When the same structure name appears in multiple places all possible members
1279are included.
1280
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001281
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001282CSS *ft-css-omni*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001283
1284Complete properties and their appropriate values according to CSS 2.1
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001285specification.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001286
1287
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001288HTML *ft-html-omni*
1289XHTML *ft-xhtml-omni*
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001290
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001291CTRL-X CTRL-O provides completion of various elements of (X)HTML files. It is
1292designed to support writing of XHTML 1.0 Strict files but will also works for
1293other versions of HTML. Features:
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001294
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001295- after "<" complete tag name depending on context (no div suggestion inside
1296 of an a tag); '/>' indicates empty tags
1297- inside of tag complete proper attributes (no width attribute for an a tag);
1298 show also type of attribute; '*' indicates required attributes
1299- when attribute has limited number of possible values help to complete them
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001300- complete names of entities
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001301- complete values of "class" and "id" attributes with data obtained from
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001302 <style> tag and included CSS files
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001303- when completing value of "style" attribute or working inside of "style" tag
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001304 switch to |ft-css-omni| completion
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001305- when completing values of events attributes or working inside of "script"
1306 tag switch to |ft-javascript-omni| completion
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001307- when used after "</" CTRL-X CTRL-O will close the last opened tag
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001308
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001309Note: When used first time completion menu will be shown with little delay
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001310- this is time needed for loading of data file.
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001311Note: Completion may fail in badly formatted documents. In such case try to
1312run |:make| command to detect formatting problems.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001313
1314
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001315HTML flavor *html-flavor*
1316
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001317The default HTML completion depends on the filetype. For HTML files it is
1318HTML 4.01 Transitional ('filetype' is "html"), for XHTML it is XHTML 1.0
1319Strict ('filetype' is "xhtml").
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001320
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001321When doing completion outside of any other tag you will have possibility to
1322choose DOCTYPE and the appropriate data file will be loaded and used for all
1323next completions.
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001324
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001325More about format of data file in |xml-omni-datafile|. Some of the data files
1326may be found on the Vim website (|www|).
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001327
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001328Note that b:html_omni_flavor may point to a file with any XML data. This
1329makes possible to mix PHP (|ft-php-omni|) completion with any XML dialect
1330(assuming you have data file for it). Without setting that variable XHTML 1.0
1331Strict will be used.
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001332
1333
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001334JAVASCRIPT *ft-javascript-omni*
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001335
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001336Completion of most elements of JavaScript language and DOM elements.
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001337
1338Complete:
1339
1340- variables
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001341- function name; show function arguments
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001342- function arguments
1343- properties of variables trying to detect type of variable
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001344- complete DOM objects and properties depending on context
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001345- keywords of language
1346
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001347Completion works in separate JavaScript files (&ft==javascript), inside of
1348<script> tag of (X)HTML and in values of event attributes (including scanning
1349of external files.
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001350
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001351DOM compatibility
1352
1353At the moment (beginning of 2006) there are two main browsers - MS Internet
1354Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. These two applications are covering over 90% of
1355market. Theoretically standards are created by W3C organisation
1356(http://www.w3c.org) but they are not always followed/implemented.
1357
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001358 IE FF W3C Omni completion ~
1359 +/- +/- + + ~
1360 + + - + ~
1361 + - - - ~
1362 - + - - ~
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001363
1364Regardless from state of implementation in browsers but if element is defined
1365in standards, completion plugin will place element in suggestion list. When
1366both major engines implemented element, even if this is not in standards it
1367will be suggested. All other elements are not placed in suggestion list.
1368
1369
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001370PHP *ft-php-omni*
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001371
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001372Completion of PHP code requires a tags file for completion of data from
1373external files and for class aware completion. You should use Exuberant ctags
1374version 5.5.4 or newer. You can find it here: http://ctags.sourceforge.net/
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001375
1376Script completes:
1377
1378- after $ variables name
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001379 - if variable was declared as object add "->", if tags file is available show
1380 name of class
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001381 - after "->" complete only function and variable names specific for given
1382 class. To find class location and contents tags file is required. Because
1383 PHP isn't strongly typed language user can use @var tag to declare class: >
1384
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001385 /* @var $myVar myClass */
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001386 $myVar->
1387<
1388 Still, to find myClass contents tags file is required.
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001389
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00001390- function names with additional info:
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001391 - in case of built-in functions list of possible arguments and after | type
1392 data returned by function
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001393 - in case of user function arguments and name of file where function was
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001394 defined (if it is not current file)
1395
1396- constants names
1397- class names after "new" declaration
1398
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001399
1400Note: when doing completion first time Vim will load all necessary data into
1401memory. It may take several seconds. After next use of completion delay
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001402should not be noticeable.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001403
1404Script detects if cursor is inside <?php ?> tags. If it is outside it will
1405automatically switch to HTML/CSS/JavaScript completion. Note: contrary to
1406original HTML files completion of tags (and only tags) isn't context aware.
1407
1408
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001409RUBY *ft-ruby-omni*
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001410
1411Completion of Ruby code requires that vim be built with |+ruby|.
1412
1413Ruby completion will parse your buffer on demand in order to provide a list of
1414completions. These completions will be drawn from modules loaded by 'require'
1415and modules defined in the current buffer.
1416
1417The completions provided by CTRL-X CTRL-O are sensitive to the context:
1418
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001419 CONTEXT COMPLETIONS PROVIDED ~
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001420
1421 1. Not inside a class definition Classes, constants and globals
1422
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001423 2. Inside a class definition Methods or constants defined in the class
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001424
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001425 3. After '.', '::' or ':' Methods applicable to the object being
1426 dereferenced
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001427
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001428 4. After ':' or ':foo' Symbol name (beginning with 'foo')
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001429
1430Notes:
1431 - Vim will load/evaluate code in order to provide completions. This may
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001432 cause some code execution, which may be a concern. This is no longer
1433 enabled by default, to enable this feature add >
1434 let g:rubycomplete_buffer_loading = 1
1435<- In context 1 above, Vim can parse the entire buffer to add a list of
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00001436 classes to the completion results. This feature is turned off by default,
1437 to enable it add >
1438 let g:rubycomplete_classes_in_global = 1
1439< to your vimrc
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001440 - In context 2 above, anonymous classes are not supported.
1441 - In context 3 above, Vim will attempt to determine the methods supported by
1442 the object.
1443 - Vim can detect and load the Rails environment for files within a rails
1444 project. The feature is disabled by default, to enable it add >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00001445 let g:rubycomplete_rails = 1
1446< to your vimrc
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001447
1448
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001449SYNTAX *ft-syntax-omni*
1450
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001451Vim has the ability to color syntax highlight nearly 500 languages. Part of
1452this highlighting includes knowing what keywords are part of a language. Many
1453filetypes already have custom completion scripts written for them, the
1454syntaxcomplete plugin provides basic completion for all other filetypes. It
1455does this by populating the omni completion list with the text Vim already
1456knows how to color highlight. It can be used for any filetype and provides a
1457minimal language-sensitive completion.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001458
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001459To enable syntax code completion you can run: >
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001460 setlocal omnifunc=syntaxcomplete#Complete
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001461
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001462You can automate this by placing the following in your vimrc (after any
1463":filetype" command): >
1464 if has("autocmd") && exists("+omnifunc")
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001465 autocmd Filetype *
1466 \ if &omnifunc == "" |
1467 \ setlocal omnifunc=syntaxcomplete#Complete |
1468 \ endif
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001469 endif
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001470
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001471The above will set completion to this script only if a specific plugin does
1472not already exist for that filetype.
1473
1474Each filetype can have a wide range of syntax items. The plugin allows you to
1475customize which syntax groups to include or exclude from the list. Let's have
1476a look at the PHP filetype to see how this works.
1477
1478If you edit a file called, index.php, run the following command: >
1479 :syntax list
1480
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001481The first thing you will notice is that there are many different syntax groups.
1482The PHP language can include elements from different languages like HTML,
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001483JavaScript and many more. The syntax plugin will only include syntax groups
1484that begin with the filetype, "php", in this case. For example these syntax
1485groups are included by default with the PHP: phpEnvVar, phpIntVar,
1486phpFunctions.
1487
1488The PHP language has an enormous number of items which it knows how to syntax
1489highlight. This means these items will be available within the omni
1490completion list. Some people may find this list unwieldy or are only
1491interested in certain items.
1492
1493There are two ways to prune this list (if necessary). If you find certain
1494syntax groups you do not wish displayed you can add the following to your
1495vimrc: >
1496 let g:omni_syntax_group_exclude_php = 'phpCoreConstant,phpConstant'
1497
1498Add as many syntax groups to this list by comma separating them. The basic
1499form of this variable is: >
1500 let g:omni_syntax_group_exclude_{filetype} = 'comma,separated,list'
1501
1502For completeness the opposite is also true. Creating this variable in your
1503vimrc will only include the items in the phpFunctions and phpMethods syntax
1504groups: >
1505 let g:omni_syntax_group_include_php = 'phpFunctions,phpMethods'
1506
1507You can create as many of these variables as you need, varying only the
1508filetype at the end of the variable name.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001509
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001510The plugin uses the isKeyword option to determine where word boundaries are
1511for the syntax items. For example, in the Scheme language completion should
1512include the "-", call-with-output-file. Depending on your filetype, this may
1513not provide the words you are expecting. Setting the
1514g:omni_syntax_use_iskeyword option to 0 will force the syntax plugin to break
1515on word characters. This can be controlled adding the following to your
1516vimrc: >
1517 let g:omni_syntax_use_iskeyword = 0
1518
Bram Moolenaar8b682772010-07-30 21:49:40 +02001519For plugin developers, the plugin exposes a public function OmniSyntaxList.
1520This function can be used to request a List of syntax items. When editing a
1521SQL file (:e syntax.sql) you can use the ":syntax list" command to see the
1522various groups and syntax items. For example: >
1523 syntax list
1524
1525Yields data similar to this: >
1526 sqlOperator xxx some prior all like and any escape exists in is not
1527 or intersect minus between distinct
1528 links to Operator
1529 sqlType xxx varbit varchar nvarchar bigint int uniqueidentifier
1530 date money long tinyint unsigned xml text smalldate
1531 double datetime nchar smallint numeric time bit char
1532 varbinary binary smallmoney
1533 image float integer timestamp real decimal
1534
1535There are two syntax groups listed here: sqlOperator and sqlType. To retrieve
1536a List of syntax items you can call OmniSyntaxList a number of different
1537ways. To retrieve all syntax items regardless of syntax group: >
1538 echo OmniSyntaxList( [] )
1539
1540To retrieve only the syntax items for the sqlOperator syntax group: >
1541 echo OmniSyntaxList( ['sqlOperator'] )
1542
1543To retrieve all syntax items for both the sqlOperator and sqlType groups: >
1544 echo OmniSyntaxList( ['sqlOperator', 'sqlType'] )
1545
1546From within a plugin, you would typically assign the output to a List: >
1547 let myKeywords = []
1548 let myKeywords = OmniSyntaxList( ['sqlKeyword'] )
1549
1550
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001551
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001552SQL *ft-sql-omni*
1553
1554Completion for the SQL language includes statements, functions, keywords.
1555It will also dynamically complete tables, procedures, views and column lists
1556with data pulled directly from within a database. For detailed instructions
1557and a tutorial see |omni-sql-completion|.
1558
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001559The SQL completion plugin can be used in conjunction with other completion
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001560plugins. For example, the PHP filetype has its own completion plugin.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001561Since PHP is often used to generate dynamic website by accessing a database,
1562the SQL completion plugin can also be enabled. This allows you to complete
1563PHP code and SQL code at the same time.
1564
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001565
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001566XML *ft-xml-omni*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001567
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001568Vim 7 provides a mechanism for context aware completion of XML files. It
1569depends on a special |xml-omni-datafile| and two commands: |:XMLns| and
1570|:XMLent|. Features are:
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001571
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001572- after "<" complete the tag name, depending on context
1573- inside of a tag complete proper attributes
1574- when an attribute has a limited number of possible values help to complete
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001575 them
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001576- complete names of entities (defined in |xml-omni-datafile| and in the
1577 current file with "<!ENTITY" declarations)
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001578- when used after "</" CTRL-X CTRL-O will close the last opened tag
1579
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001580Format of XML data file *xml-omni-datafile*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001581
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001582XML data files are stored in the "autoload/xml" directory in 'runtimepath'.
1583Vim distribution provides examples of data files in the
1584"$VIMRUNTIME/autoload/xml" directory. They have a meaningful name which will
1585be used in commands. It should be a unique name which will not create
1586conflicts. For example, the name xhtml10s.vim means it is the data file for
1587XHTML 1.0 Strict.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001588
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001589Each file contains a variable with a name like g:xmldata_xhtml10s . It is
1590a compound from two parts:
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001591
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +000015921. "g:xmldata_" general prefix, constant for all data files
15932. "xhtml10s" the name of the file and the name of the described XML
1594 dialect; it will be used as an argument for the |:XMLns|
1595 command
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001596
1597Part two must be exactly the same as name of file.
1598
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001599The variable is a |Dictionary|. Keys are tag names and each value is a two
1600element |List|. The first element of the List is also a List with the names
1601of possible children. The second element is a |Dictionary| with the names of
1602attributes as keys and the possible values of attributes as values. Example: >
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001603
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001604 let g:xmldata_crippled = {
1605 \ "vimxmlentities": ["amp", "lt", "gt", "apos", "quot"],
1606 \ 'vimxmlroot': ['tag1'],
1607 \ 'tag1':
1608 \ [ ['childoftag1a', 'childoftag1b'], {'attroftag1a': [],
1609 \ 'attroftag1b': ['valueofattr1', 'valueofattr2']}],
1610 \ 'childoftag1a':
1611 \ [ [], {'attrofchild': ['attrofchild']}],
1612 \ 'childoftag1b':
1613 \ [ ['childoftag1a'], {'attrofchild': []}],
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001614 \ "vimxmltaginfo": {
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001615 \ 'tag1': ['Menu info', 'Long information visible in preview window']},
1616 \ 'vimxmlattrinfo': {
1617 \ 'attrofchild': ['Menu info', 'Long information visible in preview window']}}
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001618
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001619This example would be put in the "autoload/xml/crippled.vim" file and could
1620help to write this file: >
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001621
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001622 <tag1 attroftag1b="valueofattr1">
1623 <childoftag1a attrofchild>
1624 &amp; &lt;
1625 </childoftag1a>
1626 <childoftag1b attrofchild="5">
1627 <childoftag1a>
1628 &gt; &apos; &quot;
1629 </childoftag1a>
1630 </childoftag1b>
1631 </tag1>
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001632
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001633In the example four special elements are visible:
1634
16351. "vimxmlentities" - a special key with List containing entities of this XML
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001636 dialect.
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +000016372. If the list containing possible values of attributes has one element and
1638 this element is equal to the name of the attribute this attribute will be
1639 treated as boolean and inserted as 'attrname' and not as 'attrname="'
16403. "vimxmltaginfo" - a special key with a Dictionary containing tag
1641 names as keys and two element List as values, for additional menu info and
1642 the long description.
16434. "vimxmlattrinfo" - special key with Dictionary containing attribute names
1644 as keys and two element List as values, for additional menu info and long
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001645 description.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001646
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001647Note: Tag names in the data file MUST not contain a namespace description.
1648Check xsl.vim for an example.
1649Note: All data and functions are publicly available as global
1650variables/functions and can be used for personal editing functions.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001651
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001652
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001653DTD -> Vim *dtd2vim*
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001654
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001655On |www| is the script |dtd2vim| which parses DTD and creates an XML data file
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001656for Vim XML omni completion.
1657
1658 dtd2vim: http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id=1462
1659
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001660Check the beginning of that file for usage details.
1661The script requires perl and:
Bram Moolenaarc1e37902006-04-18 21:55:01 +00001662
1663 perlSGML: http://savannah.nongnu.org/projects/perlsgml
1664
1665
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001666Commands
1667
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001668:XMLns {name} [{namespace}] *:XMLns*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001669
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001670Vim has to know which data file should be used and with which namespace. For
1671loading of the data file and connecting data with the proper namespace use
1672|:XMLns| command. The first (obligatory) argument is the name of the data
1673(xhtml10s, xsl). The second argument is the code of namespace (h, xsl). When
1674used without a second argument the dialect will be used as default - without
1675namespace declaration. For example to use XML completion in .xsl files: >
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001676
1677 :XMLns xhtml10s
1678 :XMLns xsl xsl
1679
1680
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001681:XMLent {name} *:XMLent*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001682
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001683By default entities will be completed from the data file of the default
1684namespace. The XMLent command should be used in case when there is no default
1685namespace: >
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001686
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001687 :XMLent xhtml10s
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001688
1689Usage
1690
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001691While used in this situation (after declarations from previous part, | is
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001692cursor position): >
1693
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001694 <|
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001695
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001696Will complete to an appropriate XHTML tag, and in this situation: >
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001697
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001698 <xsl:|
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001699
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001700Will complete to an appropriate XSL tag.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001701
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00001702
1703The script xmlcomplete.vim, provided through the |autoload| mechanism,
1704has the xmlcomplete#GetLastOpenTag() function which can be used in XML files
1705to get the name of the last open tag (b:unaryTagsStack has to be defined): >
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001706
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001707 :echo xmlcomplete#GetLastOpenTag("b:unaryTagsStack")
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001708
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001709
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001710
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711==============================================================================
17128. Insert mode commands *inserting*
1713
1714The following commands can be used to insert new text into the buffer. They
1715can all be undone and repeated with the "." command.
1716
1717 *a*
1718a Append text after the cursor [count] times. If the
1719 cursor is in the first column of an empty line Insert
1720 starts there. But not when 'virtualedit' is set!
1721
1722 *A*
1723A Append text at the end of the line [count] times.
1724
1725<insert> or *i* *insert* *<Insert>*
1726i Insert text before the cursor [count] times.
1727 When using CTRL-O in Insert mode |i_CTRL-O| the count
1728 is not supported.
1729
1730 *I*
1731I Insert text before the first non-blank in the line
1732 [count] times.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001733 When the 'H' flag is present in 'cpoptions' and the
1734 line only contains blanks, insert start just before
1735 the last blank.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001736
1737 *gI*
1738gI Insert text in column 1 [count] times. {not in Vi}
1739
1740 *gi*
1741gi Insert text in the same position as where Insert mode
1742 was stopped last time in the current buffer.
1743 This uses the |'^| mark. It's different from "`^i"
1744 when the mark is past the end of the line.
1745 The position is corrected for inserted/deleted lines,
1746 but NOT for inserted/deleted characters.
1747 When the |:keepjumps| command modifier is used the |'^|
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001748 mark won't be changed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749 {not in Vi}
1750
1751 *o*
1752o Begin a new line below the cursor and insert text,
1753 repeat [count] times. {Vi: blank [count] screen
1754 lines}
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001755 When the '#' flag is in 'cpoptions' the count is
1756 ignored.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001757
1758 *O*
1759O Begin a new line above the cursor and insert text,
1760 repeat [count] times. {Vi: blank [count] screen
1761 lines}
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001762 When the '#' flag is in 'cpoptions' the count is
1763 ignored.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001764
1765These commands are used to start inserting text. You can end insert mode with
1766<Esc>. See |mode-ins-repl| for the other special characters in Insert mode.
1767The effect of [count] takes place after Insert mode is exited.
1768
1769When 'autoindent' is on, the indent for a new line is obtained from the
1770previous line. When 'smartindent' or 'cindent' is on, the indent for a line
1771is automatically adjusted for C programs.
1772
1773'textwidth' can be set to the maximum width for a line. When a line becomes
1774too long when appending characters a line break is automatically inserted.
1775
1776
1777==============================================================================
17789. Ex insert commands *inserting-ex*
1779
1780 *:a* *:append*
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001781:{range}a[ppend][!] Insert several lines of text below the specified
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001782 line. If the {range} is missing, the text will be
1783 inserted after the current line.
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001784 Adding [!] toggles 'autoindent' for the time this
1785 command is executed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001786
1787 *:i* *:in* *:insert*
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001788:{range}i[nsert][!] Insert several lines of text above the specified
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001789 line. If the {range} is missing, the text will be
1790 inserted before the current line.
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001791 Adding [!] toggles 'autoindent' for the time this
1792 command is executed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001793
1794These two commands will keep on asking for lines, until you type a line
1795containing only a ".". Watch out for lines starting with a backslash, see
1796|line-continuation|.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001797
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02001798When in Ex mode (see |-e|) a backslash at the end of the line can be used to
1799insert a NUL character. To be able to have a line ending in a backslash use
1800two backslashes. This means that the number of backslashes is halved, but
1801only at the end of the line.
1802
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001803NOTE: These commands cannot be used with |:global| or |:vglobal|.
1804":append" and ":insert" don't work properly in between ":if" and
Bram Moolenaar06fb4352005-01-05 22:10:30 +00001805":endif", ":for" and ":endfor", ":while" and ":endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001806
1807 *:start* *:startinsert*
1808:star[tinsert][!] Start Insert mode just after executing this command.
1809 Works like typing "i" in Normal mode. When the ! is
1810 included it works like "A", append to the line.
1811 Otherwise insertion starts at the cursor position.
1812 Note that when using this command in a function or
1813 script, the insertion only starts after the function
1814 or script is finished.
Bram Moolenaar87e25fd2005-07-27 21:13:01 +00001815 This command does not work from |:normal|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001816 {not in Vi}
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001817 {not available when compiled without the |+ex_extra|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001818 feature}
1819
1820 *:stopi* *:stopinsert*
1821:stopi[nsert] Stop Insert mode as soon as possible. Works like
1822 typing <Esc> in Insert mode.
1823 Can be used in an autocommand, example: >
1824 :au BufEnter scratch stopinsert
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00001825<
1826 *replacing-ex* *:startreplace*
1827:startr[eplace][!] Start Replace mode just after executing this command.
1828 Works just like typing "R" in Normal mode. When the
1829 ! is included it acts just like "$R" had been typed
1830 (ie. begin replace mode at the end-of-line). Other-
1831 wise replacement begins at the cursor position.
1832 Note that when using this command in a function or
1833 script that the replacement will only start after
1834 the function or script is finished.
1835 {not in Vi}
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001836 {not available when compiled without the |+ex_extra|
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00001837 feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001838
Bram Moolenaar61da4982005-12-14 22:02:18 +00001839 *:startgreplace*
1840:startg[replace][!] Just like |:startreplace|, but use Virtual Replace
1841 mode, like with |gR|.
1842 {not in Vi}
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001843 {not available when compiled without the |+ex_extra|
Bram Moolenaar61da4982005-12-14 22:02:18 +00001844 feature}
1845
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001846==============================================================================
184710. Inserting a file *inserting-file*
1848
1849 *:r* *:re* *:read*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001850:r[ead] [++opt] [name]
1851 Insert the file [name] (default: current file) below
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001852 the cursor.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001853 See |++opt| for the possible values of [++opt].
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001854
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001855:{range}r[ead] [++opt] [name]
1856 Insert the file [name] (default: current file) below
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001857 the specified line.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001858 See |++opt| for the possible values of [++opt].
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001859
1860 *:r!* *:read!*
Bram Moolenaar9964e462007-05-05 17:54:07 +00001861:[range]r[ead] !{cmd} Execute {cmd} and insert its standard output below
1862 the cursor or the specified line. A temporary file is
1863 used to store the output of the command which is then
1864 read into the buffer. 'shellredir' is used to save
1865 the output of the command, which can be set to include
1866 stderr or not. {cmd} is executed like with ":!{cmd}",
1867 any '!' is replaced with the previous command |:!|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001868
1869These commands insert the contents of a file, or the output of a command,
1870into the buffer. They can be undone. They cannot be repeated with the "."
1871command. They work on a line basis, insertion starts below the line in which
1872the cursor is, or below the specified line. To insert text above the first
1873line use the command ":0r {name}".
1874
1875After the ":read" command, the cursor is left on the first non-blank in the
1876first new line. Unless in Ex mode, then the cursor is left on the last new
1877line (sorry, this is Vi compatible).
1878
1879If a file name is given with ":r", it becomes the alternate file. This can be
1880used, for example, when you want to edit that file instead: ":e! #". This can
1881be switched off by removing the 'a' flag from the 'cpoptions' option.
1882
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001883Of the [++opt] arguments one is specifically for ":read", the ++edit argument.
1884This is useful when the ":read" command is actually used to read a file into
1885the buffer as if editing that file. Use this command in an empty buffer: >
1886 :read ++edit filename
1887The effect is that the 'fileformat', 'fileencoding', 'bomb', etc. options are
1888set to what has been detected for "filename". Note that a single empty line
1889remains, you may want to delete it.
1890
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001891 *file-read*
1892The 'fileformat' option sets the <EOL> style for a file:
1893'fileformat' characters name ~
1894 "dos" <CR><NL> or <NL> DOS format
1895 "unix" <NL> Unix format
1896 "mac" <CR> Mac format
1897Previously 'textmode' was used. It is obsolete now.
1898
1899If 'fileformat' is "dos", a <CR> in front of an <NL> is ignored and a CTRL-Z
1900at the end of the file is ignored.
1901
1902If 'fileformat' is "mac", a <NL> in the file is internally represented by a
1903<CR>. This is to avoid confusion with a <NL> which is used to represent a
1904<NUL>. See |CR-used-for-NL|.
1905
1906If the 'fileformats' option is not empty Vim tries to recognize the type of
1907<EOL> (see |file-formats|). However, the 'fileformat' option will not be
1908changed, the detected format is only used while reading the file.
1909A similar thing happens with 'fileencodings'.
1910
1911On non-MS-DOS, Win32, and OS/2 systems the message "[dos format]" is shown if
1912a file is read in DOS format, to remind you that something unusual is done.
1913On Macintosh, MS-DOS, Win32, and OS/2 the message "[unix format]" is shown if
1914a file is read in Unix format.
1915On non-Macintosh systems, the message "[Mac format]" is shown if a file is
1916read in Mac format.
1917
1918An example on how to use ":r !": >
1919 :r !uuencode binfile binfile
1920This command reads "binfile", uuencodes it and reads it into the current
1921buffer. Useful when you are editing e-mail and want to include a binary
1922file.
1923
1924 *read-messages*
1925When reading a file Vim will display a message with information about the read
1926file. In the table is an explanation for some of the items. The others are
1927self explanatory. Using the long or the short version depends on the
1928'shortmess' option.
1929
1930 long short meaning ~
1931 [readonly] {RO} the file is write protected
1932 [fifo/socket] using a stream
1933 [fifo] using a fifo stream
1934 [socket] using a socket stream
1935 [CR missing] reading with "dos" 'fileformat' and a
1936 NL without a preceding CR was found.
1937 [NL found] reading with "mac" 'fileformat' and a
1938 NL was found (could be "unix" format)
1939 [long lines split] at least one line was split in two
1940 [NOT converted] conversion from 'fileencoding' to
1941 'encoding' was desired but not
1942 possible
1943 [converted] conversion from 'fileencoding' to
1944 'encoding' done
1945 [crypted] file was decrypted
1946 [READ ERRORS] not all of the file could be read
1947
1948
1949 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: