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Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Oct 02
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000039There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000053Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
54 value. |Dictionary|
55 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
56
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000057The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
58are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000059
60Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
61the Number. Examples: >
62 Number 123 --> String "123"
63 Number 0 --> String "0"
64 Number -1 --> String "-1"
65
66Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
67to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
68the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
69 String "456" --> Number 456
70 String "6bar" --> Number 6
71 String "foo" --> Number 0
72 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
73 String "0100" --> Number 64
74 String "-8" --> Number -8
75 String "+8" --> Number 0
76
77To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
78 :echo "0100" + 0
79
80For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
81
82Note that in the command >
83 :if "foo"
84"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
85use strlen(): >
86 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000087< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
88List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 *E706*
91You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
92to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000093equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000095 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000096 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000991.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000100 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000101A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000102in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
103around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000104
105 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
106 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000108A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
109have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000110
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000111A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
112Dictionary entry. Example: >
113 :function dict.init() dict
114 : let self.val = 0
115 :endfunction
116
117The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
118function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
119
120A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
121 :call Fn()
122 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000123
124The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000126
127You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
128arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000129 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130
131
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001321.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000133 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000134A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
135can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
136position in the sequence.
137
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138
139List creation ~
140 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000142Examples: >
143 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
144 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147nested List: >
148 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000149
150An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
151
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152
153List index ~
154 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000155An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000156after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
157 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000160When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
164the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000165 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
166
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000167To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000168is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169 :echo get(mylist, idx)
170 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
171
172
173List concatenation ~
174
175Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
176 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000177 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178
179To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
180it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
181
182
183Sublist ~
184
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000185A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
186separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000187 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000188
189Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
190similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
191available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000192 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
193 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
194 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000195
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000196The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
197is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
198 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
199 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
200
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000201NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
202using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
203mylist[s : e].
204
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000206List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000207 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
209variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
210change "bb": >
211 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
212 :let bb = aa
213 :call add(aa, 4)
214 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000215< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216
217Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
218works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000219a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
221 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
224 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000229To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231
232The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234the same value. >
235 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
236 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000240< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000241
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000242Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
243same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000244exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
245different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
246variables. Example: >
247 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000248< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250< 0
251
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
253can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
254
255 :let a = 5
256 :let b = "5"
257 echo a == b
258< 1 >
259 echo [a] == [b]
260< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262
263List unpack ~
264
265To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
266square brackets, like list items: >
267 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
268
269When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
270this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
271and a variable name: >
272 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
273
274This works like: >
275 :let var1 = mylist[0]
276 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000277 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278
279Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
280empty list then.
281
282
283List modification ~
284 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286 :let list[4] = "four"
287 :let listlist[0][3] = item
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000290modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000291 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
292
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
294examples: >
295 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
296 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
297 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000299 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
300 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000301 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000303 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000307 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
308 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
311For loop ~
312
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000313The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
314to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315 :for item in mylist
316 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000317 :endfor
318
319This works like: >
320 :let index = 0
321 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000322 : let item = mylist[index]
323 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000324 : let index = index + 1
325 :endwhile
326
327Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000328results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000329the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000331If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000332function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000333
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
335requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
336 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
337 : call Doit(lnum, col)
338 :endfor
339
340This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
341must remain the same to avoid an error.
342
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
345 : call Doit(i, j)
346 : if !empty(rest)
347 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
348 : endif
349 :endfor
350
351
352List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000354Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000355 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000357 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
358 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
359 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
361 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
363 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000364 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
365 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000366 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
367 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000368
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000369Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
370example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
371 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
372
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003741.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000377entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
378ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000379
380
381Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
385only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000386 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
387 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000388< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000389A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
390String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000391entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
392Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000394A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000395nested Dictionary: >
396 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
397
398An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
399
400
401Accessing entries ~
402
403The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
404 :let val = mydict["one"]
405 :let mydict["four"] = 4
406
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000407You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000408
409For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
410form can be used |expr-entry|: >
411 :let val = mydict.one
412 :let mydict.four = 4
413
414Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
415key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000416 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000417
418
419Dictionary to List conversion ~
420
421You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
422turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
423
424Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
425 :for key in keys(mydict)
426 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
427 :endfor
428
429The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
430 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
431
432To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
433 :for v in values(mydict)
434 : echo "value: " . v
435 :endfor
436
437If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000438a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000439 :for entry in items(mydict)
440 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
441 :endfor
442
443
444Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000445 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
447Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
448Dictionary: >
449 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
450 :let adict = onedict
451 :let adict['a'] = 11
452 :echo onedict['a']
453 11
454
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000455Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
456more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000457
458
459Dictionary modification ~
460 *dict-modification*
461To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
462use |:let| this way: >
463 :let dict[4] = "four"
464 :let dict['one'] = item
465
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000466Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
467Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
468 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
469 :unlet dict.aaa
470 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000471
472Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000473 :call extend(adict, bdict)
474This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
475in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000476Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
477expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
478adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000481 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000482This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483
484
485Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000487When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
488special way with a dictionary. Example: >
489 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000492 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
493 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000494
495This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
496Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
497the function was invoked from.
498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
500Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
501
502 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
504assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000505 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
506 :function mydict.len() dict
507 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000509 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000511The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
512that references this function. The function can only be used through a
513|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
514remaining that refers to it.
515
516It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000517
518
519Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000520 *E715*
521Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
523 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
524 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
525 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
526 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
527 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
528 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
529 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000530
531
5321.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000533 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000534If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
535function.
536
537When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
538start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
539stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
540
541When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
542start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
543stored in the session file |session-file|.
544
545variable name can be stored where ~
546my_var_6 not
547My_Var_6 session file
548MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
549
550
551It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
552|curly-braces-names|.
553
554==============================================================================
5552. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
556
557Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
558
559|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
560
561|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
562
563|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
564
565|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
566 expr5 != expr5 not equal
567 expr5 > expr5 greater than
568 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
569 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
570 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
571 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
572 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
573
574 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
575 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
576 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
577 matching case
578
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000579 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
580 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
581
582|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000583 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
584 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
585
586|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
587 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
588 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
589
590|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
591 - expr7 unary minus
592 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000595|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
596 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
597 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
598 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
599
600|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000601 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000602 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000603 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605 &option option value
606 (expr1) nested expression
607 variable internal variable
608 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
609 $VAR environment variable
610 @r contents of register 'r'
611 function(expr1, ...) function call
612 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
613
614
615".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
616Example: >
617 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
618
619All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
620
621
622expr1 *expr1* *E109*
623-----
624
625expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
626
627The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
628non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
629otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
630Example: >
631 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
632
633Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
634other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
637
638To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
639 :echo lnum == 1
640 :\ ? "top"
641 :\ : lnum == 1000
642 :\ ? "last"
643 :\ : lnum
644
645
646expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
647---------------
648
649 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
650The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
651are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
652
653 input output ~
654n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
655zero zero zero zero
656zero non-zero non-zero zero
657non-zero zero non-zero zero
658non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
659
660The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
661
662 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
663
664Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
665
666 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
667
668Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
669arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
670
671 let a = 1
672 echo a || b
673
674This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
675so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
676
677 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
678
679This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
680only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
681
682
683expr4 *expr4*
684-----
685
686expr5 {cmp} expr5
687
688Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
689if it evaluates to true.
690
691 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
692 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
693 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
694 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
695 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
696 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000697 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000698 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
699equal == ==# ==?
700not equal != !=# !=?
701greater than > ># >?
702greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
703smaller than < <# <?
704smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
705regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
706regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000707same instance is
708different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709
710Examples:
711"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
712"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
713"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
714
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000715 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000716A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
717can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
718case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
719
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000720 *E735* *E736*
721A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
722equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
723recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
724
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000725 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000726A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
727can be used. Case is never ignored.
728
729When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
730referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
731original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
732"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
733different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
734is false.
735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
737and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
738because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
739
740When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
741results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
742necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
743
744When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
745'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
746
747When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
748'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
749
750The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
751argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
752This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
753matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
754portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
755single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
756Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
757(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
758can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
759 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
761
762
763expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
764---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
766expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
767expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000769For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
770is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
771
772expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
773expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
774expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
777
778Note the difference between "+" and ".":
779 "123" + "456" = 579
780 "123" . "456" = "123456"
781
782When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
783When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000785None of these work for Funcrefs.
786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000787
788expr7 *expr7*
789-----
790! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
791- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
792+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
793
794For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
795For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
796For '+' the number is unchanged.
797
798A String will be converted to a Number first.
799
800These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
801 !-1 == 0
802 !!8 == 1
803 --9 == 9
804
805
806expr8 *expr8*
807-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000808expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000810If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
811expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000814Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
815text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
816cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
818
819If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
821compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
825error. Example: >
826 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
827
828Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
829or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
830
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000831
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000832expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
835from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
837encodings.
838
839If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
840string minus one is used.
841
842A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
843the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
844
845If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
846expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
847
848Examples: >
849 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
850 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
851 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
852 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000855indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
856above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
857 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
858 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
859 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000864expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000865
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000866If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
867will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
869The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
870but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
871
872There must not be white space before or after the dot.
873
874Examples: >
875 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
876 :echo dict.one
877 :echo dict .2
878
879Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
880always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
881
882
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000883expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
884
885When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
886
887
888
889 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000890number
891------
892number number constant *expr-number*
893
894Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
895
896
897string *expr-string* *E114*
898------
899"string" string constant *expr-quote*
900
901Note that double quotes are used.
902
903A string constant accepts these special characters:
904\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
905\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
906\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
907\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
908\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
909\X.. same as \x..
910\X. same as \x.
911\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
912 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
913\U.... same as \u....
914\b backspace <BS>
915\e escape <Esc>
916\f formfeed <FF>
917\n newline <NL>
918\r return <CR>
919\t tab <Tab>
920\\ backslash
921\" double quote
922\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
923
924Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
925
926
927literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
928---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000929'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000930
931Note that single quotes are used.
932
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000934meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000935
936Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
937to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
938 if a =~ "\\s*"
939 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000940
941
942option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
943------
944&option option value, local value if possible
945&g:option global option value
946&l:option local option value
947
948Examples: >
949 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
950 if &insertmode
951
952Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
953and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
954anyway.
955
956
957register *expr-register*
958--------
959@r contents of register 'r'
960
961The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
962Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000963register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
964registers.
965
966When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
967evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000968
969
970nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
971-------
972(expr1) nested expression
973
974
975environment variable *expr-env*
976--------------------
977$VAR environment variable
978
979The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
980result is an empty string.
981 *expr-env-expand*
982Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
983expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
984are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
985the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
986fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
987does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
988 :echo $version
989 :echo expand("$version")
990The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
991variable (if your shell supports it).
992
993
994internal variable *expr-variable*
995-----------------
996variable internal variable
997See below |internal-variables|.
998
999
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001000function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001-------------
1002function(expr1, ...) function call
1003See below |functions|.
1004
1005
1006==============================================================================
10073. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1008 *E461*
1009An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1010cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1011|curly-braces-names|.
1012
1013An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001014An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1015|:unlet|.
1016Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1017been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001018
1019There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1020specified by what is prepended:
1021
1022 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1023|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1024|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1025|global-variable| g: Global.
1026|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1027|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1028|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1029|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1030
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001031The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1032all script-local variables: >
1033 :for k in keys(s:)
1034 : unlet s:[k]
1035 :endfor
1036<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1038A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1039Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1040This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1041|:bdelete|.
1042
1043One local buffer variable is predefined:
1044 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1045b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1046 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1047 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1048 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1049 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1050 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1051 : call My_Update()
1052 :endif
1053<
1054 *window-variable* *w:var*
1055A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1056is deleted when the window is closed.
1057
1058 *global-variable* *g:var*
1059Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1060access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1061place if you like.
1062
1063 *local-variable* *l:var*
1064Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1065But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1066
1067 *script-variable* *s:var*
1068In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1069accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1070
1071They can be used in:
1072- commands executed while the script is sourced
1073- functions defined in the script
1074- autocommands defined in the script
1075- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1076 defined in the script (recursively)
1077- user defined commands defined in the script
1078Thus not in:
1079- other scripts sourced from this one
1080- mappings
1081- etc.
1082
1083script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1084Take this example:
1085
1086 let s:counter = 0
1087 function MyCounter()
1088 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1089 echo s:counter
1090 endfunction
1091 command Tick call MyCounter()
1092
1093You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1094that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1095"Tick" was defined is used.
1096
1097Another example that does the same: >
1098
1099 let s:counter = 0
1100 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1101
1102When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001103script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104defined.
1105
1106The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1107function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1108
1109 let s:counter = 0
1110 function StartCounting(incr)
1111 if a:incr
1112 function MyCounter()
1113 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1114 endfunction
1115 else
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1118 endfunction
1119 endif
1120 endfunction
1121
1122This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1123when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1124called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1125
1126When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1127They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1128maintain a counter: >
1129
1130 if !exists("s:counter")
1131 let s:counter = 1
1132 echo "script executed for the first time"
1133 else
1134 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1135 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1136 endif
1137
1138Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1139variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1140
1141
1142Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1143
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001144 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1145v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1146 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1147 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1148
1149 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1150v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1151 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1154v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001158v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1159 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1160 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1161 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001162 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1163 highlighted text is used.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1167v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1171v:charconvert_from
1172 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1173 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1174
1175 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1176v:charconvert_to
1177 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1178 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1179
1180 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1181v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1182 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1183 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1184 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1185 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1186 possible to append this variable directly after the
1187 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1188 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1189 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1190 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1191 in 'printexpr'.
1192
1193 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1194v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1195 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1196 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1197 can be used.
1198
1199 *v:count* *count-variable*
1200v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1201 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1202 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1203< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1204 get when typing ':' after a count.
1205 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1206
1207 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1208v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1209 used.
1210
1211 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1212v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1213 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1214 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1215 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1216 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1217 command.
1218 See |multi-lang|.
1219
1220 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1221v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1222 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1223 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1224 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1225 Example: >
1226 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1227<
1228 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1229v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1230 Example: >
1231 :let v:errmsg = ""
1232 :silent! next
1233 :if v:errmsg != ""
1234 : ... handle error
1235< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1236
1237 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1238v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1239 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1240 Example: >
1241 :try
1242 : throw "oops"
1243 :catch /.*/
1244 : echo "caught" v:exception
1245 :endtry
1246< Output: "caught oops".
1247
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001248 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1249v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1250 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1251 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1252 deleted file no longer exists
1253 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1254 changed and buffer is modified
1255 changed file contents has changed
1256 mode mode of file changed
1257 time only file timestamp changed
1258
1259 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1260v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1261 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1262 do with the affected buffer:
1263 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1264 the file was deleted).
1265 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1266 was no autocommand. Except that when
1267 only the timestamp changed nothing
1268 will happen.
1269 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1270 everything that needs to be done.
1271 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1272 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1275v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1276 option used for ~
1277 'charconvert' file to be converted
1278 'diffexpr' original file
1279 'patchexpr' original file
1280 'printexpr' file to be printed
1281
1282 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1283v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1284 evaluating:
1285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1287 'diffexpr' output of diff
1288 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1289 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1290 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1291 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1292 file and different from v:fname_in.
1293
1294 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1295v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1296 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1297
1298 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1299v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1300 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1301
1302 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1303v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1304 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001305 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001306
1307 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1308v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001309 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001310
1311 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1312v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001313 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001314
1315 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1316v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001317 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001318
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001319 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1320v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1321 events. Values:
1322 i Insert mode
1323 r Replace mode
1324 v Virtual Replace mode
1325
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001326 *v:key* *key-variable*
1327v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1328 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1329 Read-only.
1330
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001331 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1332v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1333 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1334 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1335 The value is system dependent.
1336 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1337 command.
1338 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1339 in a different language than what is used for character
1340 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1341
1342 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1343v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1344 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1345 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command. See |multi-lang|.
1348
1349 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001350v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1351 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1352 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353
1354 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1355v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1356 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1357 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1358 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1359< Read-only.
1360
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001361 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1362v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1363 See |profiling|.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1366v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1367 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1368 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1369 Read-only.
1370
1371 *v:register* *register-variable*
1372v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1373 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1374
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001375 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1376v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1377 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1378 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1379 typed command.
1380 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1381 hit-enter prompt.
1382
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001383 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1384v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1385 Read-only.
1386
1387 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1388v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1389 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1390 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1391 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1392 executed. Read-only.
1393 Example: >
1394 :!mv foo bar
1395 :if v:shell_error
1396 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1397 :endif
1398< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1399
1400 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1401v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1402
1403 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1404v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1405 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1406 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1407 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1408 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1409 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1410 terminal.
1411 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1412 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1413 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1414 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1415 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1416
1417 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1418v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1419 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1420 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1421 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1422
1423 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1424v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1425 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1426 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1427 Example: >
1428 :try
1429 : throw "oops"
1430 :catch /.*/
1431 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1432 :endtry
1433< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1434
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001435 *v:val* *val-variable*
1436v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1437 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1438 |filter()|. Read-only.
1439
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001440 *v:version* *version-variable*
1441v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1442 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1443 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1444 compatibility.
1445 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1446 if has("patch123")
1447< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1448 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1449 completely different.
1450
1451 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1452v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1453
1454==============================================================================
14554. Builtin Functions *functions*
1456
1457See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1458
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001459(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001460
1461USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1462
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001463add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001464append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001465append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001466argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001467argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001468argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1469browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1470 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001471browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001472bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001473buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1474bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001475bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1476bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1477bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1478byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001479byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001480call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1481 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001482char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001483cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001485complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1486complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001487confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1488 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001489copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001490count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1491 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001492cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1493 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001494cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1495deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1497did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001498diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1499diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001500empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001501escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001502eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001503eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001504executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1505exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1506expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1507filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001508filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1509 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001510finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1511 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001512findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001513 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001514filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1515fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001516foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1517foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001518foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001519foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001521function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001522get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001523get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001524getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1525 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001526getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1527getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1529getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1530getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001531getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001532getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001533getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1534getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001535getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001536getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001537getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001538getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1539getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001540getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001541getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001542getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001543getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1544getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1545getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1546glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1547globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1548has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001549has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001550hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1551histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1552histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1553histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1554histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1555hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1556hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1557hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1559indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001560index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1561 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001562input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1563 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001564inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001565inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1566inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001567inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001568insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001569isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001570islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001571items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001572join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001573keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001574len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1575libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001576libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1577line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1578line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001579lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001580localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001581map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001582maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1583mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001584match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001585 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001586matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001587 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001588matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1589 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001590matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1591 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001592max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1593min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001594mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1595 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001596mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001597nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1598nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1599prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001600printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001601range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1602 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001603readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1604 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001605remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1606 String send expression
1607remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1608remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1609 Number check for reply string
1610remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1611remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1612 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001613remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001614remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001615rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1616repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1617resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001618reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001619search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001620searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1621 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001623 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001624server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1625 Number send reply string
1626serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1627setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1628setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1629setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001630setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001631setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001632setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001633simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001634sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001635soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001636spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001637spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1638 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001639split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1640 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001642stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1643 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001644string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1646strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1647 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001648strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1649 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001651submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001652substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1653 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001654synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001655synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1656 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1657synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001658system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001659taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
1660tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001661tempname() String name for a temporary file
1662tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1663toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001664tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1665 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001667values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001668virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1669visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1670winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1671wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1672winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1673winline() Number window line of the cursor
1674winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001675winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001676winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001677writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1678 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001679
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001680add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1681 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001682 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001683 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1684 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1685< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001687 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001688
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001689
1690append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001691 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001692 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001693 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1694 the current buffer.
1695 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001696 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1697 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001698 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001699 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001700<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001701 *argc()*
1702argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1703 current window. See |arglist|.
1704
1705 *argidx()*
1706argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1707 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1708
1709 *argv()*
1710argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1711 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1712 Example: >
1713 :let i = 0
1714 :while i < argc()
1715 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1716 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1717 : let i = i + 1
1718 :endwhile
1719<
1720 *browse()*
1721browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1722 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1723 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1724 The input fields are:
1725 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1726 {title} title for the requester
1727 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1728 {default} default file name
1729 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1730 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1731
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001732 *browsedir()*
1733browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1734 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1735 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1736 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1737 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1738 to be used.
1739 The input fields are:
1740 {title} title for the requester
1741 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1742 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1743 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1744
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001745bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1746 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1747 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001748 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001750 exactly. The name can be:
1751 - Relative to the current directory.
1752 - A full path.
1753 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1754 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001755 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1756 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1757 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1758 long name to be able to find them.
1759 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1760 file name.
1761 *buffer_exists()*
1762 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1763
1764buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1765 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1766 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001767 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001768
1769bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1770 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1771 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001772 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001773
1774bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1775 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1776 ":ls" command.
1777 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1778 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1779 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1780 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1781 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1782 match an empty string is returned.
1783 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1784 alternate buffer.
1785 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1786 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1787 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1788 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1789 buffers are searched for.
1790 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1791 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1792 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1793< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1794 string is returned. >
1795 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1796 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1797 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1798 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1799< *buffer_name()*
1800 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1801
1802 *bufnr()*
1803bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1804 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1805 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1806 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1807 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1808< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1809 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1810 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1811 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1812 *buffer_number()*
1813 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1814 *last_buffer_nr()*
1815 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1816
1817bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1818 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1819 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1820 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1821 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1822
1823 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1824
1825< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1826 |:wincmd|.
1827
1828
1829byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1830 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1831 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1832 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1833 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1834 one.
1835 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1836 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1837 feature}
1838
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001839byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1840 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1841 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1842 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1843 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1844 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1845 Example : >
1846 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1847< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1848 same: >
1849 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1850 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1851< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1852 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1853 is returned.
1854
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001855call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001856 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1857 arguments.
1858 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1859 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1860 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001861 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1862 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001863
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001864char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1865 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1866 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1867 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1868< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1869 char2nr("á") returns 225
1870 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001871< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001872
1873cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1874 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1875 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1876 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1877 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1878 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1879 feature, -1 is returned.
1880
1881 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001882col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001883 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1884 . the cursor position
1885 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1886 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1887 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1888 returned)
1889 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1890 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1891 Examples: >
1892 col(".") column of cursor
1893 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1894 col("'t") column of mark t
1895 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1896< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1897 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1898 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1899 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1900 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1901 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1902 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1903 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1904<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001905
1906complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
1907 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
1908 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
1909 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
1910 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
1911 the list.
1912
1913complete_check() *complete_check()*
1914 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
1915 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
1916 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
1917 zero otherwise.
1918 Only to be used by the function specified with the
1919 'completefunc' option.
1920
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001921 *confirm()*
1922confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1923 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1924 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1925 choice this is 1.
1926 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1927 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1928 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1929 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1930 used (and translated).
1931 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1932 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1933 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1934 by '\n', e.g. >
1935 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1936< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1937 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1938 not need to be the first letter: >
1939 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1940< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1941 the default shortcut key.
1942 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1943 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1944 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1945 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1946 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1947 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1948 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1949 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1950 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1951 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1952 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1953
1954 An example: >
1955 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1956 :if choice == 0
1957 : echo "make up your mind!"
1958 :elseif choice == 3
1959 : echo "tasteful"
1960 :else
1961 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1962 :endif
1963< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1964 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1965 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1966 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1967 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1968 the horizontal layout is always used.
1969
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001970 *copy()*
1971copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1972 different from using {expr} directly.
1973 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1974 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1975 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1976 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1977 |deepcopy()|.
1978
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001979count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001980 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001981 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1982 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1983 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001984 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1985
1986
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001987 *cscope_connection()*
1988cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1989 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1990 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1991 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1992 if there are no cscope connections;
1993 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1994
1995 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1996 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1997
1998 {num} Description of existence check
1999 ----- ------------------------------
2000 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2001 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2002 {dbpath}.
2003 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2004 {dbpath}.
2005 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2006 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2007 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2008 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2009
2010 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2011
2012 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2013
2014 # pid database name prepend path
2015 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2016<
2017 Invocation Return Val ~
2018 ---------- ---------- >
2019 cscope_connection() 1
2020 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2021 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2022 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2023 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2024 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2025 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2026 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2027<
2028cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
2029 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002030 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002031 Does not change the jumplist.
2032 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2033 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2034 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002035 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002036 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2037 line.
2038 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2039
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002040
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002041deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002042 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2043 different from using {expr} directly.
2044 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
2045 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2046 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
2047 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2048 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002049 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2050 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2051 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2052 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2053 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002054 *E724*
2055 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002056 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2057 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002058 Also see |copy()|.
2059
2060delete({fname}) *delete()*
2061 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002062 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2063 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002064 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002065
2066 *did_filetype()*
2067did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2068 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2069 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2070 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2071 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2072 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2073 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2074 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2075 file.
2076
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002077diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2078 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2079 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2080 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2081 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2082 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2083 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2084 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2085
2086diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2087 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2088 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2089 diff change zero is returned.
2090 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2091 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2092 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2093 line.
2094 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2095 syntax information about the highlighting.
2096
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002097empty({expr}) *empty()*
2098 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002099 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002100 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2101 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2102 with zero.
2103
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002104escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2105 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2106 backslash. Example: >
2107 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2108< results in: >
2109 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002110
2111< *eval()*
2112eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2113 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2114 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2115 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2116
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002117eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2118 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2119 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2120 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2121 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2122
2123executable({expr}) *executable()*
2124 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2125 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002126 arguments.
2127 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2128 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2129 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2130 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2131 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2132 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2133 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2134 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2135 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2136 extension.
2137 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2138 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002139 The result is a Number:
2140 1 exists
2141 0 does not exist
2142 -1 not implemented on this system
2143
2144 *exists()*
2145exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2146 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2147 which contains one of these:
2148 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2149 not if it really works)
2150 +option-name Vim option that works.
2151 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2152 done by comparing with an empty
2153 string)
2154 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2155 or user defined function (see
2156 |user-functions|).
2157 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002158 |internal-variables|). Also works
2159 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2160 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2161 this may cause functions to be
2162 invoked cause an error message for an
2163 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002164 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2165 command or command modifier |:command|.
2166 Returns:
2167 1 for match with start of a command
2168 2 full match with a command
2169 3 matches several user commands
2170 To check for a supported command
2171 always check the return value to be 2.
2172 #event autocommand defined for this event
2173 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2174 pattern (the pattern is taken
2175 literally and compared to the
2176 autocommand patterns character by
2177 character)
2178 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2179
2180 Examples: >
2181 exists("&shortname")
2182 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2183 exists("*strftime")
2184 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2185 exists("bufcount")
2186 exists(":Make")
2187 exists("#CursorHold");
2188 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2189< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2190 name.
2191 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2192 variable itself! For example: >
2193 exists(bufcount)
2194< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2195 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2196 exists.
2197
2198expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2199 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2200 The result is a String.
2201
2202 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2203 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2204 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2205
2206 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2207 for a non-existing file is not included.
2208
2209 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2210 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2211 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2212
2213 % current file name
2214 # alternate file name
2215 #n alternate file name n
2216 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2217 <afile> autocmd file name
2218 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2219 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2220 <sfile> sourced script file name
2221 <cword> word under the cursor
2222 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2223 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2224 message |server2client()|
2225 Modifiers:
2226 :p expand to full path
2227 :h head (last path component removed)
2228 :t tail (last path component only)
2229 :r root (one extension removed)
2230 :e extension only
2231
2232 Example: >
2233 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2234< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2235 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2236 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2237< Use this: >
2238 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2239< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2240 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2241 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2242 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2243 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2244<
2245 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2246 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2247 to modify normal file names.
2248
2249 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2250 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2251 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2252 '/' added.
2253
2254 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2255 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2256 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2257 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002258 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2259 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2260 files in the current directory and below: >
2261 :echo expand("**/README")
2262<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002263 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2264 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2265 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2266 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2267 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2268 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2269 "$FOOBAR".
2270
2271 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2272 getting the raw output of an external command.
2273
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002274extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2275 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2276
2277 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2278 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2279 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2280 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2281 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002282 Examples: >
2283 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2284 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002285< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2286 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002287 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002288<
2289 If they are Dictionaries:
2290 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2291 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2292 used to decide what to do:
2293 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2294 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002295 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002296 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2297
2298 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2299 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2300 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2301 Returns {expr1}.
2302
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002303
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002304filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2305 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2306 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2307 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2308 expression, which is used as a String.
2309 *file_readable()*
2310 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2311
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002312
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002313filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2314 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2315 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2316 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2317 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2318 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2319 Examples: >
2320 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2321< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2322 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2323< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2324 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002325< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2326
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002327 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2328 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2329 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2330
2331 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2332 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002333 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002334
2335< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002336
2337
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002338finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2339 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2340 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2341 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2342 {name} in {path}.
2343 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2344 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2345 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2346 Example: >
2347 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2348< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2349 the file "tags.vim".
2350 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2351
2352findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2353 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2354
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002355filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2356 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2357 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2358 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2359 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2360
2361fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2362 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2363 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2364 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2365 Example: >
2366 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2367< results in: >
2368 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2369< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2370 |expand()| first then.
2371
2372foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2373 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2374 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2375 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2376
2377foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2378 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2379 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2380 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2381
2382foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2383 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2384 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2385 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2386 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2387 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2388 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2389 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2390 previous line is usually available.
2391
2392 *foldtext()*
2393foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2394 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2395 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2396 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2397 The returned string looks like this: >
2398 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2399< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2400 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2401 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2402 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2403 options is removed.
2404 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2405
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002406foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2407 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2408 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2409 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2410 returned.
2411 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2412 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2413 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2414 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2415
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002416 *foreground()*
2417foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2418 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2419 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2420 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2421 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2422 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2423 Win32 console version}
2424
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002425
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002426function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002427 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2428 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2429
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002430
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002431garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
2432 Cleanup unused Lists and Dictionaries that have circular
2433 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2434 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2435 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2436 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2437 freed when they become unused.
2438 This is useful if you have deleted a very big List and/or
2439 Dictionary with circular references in a script that runs for
2440 a long time.
2441
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002442get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002443 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2444 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2445 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002446get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2447 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2448 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2449 {default} is omitted.
2450
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002451 *getbufline()*
2452getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002453 Return a List with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2454 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a List
2455 with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002456
2457 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2458
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002459 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2460 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002461
2462 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2463 lines in the buffer, an empty List is returned.
2464
2465 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2466 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002467 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002468 returned.
2469
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002470 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002471 non-existing buffers, an empty List is returned.
2472
2473 Example: >
2474 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002475
2476getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2477 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2478 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2479 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002480 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2481 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2482 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002483 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2484 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2485 returned, there is no error message.
2486 Examples: >
2487 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2488 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2489<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002490getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2491 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2492 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2493 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2494 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2495 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2496 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2497 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2498 not consumed. If a normal character is
2499 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2500 non-zero value is returned.
2501 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2502 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2503 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2504 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2505 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2506 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2507 user that a character has to be typed.
2508 There is no mapping for the character.
2509 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2510 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2511 sequence. Examples: >
2512 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2513 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2514< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2515 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2516 :function FindChar()
2517 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2518 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2519 : normal l
2520 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2521 : break
2522 : endif
2523 : endwhile
2524 :endfunction
2525
2526getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2527 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2528 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2529 These values are added together:
2530 2 shift
2531 4 control
2532 8 alt (meta)
2533 16 mouse double click
2534 32 mouse triple click
2535 64 mouse quadruple click
2536 128 Macintosh only: command
2537 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2538 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2539 with no modifier.
2540
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002541getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2542 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2543 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2544 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2545 Example: >
2546 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002547< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002548
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002549getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002550 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2551 byte count. The first column is 1.
2552 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2553 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002554 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2555
2556getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2557 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2558 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002559 : normal Ex command
2560 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2561 / forward search command
2562 ? backward search command
2563 @ |input()| command
2564 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002565 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2566 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2567 otherwise.
2568 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002569
2570 *getcwd()*
2571getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2572 working directory.
2573
2574getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2575 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2576 given file {fname}.
2577 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2578 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2579
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002580getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2581 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2582 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2583 |hl-Normal|.
2584 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2585 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2586 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2587 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2588 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2589 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2590 for a valid name does not work.
2591 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2592 function just after the GUI has started.
2593
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002594getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2595 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2596 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2597 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2598 empty string is returned.
2599 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2600 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2601 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2602 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2603 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2604 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2605< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2606 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002607
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002608getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2609 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2610 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2611 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2612 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2613 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2614
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002615getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2616 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2617 file of the given file {fname}.
2618 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2619 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2620 results:
2621 Normal file "file"
2622 Directory "dir"
2623 Symbolic link "link"
2624 Block device "bdev"
2625 Character device "cdev"
2626 Socket "socket"
2627 FIFO "fifo"
2628 All other "other"
2629 Example: >
2630 getftype("/home")
2631< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2632 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2633 "file" are returned.
2634
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002635 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002636getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2637 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2638 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002639 getline(1)
2640< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2641 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2642 To get the line under the cursor: >
2643 getline(".")
2644< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2645 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2646
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002647 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2648 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2649 including line {end}.
2650 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2651 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002652 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002653 Example: >
2654 :let start = line('.')
2655 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2656 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2657
2658
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002659getqflist() *getqflist()*
2660 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2661 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2662 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2663 bufname() to get the name
2664 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2665 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002666 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2667 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002668 nr error number
2669 text description of the error
2670 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2671 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2672
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002673 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2674 returned.
2675
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002676 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2677 do something with them: >
2678 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2679 :for d in getqflist()
2680 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2681 :endfor
2682
2683
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002684getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002685 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002686 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002687 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2688< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002689 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002690 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2691 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2692 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002693 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2694
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002695
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002696getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2697 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2698 The value will be one of:
2699 "v" for |characterwise| text
2700 "V" for |linewise| text
2701 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2702 0 for an empty or unknown register
2703 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2704 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2705
2706 *getwinposx()*
2707getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2708 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2709 -1 if the information is not available.
2710
2711 *getwinposy()*
2712getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2713 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2714 information is not available.
2715
2716getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2717 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002718 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2719 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002720 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2721 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2722 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002723 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2724 Examples: >
2725 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2726 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2727<
2728 *glob()*
2729glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2730 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2731 characters.
2732 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2733 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2734
2735 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2736 any external command. Example: >
2737 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2738 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2739< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2740 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2741
2742 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2743 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2744
2745globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2746 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2747 the results. Example: >
2748 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2749< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2750 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2751 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2752 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2753 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2754 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2755 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2756 error message.
2757 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2758 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2759
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002760 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2761 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2762 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2763 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2764<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002765 *has()*
2766has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2767 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2768 string. See |feature-list| below.
2769 Also see |exists()|.
2770
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002771
2772has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2773 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2774 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2775
2776
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002777hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2778 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2779 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2780 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2781 {mode}.
2782 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2783 buffer are checked for a match.
2784 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2785 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2786 n Normal mode
2787 v Visual mode
2788 o Operator-pending mode
2789 i Insert mode
2790 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2791 c Command-line mode
2792 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2793
2794 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2795 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2796 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2797 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2798 :endif
2799< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2800 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2801
2802histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2803 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2804 one of: *hist-names*
2805 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2806 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2807 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2808 "input" or "@" input line history
2809 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2810 shifted to become the newest entry.
2811 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2812 otherwise 0 is returned.
2813
2814 Example: >
2815 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2816 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2817< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2818
2819histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002820 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002821 for the possible values of {history}.
2822
2823 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2824 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2825 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2826 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2827 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2828 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2829 if it exists.
2830
2831 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2832 otherwise 0 is returned.
2833
2834 Examples:
2835 Clear expression register history: >
2836 :call histdel("expr")
2837<
2838 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2839 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2840<
2841 The following three are equivalent: >
2842 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2843 :call histdel("search", -1)
2844 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2845<
2846 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2847 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2848 :call histdel("search", -1)
2849 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2850
2851histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2852 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2853 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2854 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2855 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2856 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2857
2858 Examples:
2859 Redo the second last search from history. >
2860 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2861
2862< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2863 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2864 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2865<
2866histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2867 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2868 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2869 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2870
2871 Example: >
2872 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2873<
2874hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2875 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2876 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2877 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2878 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2879 item.
2880 *highlight_exists()*
2881 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2882
2883 *hlID()*
2884hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2885 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2886 zero is returned.
2887 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2888 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2889 "Comment" group: >
2890 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2891< *highlightID()*
2892 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2893
2894hostname() *hostname()*
2895 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002896 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002897 256 characters long are truncated.
2898
2899iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2900 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2901 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2902 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2903 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2904 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2905 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2906 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2907 can be done.
2908 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2909 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2910 UTF-8 and use: >
2911 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2912< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2913 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2914 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2915 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2916
2917 *indent()*
2918indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2919 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2920 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2921 |getline()|.
2922 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2923
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002924
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002925index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002926 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2927 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002928 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2929 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002930 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2931 case must match.
2932 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2933 Example: >
2934 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002935 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002936
2937
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002938input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002939 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2940 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2941 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002942 prompt to start a new line.
2943 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
2944 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
2945 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
2946 for lines typed for input().
2947 Example: >
2948 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2949 : echo "Cheers!"
2950 :endif
2951<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002952 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
2953 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002954 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2955
2956< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
2957 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
2958 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
2959 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
2960 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
2961 more information. Example: >
2962 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
2963<
2964 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
2965 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002966 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2967 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2968 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2969 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2970 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2971 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2972 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2973
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002974 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002975 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2976 :function GetFoo()
2977 : call inputsave()
2978 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2979 : call inputrestore()
2980 :endfunction
2981
2982inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2983 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2984 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2985 Example: >
2986 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2987 :if n != ""
2988 : let &sw = n
2989 :endif
2990< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2991 omitted an empty string is returned.
2992 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2993 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002994 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002995
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00002996inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
2997 {textlist} must be a list of strings. This list is displayed,
2998 one string per line. The user will be prompted to enter a
2999 number, which is returned.
3000 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3001 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3002 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3003 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3004 is returned.
3005 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3006 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3007 the start of the string. Example: >
3008 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3009 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3010
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003011inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3012 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3013 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3014 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3015 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3016
3017inputsave() *inputsave()*
3018 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3019 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3020 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3021 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3022 many inputrestore() calls.
3023 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3024
3025inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3026 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3027 two exceptions:
3028 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3029 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3030 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3031 |history| stack.
3032 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3033 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003034 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003035
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003036insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
3037 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
3038 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3039 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3040 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3041 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003042 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003043 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3044 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3045 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003046< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003047 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
3048 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
3049
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003050isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3051 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3052 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3053 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3054 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3055
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003056islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3057 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3058 name of a locked variable.
3059 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
3060 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
3061 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3062 :lockvar 1 alist
3063 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3064 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3065
3066< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3067 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3068
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003069items({dict}) *items()*
3070 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3071 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
3072 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
3073
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003074
3075join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3076 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3077 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3078 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3079 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3080 add it there too: >
3081 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3082< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
3083 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3084 The opposite function is |split()|.
3085
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003086keys({dict}) *keys()*
3087 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
3088 arbitrary order.
3089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003090 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003091len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3092 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3093 used, as with |strlen()|.
3094 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
3095 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003096 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
3097 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003098 Otherwise an error is given.
3099
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003100 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3101libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3102 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3103 with single argument {argument}.
3104 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3105 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3106 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3107 limited.
3108 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3109 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3110 to Vim.
3111 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3112 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3113 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3114 null-terminated string.
3115 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3116
3117 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3118 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3119 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3120 very probably crash.
3121
3122 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3123 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3124 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3125 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3126 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3127 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3128 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3129 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3130 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3131 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3132
3133 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3134 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3135 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3136 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3137 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3138 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3139 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3140 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3141 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3142 feature is present}
3143 Examples: >
3144 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3145 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3146<
3147 *libcallnr()*
3148libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3149 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3150 int instead of a string.
3151 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3152 feature is present}
3153 Example (not very useful...): >
3154 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3155 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3156<
3157 *line()*
3158line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3159 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3160 . the cursor position
3161 $ the last line in the current buffer
3162 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3163 returned)
3164 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3165 Examples: >
3166 line(".") line number of the cursor
3167 line("'t") line number of mark t
3168 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3169< *last-position-jump*
3170 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3171 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3172 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003173
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003174line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3175 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3176 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3177 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3178 line returns 1.
3179 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3180 below the last line: >
3181 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3182< This is the file size plus one.
3183 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3184 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3185 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3186
3187lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3188 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3189 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3190 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3191 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3192 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3193 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3194
3195localtime() *localtime()*
3196 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3197 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3198
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003199
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003200map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3201 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3202 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3203 {string}.
3204 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3205 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3206 Example: >
3207 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003208< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003209
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003210 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003211 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003212 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3213 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003214
3215 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3216 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003217 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003218
3219< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003220
3221
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003222maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3223 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3224 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3225 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3226 "n" Normal
3227 "v" Visual
3228 "o" Operator-pending
3229 "i" Insert
3230 "c" Cmd-line
3231 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3232 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3233 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3234 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3235 command. The returned String has special characters
3236 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3237 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3238 then the global mappings.
3239
3240mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3241 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3242 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3243 {name}.
3244 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3245 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3246
3247 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3248 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3249 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3250 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3251 mapcheck("b") no no no
3252
3253 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3254 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3255 mapping for {name} exactly.
3256 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3257 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3258 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3259 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3260 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3261 then the global mappings.
3262 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3263 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3264 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3265 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3266 :endif
3267< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3268 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3269
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003270match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003271 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3272 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3273 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3274 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3275 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3276 {pat} matches.
3277 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003278 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3279 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003280 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3281 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3282< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003283 *strpbrk()*
3284 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3285 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3286< *strcasestr()*
3287 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3288 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3289 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3290<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003291 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003292 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3293 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003294 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003295< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3296
3297 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3298 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003299 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003300 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003301 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3302< result is again "4". >
3303 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3304< result is again "4". >
3305 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3306< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003307 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3308 the index is counted from the end.
3309 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3310 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3311
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003312 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3313 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3314 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3315 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3316
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003317matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003318 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3319 the match. Example: >
3320 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3321< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003322 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3323 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3324 do it with matchend(): >
3325 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3326 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3327< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3328
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003329 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3330 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3331< results in "7". >
3332 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3333< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003334 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003335
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003336matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3337 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3338 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3339 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3340 in |:substitute|.
3341 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3342
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003343matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003344 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3345 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3346< results in "ing".
3347 When there is no match "" is returned.
3348 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3349 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3350< results in "ing". >
3351 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3352< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003353 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3354 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003355
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003356 *max()*
3357max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3358 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3359 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3360 An empty List results in zero.
3361
3362 *min()*
3363min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3364 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3365 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3366 An empty List results in zero.
3367
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003368 *mkdir()* *E749*
3369mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3370 Create directory {name}.
3371 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3372 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3373 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3374 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3375 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3376 for others.
3377 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3378 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3379 :if exists("*mkdir")
3380<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003381 *mode()*
3382mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3383 n Normal
3384 v Visual by character
3385 V Visual by line
3386 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3387 s Select by character
3388 S Select by line
3389 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3390 i Insert
3391 R Replace
3392 c Command-line
3393 r Hit-enter prompt
3394 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3395 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3396
3397nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3398 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3399 that is not blank. Example: >
3400 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3401< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3402 below it, zero is returned.
3403 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3404
3405nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3406 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3407 value {expr}. Examples: >
3408 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3409 nr2char(32) returns " "
3410< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3411 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3412< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3413 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3414 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003415 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003416
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003417printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3418 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3419 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003420 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003421< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003422 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003423
3424 Often used items are:
3425 %s string
3426 %6s string right-aligned in 6 characters
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003427 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003428 %d decimal number
3429 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3430 %x hex number
3431 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3432 %X hex number using upper case letters
3433 %o octal number
3434 %% the % character
3435
3436 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3437 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3438 the result.
3439
3440 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003441 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003442
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003443 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003444
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003445 flags
3446 Zero or more of the following flags:
3447
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003448 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3449 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3450 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3451 of the number is increased to force the first
3452 character of the output string to a zero (except
3453 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3454 precision of zero).
3455 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3456 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3457 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003458
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003459 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3460 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3461 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3462 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3463 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003464
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003465 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3466 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3467 The converted value is padded on the right with
3468 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3469 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003470
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003471 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3472 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003473
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003474 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3475 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3476 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003477
3478 field-width
3479 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
3480 field width. If the converted value has fewer
3481 characters than the field width, it will be padded
3482 with spaces on the left (or right, if the
3483 left-adjustment flag has been given) to fill out the
3484 field width.
3485
3486 .precision
3487 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3488 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3489 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3490 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3491 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
3492 characters to be printed from a string for s
3493 conversions.
3494
3495 type
3496 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3497 be applied, see below.
3498
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003499 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3500 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3501 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3502 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3503 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3504 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003505 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003506< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003507 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003508
3509 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003510
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003511 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3512 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3513 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3514 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003515 conversions.
3516 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3517 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3518 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3519 zeros.
3520 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3521 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3522 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3523 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3524
3525 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3526 resulting character is written.
3527
3528 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3529 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3530 specified are used.
3531
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003532 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3533 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003534
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003535 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3536 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3537 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003538
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003539 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003540 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3541 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003542 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003543
3544
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003545prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3546 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3547 that is not blank. Example: >
3548 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3549< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3550 above it, zero is returned.
3551 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3552
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003553 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003554range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3555 Returns a List with Numbers:
3556 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3557 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3558 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3559 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3560 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003561 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3562 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3563 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003564 Examples: >
3565 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3566 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3567 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3568 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003569 range(0) " []
3570 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003571<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003572 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003573readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003574 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3575 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3576 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3577 NL appears somewhere).
3578 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3579 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3580 added.
3581 - No CR characters are removed.
3582 Otherwise:
3583 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3584 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3585 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003586 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3587 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3588 lines of a file: >
3589 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3590 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3591 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003592< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3593 are returned, or as many as there are.
3594 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003595 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3596 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3597 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003598 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3599 the result is an empty list.
3600 Also see |writefile()|.
3601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003602 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3603remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3604 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3605 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3606 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3607 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3608 remote_read() is stored there.
3609 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3610 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3611 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3612 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3613 and the result will be the empty string.
3614 Examples: >
3615 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3616 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3617<
3618
3619remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3620 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3621 This works like: >
3622 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3623< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3624 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3625 to bring itself to the foreground.
3626 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3627 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3628 Win32 console version}
3629
3630
3631remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3632 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3633 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3634 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3635 name of a variable.
3636 Returns zero if none are available.
3637 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3638 See also |clientserver|.
3639 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3640 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3641 Examples: >
3642 :let repl = ""
3643 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3644
3645remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3646 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3647 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3648 See also |clientserver|.
3649 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3650 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3651 Example: >
3652 :echo remote_read(id)
3653<
3654 *remote_send()* *E241*
3655remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003656 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3657 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3658 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003659 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3660 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3661 remote_read() is stored there.
3662 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3663 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3664 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3665 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3666 up the display.
3667 Examples: >
3668 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3669 \ remote_read(serverid)
3670
3671 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3672 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3673 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3674 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003675<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003676remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3677 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3678 return it.
3679 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3680 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3681 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3682 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3683 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003684 Example: >
3685 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003686 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003687remove({dict}, {key})
3688 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3689 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3690< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3691
3692 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003693
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003694rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3695 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3696 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3697 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3698 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3699 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3700
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003701repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3702 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3703 result. Example: >
3704 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3705< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003706 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003707 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003708 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3709< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003710
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003711
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003712resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3713 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3714 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3715 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3716 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3717 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3718 stopped after 100 iterations.
3719 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3720 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3721 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3722 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3723 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3724
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003725 *reverse()*
3726reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3727 {list}.
3728 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3729 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3730
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003731search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3732 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003733 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003734 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3735 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003736 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003737 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3738 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003739 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3740 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003741 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3742
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003743 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3744 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3745 flag.
3746
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003747 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3748 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3749 flag is used).
3750 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3751 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003752
3753 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3754 :let n = 1
3755 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3756 : exe "argument " . n
3757 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3758 : " first search to find match at start of file
3759 : normal G$
3760 : let flags = "w"
3761 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3762 : s/foo/bar/g
3763 : let flags = "W"
3764 : endwhile
3765 : update " write the file if modified
3766 : let n = n + 1
3767 :endwhile
3768<
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003769
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00003770searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
3771 Search for the declaration of {name}.
3772
3773 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
3774 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
3775 first match in the function.
3776
3777 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
3778 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
3779 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
3780
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003781 Moves the cursor to the found match.
3782 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3783 Example: >
3784 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
3785 echo getline('.')
3786 endif
3787<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003788 *searchpair()*
3789searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3790 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3791 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3792 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3793 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3794 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3795 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3796 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3797
3798 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3799 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3800 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3801 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3802 typical use is: >
3803 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3804< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3805
3806 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3807 'n' do Not move the cursor
3808 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3809 outer pair
3810 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3811 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3812
3813 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3814 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3815 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3816 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3817 or a string.
3818 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3819 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3820 and -1 returned.
3821
3822 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3823 patterns are used like it's on.
3824
3825 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3826 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3827 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3828 if 1
3829 if 2
3830 endif 2
3831 endif 1
3832< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3833 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3834 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3835 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3836 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3837 "endif 2".
3838 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3839 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3840 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3841 the matching start.
3842
3843 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3844
3845 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3846 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3847
3848< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3849 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3850 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3851 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3852 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3853 match.
3854 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3855
3856 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3857
3858< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3859 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3860 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3861
3862 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3863 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3864<
3865server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3866 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3867 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3868 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3869 Note:
3870 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003871 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003872 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3873 See also |clientserver|.
3874 Example: >
3875 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3876<
3877serverlist() *serverlist()*
3878 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3879 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3880 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3881 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3882 Example: >
3883 :echo serverlist()
3884<
3885setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3886 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3887 {val}.
3888 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3889 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3890 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3891 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3892 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3893 Examples: >
3894 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3895 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3896< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3897
3898setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3899 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3900 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3901 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3902 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003903 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3904 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3905 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3906 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3907 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003908 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3909 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3910 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3911 line.
3912
3913setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003914 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3915 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003916 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3917 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003918 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3919 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003920 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003921< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3922 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3923 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3924< This is equivalent to: >
3925 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3926 : call setline(n, l)
3927 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003928< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3929
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003930
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003931setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003932 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3933 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3934 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3935 entries:
3936
3937 filename name of a file
3938 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003939 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003940 col column number
3941 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3942 when zero: "col" is byte index
3943 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003944 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003945 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003946
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003947 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3948 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3949 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003950 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3951 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3952 handled as an error line.
3953 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3954 be used.
3955
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003956 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3957 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3958 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3959 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3960 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3961 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3962
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003963 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3964
3965 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3966 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3967 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3968
3969
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003970 *setreg()*
3971setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3972 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3973 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3974 then the value is appended.
3975 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3976 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3977 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3978 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3979 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3980 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3981 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3982 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3983
3984 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3985 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3986 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3987 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3988
3989 Examples: >
3990 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3991 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3992 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3993
3994< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3995 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003996 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003997 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3998 ....
3999 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4000
4001< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4002 nothing: >
4003 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4004
4005setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4006 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004007 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004008 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4009 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4010 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4011 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
4012 Examples: >
4013 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4014 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
4015< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4016
4017simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4018 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4019 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4020 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4021 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4022 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4023 not removed either.
4024 Example: >
4025 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4026< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4027 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4028 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4029 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4030 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4031
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004032
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004033sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004034 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4035 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4036 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4037< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004038 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004039 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004040 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
4041 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
4042 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
4043 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4044 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4045 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4046 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4047 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4048 endfunc
4049 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004050<
4051
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004052 *soundfold()*
4053soundfold({word})
4054 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4055 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004056 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4057 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004058 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4059 the method can be quite slow.
4060
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004061 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004062spellbadword([{sentence}])
4063 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4064 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4065 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4066 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4067
4068 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4069 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4070 result is an empty string.
4071
4072 The return value is a list with two items:
4073 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4074 - The type of the spelling error:
4075 "bad" spelling mistake
4076 "rare" rare word
4077 "local" word only valid in another region
4078 "caps" word should start with Capital
4079 Example: >
4080 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4081< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4082
4083 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4084 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4085 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004086
4087 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004088spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004089 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
4090 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4091 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4092
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004093 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4094 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4095 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4096
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004097 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4098 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004099 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4100 replace a line.
4101
4102 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004103 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4104 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004105
4106 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004107 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4108 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004109
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004110
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004111split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
4112 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
4113 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004114 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004115 removing the matched characters.
4116 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4117 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004118 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4119 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004120 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004121 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004122< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004123 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004124< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4125 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4126< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004127 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4128 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4129< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004130
4131
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004132strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4133 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4134 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4135 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4136 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4137 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4138 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4139 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4140 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4141 Examples: >
4142 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4143 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4144 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4145 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4146 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4147 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004148< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4149 :if exists("*strftime")
4150
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004151stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4152 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4153 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004154 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4155 This can be used to find a second match: >
4156 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4157 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4158< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004159 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004160 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004161 See also |strridx()|.
4162 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004163 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4164 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4165 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004166< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4167 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4168 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4169
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004170 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004171string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4172 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4173 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004174 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004175 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004176 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004177 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004178 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004179 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004180 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004181
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004182 *strlen()*
4183strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004184 {expr} in bytes.
4185 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4186 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004187
4188 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004189<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004190 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4191 For other types an error is given.
4192 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004193
4194strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4195 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
4196 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
4197 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4198 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4199 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4200 end of the {src}. >
4201 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4202 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4203 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4204 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4205< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4206 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4207 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4208<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004209strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4210 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4211 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4212 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4213 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4214 match: >
4215 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4216 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4217< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004218 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4219 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004220 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004221 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004222 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004223< *strrchr()*
4224 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4225 function strrchr().
4226
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004227strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4228 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4229 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4230 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4231 echo strtrans(@a)
4232< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4233 starting a new line.
4234
4235submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4236 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4237 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4238 the whole matched text is returned.
4239 Example: >
4240 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4241< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4242 A line break is included as a newline character.
4243
4244substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4245 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4246 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4247 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4248 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4249 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4250 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4251 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4252 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4253 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4254 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4255 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4256 unmodified.
4257 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4258 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4259 Example: >
4260 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4261< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4262 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4263< results in "TESTING".
4264
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004265synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004266 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004267 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004268 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4269 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004270
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004271 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004272 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004274 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4275 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4276 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4277 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4278 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4279 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4280 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4281
4282 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4283 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4284<
4285synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4286 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4287 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4288 about a syntax item.
4289 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4290 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4291 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4292 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4293 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4294 {what} result
4295 "name" the name of the syntax item
4296 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4297 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4298 term: empty string)
4299 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4300 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4301 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4302 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4303 "bold" "1" if bold
4304 "italic" "1" if italic
4305 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4306 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4307 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004308 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004309
4310 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4311 cursor): >
4312 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4313<
4314synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4315 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4316 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4317 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4318 ":highlight link" are followed.
4319
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004320system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4321 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4322 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4323 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4324 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004325 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004326 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4327 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4328 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004329 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4330 The result is a String. Example: >
4331
4332 :let files = system("ls")
4333
4334< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4335 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4336 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4337 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4338 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4339 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4340 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4341 concatenated commands.
4342
4343 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4344 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4345 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4346 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4347
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004348
4349taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4350 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004351 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4352 entries:
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004353 name name of the tag.
4354 filename name of the file where the tag is
4355 defined.
4356 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4357 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004358 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004359 entry depends on the language specific
4360 kind values generated by the ctags
4361 tool.
4362 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4363 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004364 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4365 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4366 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4367 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4368 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4369 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4370 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004371
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004372 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4373 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004374
4375 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4376
4377 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4378 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4379 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4380
4381 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4382 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4383 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4384
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00004385 *tagfiles()*
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00004386tagfiles() Returns a List with the file names used to search for tags for
4387 the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4388
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004389
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004390tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4391 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4392 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4393 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4394 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4395 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4396< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4397 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4398 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4399 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4400 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4401 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4402
4403tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4404 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4405 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4406 the string).
4407
4408toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4409 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4410 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4411 the string).
4412
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004413tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4414 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4415 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4416 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4417 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4418 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4419 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4420
4421 Examples: >
4422 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4423< returns "Hello THere" >
4424 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4425< returns "{blob}"
4426
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004427 *type()*
4428type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004429 Number: 0
4430 String: 1
4431 Funcref: 2
4432 List: 3
4433 Dictionary: 4
4434 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004435 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4436 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4437 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4438 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004439 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004440
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004441values({dict}) *values()*
4442 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4443 arbitrary order.
4444
4445
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004446virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4447 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4448 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4449 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4450 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4451 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4452 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4453 set to 8, it returns 8.
4454 For the byte position use |col()|.
4455 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4456 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4457 The accepted positions are:
4458 . the cursor position
4459 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4460 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4461 plus one)
4462 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4463 returned)
4464 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4465 Examples: >
4466 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4467 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4468 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4469< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4470
4471visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4472 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4473 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4474 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4475 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4476 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4477 Example: >
4478 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4479< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4480 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4481 Visual mode that was used.
4482
4483 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4484 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4485 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4486 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4487
4488 *winbufnr()*
4489winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004490 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004491 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4492 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4493 Example: >
4494 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4495<
4496 *wincol()*
4497wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4498 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4499 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4500
4501winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4502 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4503 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4504 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4505 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4506 Examples: >
4507 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4508<
4509 *winline()*
4510winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4511 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4512 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004513 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4514 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004515
4516 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004517winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4518 window. The top window has number 1.
4519 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4520 last window is returnd (the window count).
4521 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4522 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4523 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4524 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4525 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004526
4527 *winrestcmd()*
4528winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4529 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4530 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4531 Example: >
4532 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4533 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4534 :exe cmd
4535
4536winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4537 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4538 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4539 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4540 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4541 Examples: >
4542 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4543 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4544 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4545 :endif
4546<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004547 *writefile()*
4548writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4549 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4550 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4551 Number.
4552 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4553 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4554 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4555 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4556 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4557 to writefile().
4558 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4559 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4560 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4561 fails.
4562 Also see |readfile()|.
4563 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4564 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4565 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4566<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004567
4568 *feature-list*
4569There are three types of features:
45701. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4571 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4572 :if has("cindent")
45732. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4574 Example: >
4575 :if has("gui_running")
4576< *has-patch*
45773. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4578 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4579 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4580 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4581
4582all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4583amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4584arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4585arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4586autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4587balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004588balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004589beos BeOS version of Vim.
4590browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4591 work.
4592builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4593byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4594cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4595clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4596clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4597cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4598cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4599cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4600comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4601cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4602cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4603compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4604debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4605dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4606dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4607diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4608digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4609dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4610dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4611dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4612ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4613emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4614eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4615 true, of course!
4616ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4617extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4618 |'hlsearch'|
4619farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4620file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004621filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4622 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004623find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4624 |+find_in_path|.
4625fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4626 Windows this is not present).
4627folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4628footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4629fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4630gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4631gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4632gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004633gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4634gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004635gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004636gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4637gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4638gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4639gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4640gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4641gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4642hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4643iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4644insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4645 Insert mode.
4646jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4647keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4648langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4649libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4650linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4651 support.
4652lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4653listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4654 and the argument list |arglist|.
4655localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4656mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4657macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4658menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4659mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4660modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4661mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4662mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4663mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4664mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4665mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4666mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4667mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4668multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4669multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4670multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004671mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004672netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004673netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004674ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4675os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4676osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4677path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4678perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4679postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4680printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004681profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004682python Compiled with Python interface.
4683qnx QNX version of Vim.
4684quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4685rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4686ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4687scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4688showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4689signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4690smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004691sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004692statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4693 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4694sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004695spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4696syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004697syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4698 current buffer.
4699system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4700tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4701 |tag-binary-search|.
4702tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4703 |tag-old-static|.
4704tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4705 files |tag-any-white|.
4706tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4707terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4708termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4709textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4710tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4711 or terminfo file.
4712title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4713toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4714unix Unix version of Vim.
4715user_commands User-defined commands.
4716viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4717vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4718vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4719virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4720visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4721visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4722 |blockwise-operators|.
4723vms VMS version of Vim.
4724vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4725wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4726wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4727windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4728winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4729win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4730win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4731win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4732win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4733win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4734writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4735xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4736xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4737xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4738xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4739xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4740xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4741 xterm screen.
4742x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4743
4744 *string-match*
4745Matching a pattern in a String
4746
4747A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4748the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4749everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4750like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4751line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4752with ".". Example: >
4753 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4754 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4755 aa
4756 xx
4757 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4758 a
4759 x
4760
4761Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4762"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4763"\n".
4764
4765==============================================================================
47665. Defining functions *user-functions*
4767
4768New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4769functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4770commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4771
4772The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4773builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4774avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4775the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4776
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004777It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
4778|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004779
4780 *local-function*
4781A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4782can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4783and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4784function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4785instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4786
4787 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4788:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4789
4790:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004791 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4792 Funcref: >
4793 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004794
4795:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
4796 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
4797 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004798<
4799 *:function-verbose*
4800When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
4801last defined. Example: >
4802
4803 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
4804 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
4805 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
4806<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00004807See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004808
4809 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004810:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004811 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4812 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4813 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004814
4815 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4816 Funcref: >
4817 :function dict.init(arg)
4818< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4819 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4820 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4821 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4822 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4823 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004824 *E127* *E122*
4825 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4826 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4827 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4828 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004829
4830 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4831
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004832 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4833 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4834 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4835 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4836 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4837 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4838 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004839
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004840 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4841 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4842 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4843 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004844
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004845 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4846 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4847 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4848 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004849
4850 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4851:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4852 by its own, without other commands.
4853
4854 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4855:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004856 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4857 Funcref: >
4858 :delfunc dict.init
4859< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4860 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4861 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004862 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4863:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4864 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4865 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4866 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4867 the number 0 is returned.
4868 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4869 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4870
4871 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4872 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4873 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4874 are executed first. This process applies to all
4875 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4876 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4877
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004878 *function-argument* *a:var*
4879An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4880be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4881 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4882Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4883arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4884may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4885as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004886can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4887"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4888 *E742*
4889The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4890However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4891Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4892it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4893use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004894
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004895When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4896to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4897may be larger.
4898
4899It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4900still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4901until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4902inside a function body.
4903
4904 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004905Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4906will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4907accessed with "g:".
4908
4909Example: >
4910 :function Table(title, ...)
4911 : echohl Title
4912 : echo a:title
4913 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004914 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4915 : for s in a:000
4916 : echon ' ' . s
4917 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004918 :endfunction
4919
4920This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004921 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4922 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004923
4924To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4925 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4926 : if a:n2 == 0
4927 : return "fail"
4928 : endif
4929 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4930 : return "ok"
4931 :endfunction
4932
4933This function can then be called with: >
4934 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4935 :if success == "ok"
4936 : echo div
4937 :endif
4938
4939An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4940with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4941 :function Foo()
4942 : execute Bar()
4943 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4944 :endfunction
4945
4946 :function Bar()
4947 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4948 :endfunction
4949
4950The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4951the caller to set the names.
4952
4953 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4954:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4955 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4956 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4957 used.
4958 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4959 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4960 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4961 function.
4962 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4963 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4964 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4965 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4966 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4967 this works:
4968 *function-range-example* >
4969 :function Mynumber(arg)
4970 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4971 :endfunction
4972 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4973<
4974 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4975 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4976 the range.
4977
4978 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4979
4980 :function Cont() range
4981 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4982 :endfunction
4983 :4,8call Cont()
4984<
4985 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4986 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4987
4988 *E132*
4989The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4990option.
4991
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004992
4993AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004994 *autoload-functions*
4995When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004996only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4997the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4998
4999
5000Using an autocommand ~
5001
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005002This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5003
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005004The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5005You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5006That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5007again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5008
5009Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5010function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005011
5012 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5013
5014The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5015"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5016
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005017
5018Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005019 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005020This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5021
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005022Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5023exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5024like this: >
5025
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005026 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005027
5028When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5029"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5030"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5031then define the function like this: >
5032
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005033 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005034 echo "Done!"
5035 endfunction
5036
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005037The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005038exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5039called.
5040
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005041It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5042a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005043
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005044 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005045
5046Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5047
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005048This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5049
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005050 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005051
5052When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5053be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5054
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005055 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5056 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005057
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005058Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5059defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5060function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005061And you will get an error message every time.
5062
5063Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5064other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5065Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005066
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005067==============================================================================
50686. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5069
5070Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5071This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5072{} like this: >
5073 my_{adjective}_variable
5074
5075When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5076that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5077name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5078"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5079"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5080
5081One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5082value. For example, the statement >
5083 echo my_{&background}_message
5084
5085would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5086on the current value of 'background'.
5087
5088You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5089 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5090..or even nest them: >
5091 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5092where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5093
5094However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005095variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005096 :let foo='a + b'
5097 :echo c{foo}d
5098.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5099
5100 *curly-braces-function-names*
5101You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5102Example: >
5103 :let func_end='whizz'
5104 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5105
5106This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5107
5108==============================================================================
51097. Commands *expression-commands*
5110
5111:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5112 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5113 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5114 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5115 is created.
5116
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005117:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5118 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5119 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5120 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5121 the index can be repeated.
5122 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5123
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005124 *E711* *E719*
5125:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005126 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
5127 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
5128 correct number of items.
5129 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5130 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5131 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5132 end of the list, items will be added.
5133
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005134 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005135:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5136:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5137:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5138 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5139 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5140
5141
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005142:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5143 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5144 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005145:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5146 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5147 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5148 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005149
5150:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5151 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5152 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5153 must be the name of a writable register (see
5154 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5155 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5156 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5157 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5158 characterwise.
5159 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5160 :let @/ = ""
5161< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5162 that would match everywhere.
5163
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005164:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5165 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5166 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5167
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005168:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5169 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005170 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5171 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005172 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5173 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
5174 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005175 Example: >
5176 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005177
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005178:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5179 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5180 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5181
5182:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5183:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5184 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5185 {expr1}.
5186
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005187:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005188:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5189:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5190:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005191 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5192 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5193
5194:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005195:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5196:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5197:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005198 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5199 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5200
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005201:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005202 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
5203 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5204 {name2}, etc.
5205 The number of names must match the number of items in
5206 the List.
5207 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5208 command as mentioned above.
5209 Example: >
5210 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005211< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5212 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5213 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5214 :let x = [0, 1]
5215 :let i = 0
5216 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5217 :echo x
5218< The result is [0, 2].
5219
5220:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5221:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5222:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5223 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5224 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005225
5226:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005227 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005228 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5229 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5230 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005231 Example: >
5232 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5233<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005234:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5235:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5236:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5237 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5238 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005239 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005240:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005241 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5242 here: *E738*
5243 g: global variables.
5244 b: local buffer variables.
5245 w: local window variables.
5246 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005247
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005248:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5249 variable is indicated before the value:
5250 <nothing> String
5251 # Number
5252 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005253
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005254
5255:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5256 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5257 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
5258 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005259 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5260 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005261 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
5262 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5263 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
5264< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
5265 :unlet dict['two']
5266 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005267
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005268:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5269 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5270 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5271 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5272 :lockvar v
5273 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5274 :unlet v
5275< *E741*
5276 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5277 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5278
5279 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
5280 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5281 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
5282 cannot add or remove items, but can
5283 still change their values.
5284 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
5285 the items. If an item is a List or
5286 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
5287 items, but can still change the
5288 values.
5289 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
5290 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
5291 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
5292 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
5293 *E743*
5294 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5295 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5296 loops.
5297
5298 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
5299 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
5300 when used through the other variable. Example: >
5301 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5302 :let cl = l
5303 :lockvar l
5304 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5305< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5306 See |deepcopy()|.
5307
5308
5309:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5310 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5311 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5312
5313
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005314:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5315:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5316 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5317
5318 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5319 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5320 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5321 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5322 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5323 part was not executed either.
5324
5325 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5326 versions: >
5327 :if version >= 500
5328 : version-5-specific-commands
5329 :endif
5330< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5331 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5332 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5333 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5334 avoid problems: >
5335 :if version >= 600
5336 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5337 :endif
5338<
5339 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5340 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5341
5342 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5343:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5344 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5345 executed.
5346
5347 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5348:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5349 is no extra ":endif".
5350
5351:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005352 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005353:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5354 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5355 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5356 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005357 Example: >
5358 :let lnum = 1
5359 :while lnum <= line("$")
5360 :call FixLine(lnum)
5361 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5362 :endwhile
5363<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005364 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005365 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005366
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005367:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005368:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5369 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005370 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005371 value of each item.
5372 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005373 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005374 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5375 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005376 :for item in copy(mylist)
5377< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5378 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5379 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5380 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5381 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5382 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5383 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005384 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5385 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005386< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5387 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5388 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005389 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5390 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5391 to allow multiple item types.
5392
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005393:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5394:endfo[r]
5395 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5396 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5397 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5398 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5399 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5400 :endfor
5401<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005402 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005403:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5404 to the start of the loop.
5405 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5406 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5407 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5408 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5409 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5410 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005411
5412 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005413:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5414 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5415 ":endfor".
5416 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5417 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5418 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5419 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5420 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5421 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005422
5423:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5424:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5425 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5426 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5427 or autocommand invocations.
5428
5429 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5430 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5431 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5432 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5433 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5434 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5435 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5436 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5437 Example: >
5438 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5439 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5440<
5441 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5442 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5443 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5444 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5445 processing is not terminated.
5446
5447 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5448 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5449 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5450 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5451 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5452 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5453 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5454 the error number.
5455 Examples: >
5456 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5457 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5458<
5459 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5460:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5461 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5462 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5463 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5464 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5465 commands are skipped.
5466 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5467 Examples: >
5468 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5469 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5470 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5471 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5472 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5473 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5474 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5475 :catch " same as /.*/
5476<
5477 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5478 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5479 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5480 {pattern}.
5481 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5482 an error message because it may vary in different
5483 locales.
5484
5485 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5486:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5487 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5488 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5489 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5490 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5491 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5492
5493 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5494:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5495 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5496 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5497 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5498 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5499 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5500 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5501 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5502 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5503 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5504 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5505 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5506 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5507 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5508 is terminated.
5509 Example: >
5510 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5511<
5512
5513 *:ec* *:echo*
5514:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5515 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5516 Also see |:comment|.
5517 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5518 cursor to the first column.
5519 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5520 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5521 Example: >
5522 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5523< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5524 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5525 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5526 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5527 command. Example: >
5528 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5529<
5530 *:echon*
5531:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5532 |:comment|.
5533 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5534 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5535 Example: >
5536 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5537<
5538 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5539 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5540 command: >
5541 :!echo % --> filename
5542< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5543 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5544< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5545 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5546 :echo % --> nothing
5547< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5548 :echo "%" --> %
5549< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5550 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5551< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5552
5553 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5554:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5555 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5556 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5557 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5558< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5559 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5560
5561 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5562:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5563 message in the |message-history|.
5564 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5565 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5566 displayed, not interpreted.
5567 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5568 Example: >
5569 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5570<
5571 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5572:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5573 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5574 script or function the line number will be added.
5575 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5576 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5577 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5578 (see |try-echoerr|).
5579 Example: >
5580 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5581< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5582 And to get a beep: >
5583 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5584<
5585 *:exe* *:execute*
5586:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5587 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5588 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5589 used as the processed command, command line editing
5590 keys are not recognized.
5591 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5592 Examples: >
5593 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5594 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5595<
5596 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5597 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5598 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5599
5600< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5601 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5602 command: >
5603 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5604< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5605
5606 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005607 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5608 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005609 :execute 'while i > 5'
5610 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5611<
5612 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5613 completely in the executed string: >
5614 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5615<
5616
5617 *:comment*
5618 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5619 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5620 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5621 comment. Example: >
5622 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5623
5624==============================================================================
56258. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5626
5627The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5628explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5629
5630Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5631|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5632exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5633
5634
5635TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5636
5637Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5638use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5639a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5640 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5641|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5642a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5643be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5644which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5645clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5646
5647 :try
5648 : ...
5649 : ... TRY BLOCK
5650 : ...
5651 :catch /{pattern}/
5652 : ...
5653 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5654 : ...
5655 :catch /{pattern}/
5656 : ...
5657 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5658 : ...
5659 :finally
5660 : ...
5661 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5662 : ...
5663 :endtry
5664
5665The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5666appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5667from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5668 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5669is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5670script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5671 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5672lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5673patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5674after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5675executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5676":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5677(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5678continues in the following line as usual.
5679 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5680":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5681that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5682finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5683the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5684the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5685see |try-nesting|.
5686 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5687remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5688not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5689try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5690a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5691execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5692exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5693 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5694thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5695clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5696catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5697following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5698clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5699
5700The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5701a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5702try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5703from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5704sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5705":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5706":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5707from the finally clause.
5708 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5709try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5710clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5711":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5712clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5713":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5714this pending exception or command is discarded.
5715
5716For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5717
5718
5719NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5720
5721Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5722conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5723clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5724catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5725of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5726checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5727try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5728otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5729nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5730one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5731the inner try conditional.
5732
5733When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5734finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5735An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5736thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5737implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5738as usual.
5739
5740For examples see |throw-catch|.
5741
5742
5743EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5744
5745Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5746'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5747script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5748finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5749a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5750(see |debug-scripts|).
5751
5752
5753THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5754
5755You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5756and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5757 :throw 4711
5758 :throw "string"
5759< *throw-expression*
5760You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5761first, and the result is thrown: >
5762 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5763 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5764
5765An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5766command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5767The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5768 Example: >
5769
5770 :function! Foo(arg)
5771 : try
5772 : throw a:arg
5773 : catch /foo/
5774 : endtry
5775 : return 1
5776 :endfunction
5777 :
5778 :function! Bar()
5779 : echo "in Bar"
5780 : return 4710
5781 :endfunction
5782 :
5783 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5784
5785This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5786executed. >
5787 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5788however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5789
5790Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5791abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5792exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5793 Example: >
5794
5795 :if Foo("arrgh")
5796 : echo "then"
5797 :else
5798 : echo "else"
5799 :endif
5800
5801Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5802
5803 *catch-order*
5804Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5805commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5806command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5807gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5808 Example: >
5809
5810 :function! Foo(value)
5811 : try
5812 : throw a:value
5813 : catch /^\d\+$/
5814 : echo "Number thrown"
5815 : catch /.*/
5816 : echo "String thrown"
5817 : endtry
5818 :endfunction
5819 :
5820 :call Foo(0x1267)
5821 :call Foo('string')
5822
5823The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5824An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5825specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5826specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5827
5828 : catch /.*/
5829 : echo "String thrown"
5830 : catch /^\d\+$/
5831 : echo "Number thrown"
5832
5833The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5834never taken.
5835
5836 *throw-variables*
5837If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5838in the variable |v:exception|: >
5839
5840 : catch /^\d\+$/
5841 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5842
5843You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5844|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5845exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5846 Example: >
5847
5848 :function! Caught()
5849 : if v:exception != ""
5850 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5851 : else
5852 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5853 : endif
5854 :endfunction
5855 :
5856 :function! Foo()
5857 : try
5858 : try
5859 : try
5860 : throw 4711
5861 : finally
5862 : call Caught()
5863 : endtry
5864 : catch /.*/
5865 : call Caught()
5866 : throw "oops"
5867 : endtry
5868 : catch /.*/
5869 : call Caught()
5870 : finally
5871 : call Caught()
5872 : endtry
5873 :endfunction
5874 :
5875 :call Foo()
5876
5877This displays >
5878
5879 Nothing caught
5880 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5881 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5882 Nothing caught
5883
5884A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5885number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5886
5887 :function! LineNumber()
5888 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5889 :endfunction
5890 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5891<
5892 *try-nested*
5893An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5894a surrounding try conditional: >
5895
5896 :try
5897 : try
5898 : throw "foo"
5899 : catch /foobar/
5900 : echo "foobar"
5901 : finally
5902 : echo "inner finally"
5903 : endtry
5904 :catch /foo/
5905 : echo "foo"
5906 :endtry
5907
5908The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5909clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5910conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5911
5912 *throw-from-catch*
5913You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5914catch clause: >
5915
5916 :function! Foo()
5917 : throw "foo"
5918 :endfunction
5919 :
5920 :function! Bar()
5921 : try
5922 : call Foo()
5923 : catch /foo/
5924 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5925 : throw "bar"
5926 : endtry
5927 :endfunction
5928 :
5929 :try
5930 : call Bar()
5931 :catch /.*/
5932 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5933 :endtry
5934
5935This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5936
5937 *rethrow*
5938There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5939"v:exception" instead: >
5940
5941 :function! Bar()
5942 : try
5943 : call Foo()
5944 : catch /.*/
5945 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5946 : throw v:exception
5947 : endtry
5948 :endfunction
5949< *try-echoerr*
5950Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5951exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5952Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5953denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5954the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5955
5956 :try
5957 : try
5958 : asdf
5959 : catch /.*/
5960 : echoerr v:exception
5961 : endtry
5962 :catch /.*/
5963 : echo v:exception
5964 :endtry
5965
5966This code displays
5967
5968 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5969
5970
5971CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5972
5973Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5974user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5975an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5976a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5977catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5978a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5979normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5980(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5981to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5982clause has been executed.)
5983Example: >
5984
5985 :try
5986 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5987 : set ts=17
5988 :
5989 : " Do the hard work here.
5990 :
5991 :finally
5992 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5993 : unlet s:saved_ts
5994 :endtry
5995
5996This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5997changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5998that function or script part.
5999
6000 *break-finally*
6001Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6002a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6003 Example: >
6004
6005 :let first = 1
6006 :while 1
6007 : try
6008 : if first
6009 : echo "first"
6010 : let first = 0
6011 : continue
6012 : else
6013 : throw "second"
6014 : endif
6015 : catch /.*/
6016 : echo v:exception
6017 : break
6018 : finally
6019 : echo "cleanup"
6020 : endtry
6021 : echo "still in while"
6022 :endwhile
6023 :echo "end"
6024
6025This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6026
6027 :function! Foo()
6028 : try
6029 : return 4711
6030 : finally
6031 : echo "cleanup\n"
6032 : endtry
6033 : echo "Foo still active"
6034 :endfunction
6035 :
6036 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6037
6038This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6039extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6040return value.)
6041
6042 *except-from-finally*
6043Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6044a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6045cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6046exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6047 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6048working correctly: >
6049
6050 :try
6051 : try
6052 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6053 : while 1
6054 : endwhile
6055 : finally
6056 : unlet novar
6057 : endtry
6058 :catch /novar/
6059 :endtry
6060 :echo "Script still running"
6061 :sleep 1
6062
6063If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6064think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6065|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6066
6067
6068CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6069
6070If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6071watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6072presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6073exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6074the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6075the error exception is.
6076 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6077
6078 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6079or >
6080 Vim:{errmsg}
6081
6082{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6083the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6084when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6085a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6086a space.
6087
6088Examples:
6089
6090The command >
6091 :unlet novar
6092normally produces the error message >
6093 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6094which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6095 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6096
6097The command >
6098 :dwim
6099normally produces the error message >
6100 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6101which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6102 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6103
6104You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6105 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6106or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6107 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6108
6109Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6110 :function nofunc
6111and >
6112 :delfunction nofunc
6113both produce the error message >
6114 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6115which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6116 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6117or >
6118 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6119respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6120command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6121 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6122
6123Some commands like >
6124 :let x = novar
6125produce multiple error messages, here: >
6126 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6127 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6128Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6129one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6130 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6131
6132You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6133 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6134
6135You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6136 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6137
6138You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6139 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6140<
6141 *catch-text*
6142NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6143 :catch /No such variable/
6144only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6145a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6146cite the message text in a comment: >
6147 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6148
6149
6150IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6151
6152You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6153
6154 :try
6155 : write
6156 :catch
6157 :endtry
6158
6159But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6160catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6161be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6162
6163 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6164
6165There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6166writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6167then hide the error from the user.
6168 It is much better to use >
6169
6170 :try
6171 : write
6172 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6173 :endtry
6174
6175which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6176intentionally.
6177
6178For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6179even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6180command: >
6181 :silent! nunmap k
6182This works also when a try conditional is active.
6183
6184
6185CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6186
6187When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6188the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6189script is not terminated, then.
6190 Example: >
6191
6192 :function! TASK1()
6193 : sleep 10
6194 :endfunction
6195
6196 :function! TASK2()
6197 : sleep 20
6198 :endfunction
6199
6200 :while 1
6201 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6202 : try
6203 : if command == ""
6204 : continue
6205 : elseif command == "END"
6206 : break
6207 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6208 : call TASK1()
6209 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6210 : call TASK2()
6211 : else
6212 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6213 : continue
6214 : endif
6215 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6216 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6217 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6218 : endtry
6219 :endwhile
6220
6221You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6222a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6223
6224For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6225your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6226command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6227
6228
6229CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6230
6231The commands >
6232
6233 :catch /.*/
6234 :catch //
6235 :catch
6236
6237catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6238explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6239a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6240 Example: >
6241
6242 :try
6243 :
6244 : " do the hard work here
6245 :
6246 :catch /MyException/
6247 :
6248 : " handle known problem
6249 :
6250 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6251 : echo "Script interrupted"
6252 :catch /.*/
6253 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6254 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6255 :endtry
6256 :" end of script
6257
6258Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6259strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6260specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6261 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6262by pressing CTRL-C: >
6263
6264 :while 1
6265 : try
6266 : sleep 1
6267 : catch
6268 : endtry
6269 :endwhile
6270
6271
6272EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6273
6274Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6275
6276 :autocmd User x try
6277 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6278 :autocmd User x catch
6279 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6280 :autocmd User x endtry
6281 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6282 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6283 :
6284 :try
6285 : doautocmd User x
6286 :catch
6287 : echo v:exception
6288 :endtry
6289
6290This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6291
6292 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6293For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6294command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6295of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6296abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6297 Example: >
6298
6299 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6300 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6301 :
6302 :try
6303 : write
6304 :catch
6305 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6306 :endtry
6307
6308Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6309you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6310autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6311script displays: >
6312
6313 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6314<
6315 *except-autocmd-Post*
6316For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6317command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6318an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6319is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6320 Example: >
6321
6322 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6323 :
6324 :try
6325 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6326 :catch
6327 : echo v:exception
6328 :endtry
6329
6330This just displays: >
6331
6332 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6333
6334If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6335fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6336 Example: >
6337
6338 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6339 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6340 :
6341 :try
6342 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6343 :catch
6344 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6345 :endtry
6346<
6347You can also use ":silent!": >
6348
6349 :let x = "ok"
6350 :let v:errmsg = ""
6351 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6352 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6353 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6354 :try
6355 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6356 :catch
6357 :endtry
6358 :echo x
6359
6360This displays "after fail".
6361
6362If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6363autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6364
6365 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6366 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6367 :
6368 :try
6369 : write
6370 :catch
6371 : echo v:exception
6372 :endtry
6373<
6374 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6375For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6376autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6377of the command.
6378 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6379had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6380some way. >
6381
6382 :if !exists("cnt")
6383 : let cnt = 0
6384 :
6385 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6386 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6387 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6388 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6389 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6390 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6391 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6392 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6393 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6394 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6395 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6396 :endif
6397 :
6398 :try
6399 : write
6400 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6401 : if &modified
6402 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6403 : else
6404 : echo "Error after writing"
6405 : endif
6406 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6407 : echo "Error on writing"
6408 :endtry
6409
6410When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6411first >
6412 File successfully written!
6413then >
6414 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6415then >
6416 Error after writing
6417etc.
6418
6419 *except-autocmd-ill*
6420You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6421The following code is ill-formed: >
6422
6423 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6424 :
6425 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6426 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6427 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6428 :
6429 :write
6430
6431
6432EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6433
6434Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6435pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6436similar things in Vim.
6437 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6438class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6439string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6440 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6441it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6442for an error when writing "myfile".
6443 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6444base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6445parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6446 Example: >
6447
6448 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6449 : if a:a < 0
6450 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6451 : endif
6452 :endfunction
6453 :
6454 :function! Add(a, b)
6455 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6456 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6457 : let c = a:a + a:b
6458 : if c < 0
6459 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6460 : endif
6461 : return c
6462 :endfunction
6463 :
6464 :function! Div(a, b)
6465 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6466 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6467 : if (a:b == 0)
6468 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6469 : endif
6470 : return a:a / a:b
6471 :endfunction
6472 :
6473 :function! Write(file)
6474 : try
6475 : execute "write" a:file
6476 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6477 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6478 : endtry
6479 :endfunction
6480 :
6481 :try
6482 :
6483 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6484 :
6485 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6486 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6487 : echo "Range error in" function
6488 :
6489 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6490 : echo "Math error"
6491 :
6492 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6493 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6494 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6495 : if file !~ '^/'
6496 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6497 : endif
6498 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6499 :
6500 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6501 : echo "Unspecified error"
6502 :
6503 :endtry
6504
6505The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6506a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6507exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6508 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6509failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6510
6511
6512PECULIARITIES
6513 *except-compat*
6514The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6515exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6516and/or a catch clause.
6517
6518In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6519continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6520after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6521functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6522or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6523(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6524
6525This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6526immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6527conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6528be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6529termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6530catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6531by specifying a finally clause.)
6532
6533When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6534behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6535scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6536
6537However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6538commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6539conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6540script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6541error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6542messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6543|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6544not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6545where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6546error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6547scripts.
6548
6549 *except-syntax-err*
6550Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6551the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6552clauses, however, is executed.
6553 Example: >
6554
6555 :try
6556 : try
6557 : throw 4711
6558 : catch /\(/
6559 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6560 : catch
6561 : echo "inner catch-all"
6562 : finally
6563 : echo "inner finally"
6564 : endtry
6565 :catch
6566 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6567 : finally
6568 : echo "outer finally"
6569 :endtry
6570
6571This displays: >
6572 inner finally
6573 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6574 outer finally
6575The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6576
6577 *except-single-line*
6578The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6579a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6580"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6581 Example: >
6582 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6583raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6584argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6585error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6586displayed.
6587
6588 *except-several-errors*
6589When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6590usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6591 Example: >
6592 echo novar
6593causes >
6594 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6595 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6596The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6597 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6598< *except-syntax-error*
6599But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6600the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6601 Example: >
6602 unlet novar #
6603causes >
6604 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6605 E488: Trailing characters
6606The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6607 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6608This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6609not intended by the user. Example: >
6610 try
6611 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6612 catch /.*/
6613 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6614 endtry
6615This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6616a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6617
6618==============================================================================
66199. Examples *eval-examples*
6620
6621Printing in Hex ~
6622>
6623 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6624 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6625 : let n = a:nr
6626 : let r = ""
6627 : while n
6628 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6629 : let n = n / 16
6630 : endwhile
6631 : return r
6632 :endfunc
6633
6634 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6635 :" character Hex string.
6636 :func String2Hex(str)
6637 : let out = ''
6638 : let ix = 0
6639 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6640 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6641 : let ix = ix + 1
6642 : endwhile
6643 : return out
6644 :endfunc
6645
6646Example of its use: >
6647 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6648result: "20" >
6649 :echo String2Hex("32")
6650result: "3332"
6651
6652
6653Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6654
6655Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6656":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6657platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6658function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6659with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6660>
6661 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6662 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6663 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6664 : return -1
6665 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6666 : return 1
6667 : else
6668 : return 0
6669 : endif
6670 :endfunction
6671
6672 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6673 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6674 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6675 : return
6676 : endif
6677 : let partition = a:start - 1
6678 : let middle = partition
6679 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6680 : let i = a:start
6681 : while (i <= a:end)
6682 : let str = getline(i)
6683 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6684 : if (result <= 0)
6685 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6686 : let partition = partition + 1
6687 : if (result == 0)
6688 : let middle = partition
6689 : endif
6690 : if (i != partition)
6691 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6692 : call setline(i, str2)
6693 : call setline(partition, str)
6694 : endif
6695 : endif
6696 : let i = i + 1
6697 : endwhile
6698
6699 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6700 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6701 : " the end of the partition.
6702 : if (middle != partition)
6703 : let str = getline(middle)
6704 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6705 : call setline(middle, str2)
6706 : call setline(partition, str)
6707 : endif
6708 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6709 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6710 :endfunc
6711
6712 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6713 :" function that will compare two lines.
6714 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6715 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6716 :endfunc
6717
6718 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6719 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6720<
6721 *sscanf*
6722There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6723line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6724how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6725"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6726 :" Set up the match bit
6727 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6728 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6729 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6730 :"get each item out of the match
6731 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6732 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6733 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6734
6735The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6736"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6737
6738==============================================================================
673910. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6740
6741When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6742evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6743to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6744recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6745and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6746only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6747recognized.
6748
6749Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6750missing: >
6751
6752 :if 1
6753 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6754 :else
6755 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6756 :endif
6757
6758==============================================================================
675911. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6760
6761The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6762options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6763these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6764these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6765a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006766The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006767
6768These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6769 - changing the buffer text
6770 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6771 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6772 - executing a shell command
6773 - reading or writing a file
6774 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006775This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6776
6777 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006778:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006779 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6780 'foldexpr'.
6781
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006782
6783 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: