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Bram Moolenaard592deb2022-06-17 15:42:40 +01001*map.txt* For Vim version 8.2. Last change: 2022 Jun 14
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Key mapping, abbreviations and user-defined commands.
8
Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +00009This subject is introduced in sections |05.4|, |24.7| and |40.1| of the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000010manual.
11
121. Key mapping |key-mapping|
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +000013 1.1 MAP COMMANDS |:map-commands|
14 1.2 Special arguments |:map-arguments|
15 1.3 Mapping and modes |:map-modes|
16 1.4 Listing mappings |map-listing|
17 1.5 Mapping special keys |:map-special-keys|
18 1.6 Special characters |:map-special-chars|
19 1.7 What keys to map |map-which-keys|
20 1.8 Examples |map-examples|
21 1.9 Using mappings |map-typing|
22 1.10 Mapping alt-keys |:map-alt-keys|
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +020023 1.11 Mapping in modifyOtherKeys mode |modifyOtherKeys|
24 1.12 Mapping an operator |:map-operator|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000252. Abbreviations |abbreviations|
263. Local mappings and functions |script-local|
274. User-defined commands |user-commands|
28
29==============================================================================
301. Key mapping *key-mapping* *mapping* *macro*
31
32Key mapping is used to change the meaning of typed keys. The most common use
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +020033is to define a sequence of commands for a function key. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000034
35 :map <F2> a<C-R>=strftime("%c")<CR><Esc>
36
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +000037This appends the current date and time after the cursor (in <> notation |<>|).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000038
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +000039
401.1 MAP COMMANDS *:map-commands*
41
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000042There are commands to enter new mappings, remove mappings and list mappings.
43See |map-overview| for the various forms of "map" and their relationships with
44modes.
45
46{lhs} means left-hand-side *{lhs}*
47{rhs} means right-hand-side *{rhs}*
48
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000049:map {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map*
50:nm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nm* *:nmap*
51:vm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vm* *:vmap*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +000052:xm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xm* *:xmap*
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +020053:smap {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000054:om[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:om* *:omap*
55:map! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map!*
56:im[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:im* *:imap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020057:lm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:lm* *:lma* *:lmap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000058:cm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cm* *:cmap*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +020059:tma[p] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tma* *:tmap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060 Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes
61 where the map command applies. The result, including
62 {rhs}, is then further scanned for mappings. This
63 allows for nested and recursive use of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar519cc552021-11-16 19:18:26 +000064 Note: Trailing spaces are included in the {rhs},
65 because space is a valid Normal mode command.
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +010066 See |map-trailing-white|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000067
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020068 *:nore* *:norem*
69:no[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:no* *:noremap* *:nor*
70:nn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nn* *:nnoremap*
71:vn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vn* *:vnoremap*
72:xn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xn* *:xnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020073:snor[emap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:snor* *:snore* *:snoremap*
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020074:ono[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:ono* *:onoremap*
75:no[remap]! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:no!* *:noremap!*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020076:ino[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:ino* *:inor* *:inoremap*
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020077:ln[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:ln* *:lnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020078:cno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cno* *:cnor* *:cnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +020079:tno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tno* *:tnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000080 Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes
81 where the map command applies. Disallow mapping of
82 {rhs}, to avoid nested and recursive mappings. Often
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +020083 used to redefine a command.
Bram Moolenaar1fc34222022-03-03 13:56:24 +000084 Note: When <Plug> appears in the {rhs} this part is
85 always applied even if remapping is disallowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000086
87
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000088:unm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:unm* *:unmap*
89:nun[map] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nun* *:nunmap*
90:vu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vu* *:vunmap*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +000091:xu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xu* *:xunmap*
92:sunm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:sunm* *:sunmap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000093:ou[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:ou* *:ounmap*
94:unm[ap]! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:unm!* *:unmap!*
95:iu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:iu* *:iunmap*
96:lu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lu* *:lunmap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020097:cu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cu* *:cun* *:cunmap*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +020098:tunma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tunma* *:tunmap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000099 Remove the mapping of {lhs} for the modes where the
100 map command applies. The mapping may remain defined
101 for other modes where it applies.
Bram Moolenaar88a42052021-11-21 21:13:36 +0000102 It also works when {lhs} matches the {rhs} of a
Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +0000103 mapping. This is for when an abbreviation applied.
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +0100104 Note: Trailing spaces are included in the {lhs}.
105 See |map-trailing-white|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000106
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000107:mapc[lear] |mapmode-nvo| *:mapc* *:mapclear*
108:nmapc[lear] |mapmode-n| *:nmapc* *:nmapclear*
109:vmapc[lear] |mapmode-v| *:vmapc* *:vmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000110:xmapc[lear] |mapmode-x| *:xmapc* *:xmapclear*
111:smapc[lear] |mapmode-s| *:smapc* *:smapclear*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000112:omapc[lear] |mapmode-o| *:omapc* *:omapclear*
113:mapc[lear]! |mapmode-ic| *:mapc!* *:mapclear!*
114:imapc[lear] |mapmode-i| *:imapc* *:imapclear*
115:lmapc[lear] |mapmode-l| *:lmapc* *:lmapclear*
116:cmapc[lear] |mapmode-c| *:cmapc* *:cmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200117:tmapc[lear] |mapmode-t| *:tmapc* *:tmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000118 Remove ALL mappings for the modes where the map
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +0200119 command applies.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200120 Use the <buffer> argument to remove buffer-local
121 mappings |:map-<buffer>|
Bram Moolenaar921bde82022-05-09 19:50:35 +0100122 Warning: This also removes the |mac-standard-mappings|
123 and the |dos-standard-mappings|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000124
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000125:map |mapmode-nvo|
126:nm[ap] |mapmode-n|
127:vm[ap] |mapmode-v|
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000128:xm[ap] |mapmode-x|
129:sm[ap] |mapmode-s|
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000130:om[ap] |mapmode-o|
131:map! |mapmode-ic|
132:im[ap] |mapmode-i|
133:lm[ap] |mapmode-l|
134:cm[ap] |mapmode-c|
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200135:tma[p] |mapmode-t|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000136 List all key mappings for the modes where the map
137 command applies. Note that ":map" and ":map!" are
138 used most often, because they include the other modes.
139
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000140:map {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map_l*
141:nm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nmap_l*
142:vm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000143:xm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xmap_l*
144:sm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap_l*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000145:om[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:omap_l*
146:map! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map_l!*
147:im[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:imap_l*
148:lm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lmap_l*
149:cm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200150:tma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000151 List the key mappings for the key sequences starting
152 with {lhs} in the modes where the map command applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000153
154These commands are used to map a key or key sequence to a string of
155characters. You can use this to put command sequences under function keys,
156translate one key into another, etc. See |:mkexrc| for how to save and
157restore the current mappings.
158
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000159 *map-ambiguous*
160When two mappings start with the same sequence of characters, they are
161ambiguous. Example: >
162 :imap aa foo
163 :imap aaa bar
164When Vim has read "aa", it will need to get another character to be able to
165decide if "aa" or "aaa" should be mapped. This means that after typing "aa"
166that mapping won't get expanded yet, Vim is waiting for another character.
167If you type a space, then "foo" will get inserted, plus the space. If you
168type "a", then "bar" will get inserted.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000169
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +0100170Trailing white space ~
171 *map-trailing-white*
172This unmap command does NOT work: >
173 :map @@ foo
174 :unmap @@ | print
175
176Because it tries to unmap "@@ ", including the white space before the command
177separator "|". Other examples with trailing white space: >
178 unmap @@
179 unmap @@ # Vim9 script comment
180 unmap @@ " legacy comment
181
182An error will be issued, which is very hard to identify, because the ending
183whitespace character in `unmap @@ ` is not visible.
184
185A generic solution is to put the command separator "|" right after the mapped
186keys. After that white space and a comment may follow: >
187
188 unmap @@| # Vim9 scriptcomment
189 unmap @@| " legacy scriptcomment
190
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000191
1921.2 SPECIAL ARGUMENTS *:map-arguments*
193
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200194"<buffer>", "<nowait>", "<silent>", "<special>", "<script>", "<expr>" and
195"<unique>" can be used in any order. They must appear right after the
196command, before any other arguments.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000197
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000198 *:map-local* *:map-<buffer>* *:map-buffer* *E224* *E225*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +0000199If the first argument to one of these commands is "<buffer>" the mapping will
200be effective in the current buffer only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000201 :map <buffer> ,w /[.,;]<CR>
202Then you can map ",w" to something else in another buffer: >
203 :map <buffer> ,w /[#&!]<CR>
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200204The local buffer mappings are used before the global ones. See <nowait> below
205to make a short local mapping not taking effect when a longer global one
206exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000207The "<buffer>" argument can also be used to clear mappings: >
208 :unmap <buffer> ,w
209 :mapclear <buffer>
210Local mappings are also cleared when a buffer is deleted, but not when it is
211unloaded. Just like local option values.
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200212Also see |map-precedence|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000213
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200214 *:map-<nowait>* *:map-nowait*
215When defining a buffer-local mapping for "," there may be a global mapping
216that starts with ",". Then you need to type another character for Vim to know
217whether to use the "," mapping or the longer one. To avoid this add the
218<nowait> argument. Then the mapping will be used when it matches, Vim does
219not wait for more characters to be typed. However, if the characters were
Bram Moolenaar6aa8cea2017-06-05 14:44:35 +0200220already typed they are used.
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200221Note that this works when the <nowait> mapping fully matches and is found
222before any partial matches. This works when:
223- There is only one matching buffer-local mapping, since these are always
224 found before global mappings.
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200225- There is another buffer-local mapping that partly matches, but it is
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200226 defined earlier (last defined mapping is found first).
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200227
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000228 *:map-<silent>* *:map-silent*
229To define a mapping which will not be echoed on the command line, add
230"<silent>" as the first argument. Example: >
231 :map <silent> ,h /Header<CR>
232The search string will not be echoed when using this mapping. Messages from
233the executed command are still given though. To shut them up too, add a
234":silent" in the executed command: >
235 :map <silent> ,h :exe ":silent normal /Header\r"<CR>
236Prompts will still be given, e.g., for inputdialog().
237Using "<silent>" for an abbreviation is possible, but will cause redrawing of
238the command line to fail.
239
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +0000240 *:map-<special>* *:map-special*
241Define a mapping with <> notation for special keys, even though the "<" flag
242may appear in 'cpoptions'. This is useful if the side effect of setting
243'cpoptions' is not desired. Example: >
244 :map <special> <F12> /Header<CR>
245<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000246 *:map-<script>* *:map-script*
247If the first argument to one of these commands is "<script>" and it is used to
248define a new mapping or abbreviation, the mapping will only remap characters
249in the {rhs} using mappings that were defined local to a script, starting with
250"<SID>". This can be used to avoid that mappings from outside a script
251interfere (e.g., when CTRL-V is remapped in mswin.vim), but do use other
252mappings defined in the script.
253Note: ":map <script>" and ":noremap <script>" do the same thing. The
254"<script>" overrules the command name. Using ":noremap <script>" is
255preferred, because it's clearer that remapping is (mostly) disabled.
256
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000257 *:map-<unique>* *:map-unique* *E226* *E227*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000258If the first argument to one of these commands is "<unique>" and it is used to
259define a new mapping or abbreviation, the command will fail if the mapping or
260abbreviation already exists. Example: >
261 :map <unique> ,w /[#&!]<CR>
262When defining a local mapping, there will also be a check if a global map
263already exists which is equal.
264Example of what will fail: >
265 :map ,w /[#&!]<CR>
266 :map <buffer> <unique> ,w /[.,;]<CR>
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +0000267If you want to map a key and then have it do what it was originally mapped to,
268have a look at |maparg()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000269
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000270 *:map-<expr>* *:map-expression*
271If the first argument to one of these commands is "<expr>" and it is used to
272define a new mapping or abbreviation, the argument is an expression. The
273expression is evaluated to obtain the {rhs} that is used. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200274 :inoremap <expr> . <SID>InsertDot()
275The result of the s:InsertDot() function will be inserted. It could check the
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000276text before the cursor and start omni completion when some condition is met.
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200277Using a script-local function is preferred, to avoid polluting the global
278namespace. Use <SID> in the RHS so that the script that the mapping was
279defined in can be found.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000280
Bram Moolenaarda9591e2009-09-30 13:17:02 +0000281For abbreviations |v:char| is set to the character that was typed to trigger
282the abbreviation. You can use this to decide how to expand the {lhs}. You
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +0200283should not either insert or change the v:char.
Bram Moolenaarda9591e2009-09-30 13:17:02 +0000284
Bram Moolenaar4f4d51a2020-10-11 13:57:40 +0200285In case you want the mapping to not do anything, you can have the expression
286evaluate to an empty string. If something changed that requires Vim to
287go through the main loop (e.g. to update the display), return "\<Ignore>".
288This is similar to "nothing" but makes Vim return from the loop that waits for
289input. Example: >
290 func s:OpenPopup()
291 call popup_create(... arguments ...)
292 return "\<Ignore>"
293 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200294 nnoremap <expr> <F3> <SID>OpenPopup()
Bram Moolenaar4f4d51a2020-10-11 13:57:40 +0200295
Bram Moolenaarfd31be22022-01-16 14:46:06 +0000296Keep in mind that the expression may be evaluated when looking for
Bram Moolenaar18b7d862021-03-17 13:28:05 +0100297typeahead, before the previous command has been executed. For example: >
298 func StoreColumn()
299 let g:column = col('.')
300 return 'x'
301 endfunc
302 nnoremap <expr> x StoreColumn()
303 nmap ! f!x
Bram Moolenaardad44732021-03-31 20:07:33 +0200304You will notice that g:column has the value from before executing "f!",
305because "x" is evaluated before "f!" is executed.
Bram Moolenaar18b7d862021-03-17 13:28:05 +0100306This can be solved by inserting <Ignore> before the character that is
307expression-mapped: >
308 nmap ! f!<Ignore>x
309
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000310When defining a mapping in a |Vim9| script, the expression will be evaluated
311in the context of that script. This means that script-local items can be
312accessed in the expression.
313
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000314Be very careful about side effects! The expression is evaluated while
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000315obtaining characters, you may very well make the command dysfunctional.
316For this reason the following is blocked:
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000317- Changing the buffer text |textlock|.
318- Editing another buffer.
319- The |:normal| command.
320- Moving the cursor is allowed, but it is restored afterwards.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000321If you want the mapping to do any of these let the returned characters do
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100322that, or use a |<Cmd>| mapping instead.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000323
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +0200324You can use getchar(), it consumes typeahead if there is any. E.g., if you
325have these mappings: >
326 inoremap <expr> <C-L> nr2char(getchar())
327 inoremap <expr> <C-L>x "foo"
328If you now type CTRL-L nothing happens yet, Vim needs the next character to
329decide what mapping to use. If you type 'x' the second mapping is used and
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +0100330"foo" is inserted. If you type any other key the first mapping is used,
331getchar() gets the typed key and returns it.
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +0200332
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000333Here is an example that inserts a list number that increases: >
334 let counter = 0
335 inoremap <expr> <C-L> ListItem()
336 inoremap <expr> <C-R> ListReset()
337
338 func ListItem()
339 let g:counter += 1
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +0000340 return g:counter .. '. '
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000341 endfunc
342
343 func ListReset()
344 let g:counter = 0
345 return ''
346 endfunc
347
Bram Moolenaard9967712006-03-11 21:18:15 +0000348CTRL-L inserts the next number, CTRL-R resets the count. CTRL-R returns an
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000349empty string, so that nothing is inserted.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200351Note that using 0x80 as a single byte before other text does not work, it will
352be seen as a special key.
Bram Moolenaar8424a622006-04-19 21:23:36 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100354 *<Cmd>* *:map-cmd*
355The special text <Cmd> begins a "command mapping", it executes the command
356directly without changing modes. Where you might use ":...<CR>" in the
357{rhs} of a mapping, you can instead use "<Cmd>...<CR>".
358Example: >
359 noremap x <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR>
360<
361This is more flexible than `:<C-U>` in Visual and Operator-pending mode, or
362`<C-O>:` in Insert mode, because the commands are executed directly in the
363current mode, instead of always going to Normal mode. Visual mode is
364preserved, so tricks with |gv| are not needed. Commands can be invoked
365directly in Command-line mode (which would otherwise require timer hacks).
366Example of using <Cmd> halfway Insert mode: >
367 nnoremap <F3> aText <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR> Added<Esc>
368
369Unlike <expr> mappings, there are no special restrictions on the <Cmd>
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100370command: it is executed as if an (unrestricted) |autocommand| was invoked.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100371
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000372 *<ScriptCmd>*
373<ScriptCmd> is like <Cmd> but sets the context to the script the mapping was
374defined in, for the duration of the command execution. This is especially
375useful for |Vim9| script. It also works to access an import, which is useful
376in a plugin using an autoload script: >
377 vim9script
378 import autoload 'implementation.vim' as impl
Bram Moolenaarfd31be22022-01-16 14:46:06 +0000379 nnoremap <F4> <ScriptCmd>impl.DoTheWork()<CR>
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000380
381No matter where <F4> is typed, the "impl" import will be found in the script
382context of where the mapping was defined. And since it's an autoload import,
383the "implementation.vim" script will only be loaded once <F4> is typed, not
384when the mapping is defined.
385
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100386Note:
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000387- Because <Cmd> and <ScriptCmd> avoid mode-changes it does not trigger
388 |CmdlineEnter| and |CmdlineLeave| events, because no user interaction is
389 expected.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100390- For the same reason, |keycodes| like <C-R><C-W> are interpreted as plain,
391 unmapped keys.
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100392- The command is not echo'ed, no need for <silent>.
Bram Moolenaar88a42052021-11-21 21:13:36 +0000393- The {rhs} is not subject to abbreviations nor to other mappings, even if the
394 mapping is recursive.
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100395- In Visual mode you can use `line('v')` and `col('v')` to get one end of the
396 Visual area, the cursor is at the other end.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100397- In Select mode, |:map| and |:vmap| command mappings are executed in
Bram Moolenaard592deb2022-06-17 15:42:40 +0100398 Visual mode. Use |:smap| to handle Select mode differently. One particular
399 edge case: >
400 :vnoremap <C-K> <Esc>
401< This ends Visual mode when in Visual mode, but in Select mode it does not
402 work, because Select mode is restored after executing the mapped keys. You
403 need to use: >
404 :snoremap <C-K> <Esc>
405<
Bram Moolenaara4d131d2021-12-27 21:33:07 +0000406 *E1255* *E1136*
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000407<Cmd> and <ScriptCmd> commands must terminate, that is, they must be followed
408by <CR> in the {rhs} of the mapping definition. |Command-line| mode is never
409entered.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100410
411 *E1137*
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000412<Cmd> and <ScriptCmd> commands can have only normal characters and cannot
413contain special characters like function keys.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100414
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000415
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00004161.3 MAPPING AND MODES *:map-modes*
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000417 *mapmode-nvo* *mapmode-n* *mapmode-v* *mapmode-o*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000418
Bram Moolenaar1588bc82022-03-08 21:35:07 +0000419There are seven sets of mappings
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000420- For Normal mode: When typing commands.
421- For Visual mode: When typing commands while the Visual area is highlighted.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100422- For Select mode: like Visual mode but typing text replaces the selection.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000423- For Operator-pending mode: When an operator is pending (after "d", "y", "c",
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000424 etc.). See below: |omap-info|.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000425- For Insert mode. These are also used in Replace mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000426- For Command-line mode: When entering a ":" or "/" command.
Bram Moolenaar1588bc82022-03-08 21:35:07 +0000427- For Terminal mode: When typing in a |:terminal| buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000428
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000429Special case: While typing a count for a command in Normal mode, mapping zero
430is disabled. This makes it possible to map zero without making it impossible
431to type a count with a zero.
432
433 *map-overview* *map-modes*
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200434Overview of which map command works in which mode. More details below.
435 COMMANDS MODES ~
436:map :noremap :unmap Normal, Visual, Select, Operator-pending
437:nmap :nnoremap :nunmap Normal
438:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap Visual and Select
439:smap :snoremap :sunmap Select
440:xmap :xnoremap :xunmap Visual
441:omap :onoremap :ounmap Operator-pending
442:map! :noremap! :unmap! Insert and Command-line
443:imap :inoremap :iunmap Insert
444:lmap :lnoremap :lunmap Insert, Command-line, Lang-Arg
445:cmap :cnoremap :cunmap Command-line
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200446:tmap :tnoremap :tunmap Terminal-Job
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000447
Bram Moolenaar3ec32172021-05-16 12:39:47 +0200448Same information in a table:
449 *map-table*
450 Mode | Norm | Ins | Cmd | Vis | Sel | Opr | Term | Lang | ~
451Command +------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+------+ ~
452[nore]map | yes | - | - | yes | yes | yes | - | - |
453n[nore]map | yes | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
454[nore]map! | - | yes | yes | - | - | - | - | - |
455i[nore]map | - | yes | - | - | - | - | - | - |
456c[nore]map | - | - | yes | - | - | - | - | - |
457v[nore]map | - | - | - | yes | yes | - | - | - |
458x[nore]map | - | - | - | yes | - | - | - | - |
459s[nore]map | - | - | - | - | yes | - | - | - |
460o[nore]map | - | - | - | - | - | yes | - | - |
461t[nore]map | - | - | - | - | - | - | yes | - |
462l[nore]map | - | yes | yes | - | - | - | - | yes |
463
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200464
465 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000466 Normal Visual+Select Operator-pending ~
467:map :noremap :unmap :mapclear yes yes yes
468:nmap :nnoremap :nunmap :nmapclear yes - -
469:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear - yes -
470:omap :onoremap :ounmap :omapclear - - yes
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000471
Bram Moolenaar4c3f5362006-04-11 21:38:50 +0000472:nunmap can also be used outside of a monastery.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000473 *mapmode-x* *mapmode-s*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000474Some commands work both in Visual and Select mode, some in only one. Note
475that quite often "Visual" is mentioned where both Visual and Select mode
476apply. |Select-mode-mapping|
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100477NOTE: Mapping a printable character in Select mode may confuse the user. It's
478better to explicitly use :xmap and :smap for printable characters. Or use
479:sunmap after defining the mapping.
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000480
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200481 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000482 Visual Select ~
483:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear yes yes
484:xmap :xnoremap :xunmap :xmapclear yes -
485:smap :snoremap :sunmap :smapclear - yes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000486
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000487 *mapmode-ic* *mapmode-i* *mapmode-c* *mapmode-l*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000488Some commands work both in Insert mode and Command-line mode, some not:
489
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200490 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000491 Insert Command-line Lang-Arg ~
492:map! :noremap! :unmap! :mapclear! yes yes -
493:imap :inoremap :iunmap :imapclear yes - -
494:cmap :cnoremap :cunmap :cmapclear - yes -
495:lmap :lnoremap :lunmap :lmapclear yes* yes* yes*
496
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100497* If 'iminsert' is 1, see |language-mapping| below.
498
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000499The original Vi did not have separate mappings for
500Normal/Visual/Operator-pending mode and for Insert/Command-line mode.
501Therefore the ":map" and ":map!" commands enter and display mappings for
502several modes. In Vim you can use the ":nmap", ":vmap", ":omap", ":cmap" and
503":imap" commands to enter mappings for each mode separately.
504
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200505 *mapmode-t*
506The terminal mappings are used in a terminal window, when typing keys for the
507job running in the terminal. See |terminal-typing|.
508
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000509 *omap-info*
510Operator-pending mappings can be used to define a movement command that can be
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200511used with any operator. Simple example: >
512 :omap { w
513makes "y{" work like "yw" and "d{" like "dw".
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000514
515To ignore the starting cursor position and select different text, you can have
516the omap start Visual mode to select the text to be operated upon. Example
517that operates on a function name in the current line: >
518 onoremap <silent> F :<C-U>normal! 0f(hviw<CR>
519The CTRL-U (<C-U>) is used to remove the range that Vim may insert. The
520Normal mode commands find the first '(' character and select the first word
521before it. That usually is the function name.
522
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000523To enter a mapping for Normal and Visual mode, but not Operator-pending mode,
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200524first define it for all three modes, then unmap it for
525Operator-pending mode: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000526 :map xx something-difficult
527 :ounmap xx
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200528
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000529Likewise for a mapping for Visual and Operator-pending mode or Normal and
530Operator-pending mode.
531
532 *language-mapping*
533":lmap" defines a mapping that applies to:
534- Insert mode
535- Command-line mode
536- when entering a search pattern
537- the argument of the commands that accept a text character, such as "r" and
538 "f"
539- for the input() line
540Generally: Whenever a character is to be typed that is part of the text in the
541buffer, not a Vim command character. "Lang-Arg" isn't really another mode,
542it's just used here for this situation.
543 The simplest way to load a set of related language mappings is by using the
544'keymap' option. See |45.5|.
545 In Insert mode and in Command-line mode the mappings can be disabled with
Bram Moolenaar7cba6c02013-09-05 22:13:31 +0200546the CTRL-^ command |i_CTRL-^| |c_CTRL-^|. These commands change the value of
Bram Moolenaar3b1db362013-08-10 15:00:24 +0200547the 'iminsert' option. When starting to enter a normal command line (not a
548search pattern) the mappings are disabled until a CTRL-^ is typed. The state
549last used is remembered for Insert mode and Search patterns separately. The
550state for Insert mode is also used when typing a character as an argument to
551command like "f" or "t".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000552 Language mappings will never be applied to already mapped characters. They
553are only used for typed characters. This assumes that the language mapping
554was already done when typing the mapping.
555
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000556
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00005571.4 LISTING MAPPINGS *map-listing*
558
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000559When listing mappings the characters in the first two columns are:
560
561 CHAR MODE ~
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000562 <Space> Normal, Visual, Select and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000563 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000564 v Visual and Select
565 s Select
566 x Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000567 o Operator-pending
568 ! Insert and Command-line
569 i Insert
570 l ":lmap" mappings for Insert, Command-line and Lang-Arg
571 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar63c4e8a2017-09-17 20:32:20 +0200572 t Terminal-Job
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000573
574Just before the {rhs} a special character can appear:
575 * indicates that it is not remappable
576 & indicates that only script-local mappings are remappable
577 @ indicates a buffer-local mapping
578
579Everything from the first non-blank after {lhs} up to the end of the line
580(or '|') is considered to be part of {rhs}. This allows the {rhs} to end
581with a space.
582
583Note: When using mappings for Visual mode, you can use the "'<" mark, which
584is the start of the last selected Visual area in the current buffer |'<|.
585
Bram Moolenaar818078d2016-08-27 21:58:42 +0200586The |:filter| command can be used to select what mappings to list. The
587pattern is matched against the {lhs} and {rhs} in the raw form.
588
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000589 *:map-verbose*
590When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a key map will also display where it was
591last defined. Example: >
592
593 :verbose map <C-W>*
594 n <C-W>* * <C-W><C-S>*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000595 Last set from /home/abcd/.vimrc
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000596
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +0000597See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000598
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000599
6001.5 MAPPING SPECIAL KEYS *:map-special-keys*
601
602There are three ways to map a special key:
6031. The Vi-compatible method: Map the key code. Often this is a sequence that
604 starts with <Esc>. To enter a mapping like this you type ":map " and then
605 you have to type CTRL-V before hitting the function key. Note that when
606 the key code for the key is in the termcap (the t_ options), it will
607 automatically be translated into the internal code and become the second
608 way of mapping (unless the 'k' flag is included in 'cpoptions').
6092. The second method is to use the internal code for the function key. To
610 enter such a mapping type CTRL-K and then hit the function key, or use
611 the form "#1", "#2", .. "#9", "#0", "<Up>", "<S-Down>", "<S-F7>", etc.
612 (see table of keys |key-notation|, all keys from <Up> can be used). The
613 first ten function keys can be defined in two ways: Just the number, like
614 "#2", and with "<F>", like "<F2>". Both stand for function key 2. "#0"
615 refers to function key 10, defined with option 't_f10', which may be
616 function key zero on some keyboards. The <> form cannot be used when
617 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag.
6183. Use the termcap entry, with the form <t_xx>, where "xx" is the name of the
619 termcap entry. Any string entry can be used. For example: >
620 :map <t_F3> G
621< Maps function key 13 to "G". This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes
622 the '<' flag.
623
624The advantage of the second and third method is that the mapping will work on
625different terminals without modification (the function key will be
626translated into the same internal code or the actual key code, no matter what
627terminal you are using. The termcap must be correct for this to work, and you
628must use the same mappings).
629
630DETAIL: Vim first checks if a sequence from the keyboard is mapped. If it
631isn't the terminal key codes are tried (see |terminal-options|). If a
632terminal code is found it is replaced with the internal code. Then the check
633for a mapping is done again (so you can map an internal code to something
634else). What is written into the script file depends on what is recognized.
635If the terminal key code was recognized as a mapping the key code itself is
636written to the script file. If it was recognized as a terminal code the
637internal code is written to the script file.
638
639
6401.6 SPECIAL CHARACTERS *:map-special-chars*
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100641 *map_backslash* *map-backslash*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000642Note that only CTRL-V is mentioned here as a special character for mappings
643and abbreviations. When 'cpoptions' does not contain 'B', a backslash can
644also be used like CTRL-V. The <> notation can be fully used then |<>|. But
645you cannot use "<C-V>" like CTRL-V to escape the special meaning of what
646follows.
647
648To map a backslash, or use a backslash literally in the {rhs}, the special
649sequence "<Bslash>" can be used. This avoids the need to double backslashes
650when using nested mappings.
651
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100652 *map_CTRL-C* *map-CTRL-C*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +0000653Using CTRL-C in the {lhs} is possible, but it will only work when Vim is
654waiting for a key, not when Vim is busy with something. When Vim is busy
655CTRL-C interrupts/breaks the command.
656When using the GUI version on MS-Windows CTRL-C can be mapped to allow a Copy
657command to the clipboard. Use CTRL-Break to interrupt Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000658
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100659 *map_space_in_lhs* *map-space_in_lhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000660To include a space in {lhs} precede it with a CTRL-V (type two CTRL-Vs for
661each space).
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100662 *map_space_in_rhs* *map-space_in_rhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000663If you want a {rhs} that starts with a space, use "<Space>". To be fully Vi
664compatible (but unreadable) don't use the |<>| notation, precede {rhs} with a
665single CTRL-V (you have to type CTRL-V two times).
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100666 *map_empty_rhs* *map-empty-rhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000667You can create an empty {rhs} by typing nothing after a single CTRL-V (you
668have to type CTRL-V two times). Unfortunately, you cannot do this in a vimrc
669file.
670 *<Nop>*
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +0200671An easier way to get a mapping that doesn't produce anything, is to use
672"<Nop>" for the {rhs}. This only works when the |<>| notation is enabled.
673For example, to make sure that function key 8 does nothing at all: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000674 :map <F8> <Nop>
675 :map! <F8> <Nop>
676<
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000677 *map-multibyte*
678It is possible to map multibyte characters, but only the whole character. You
679cannot map the first byte only. This was done to prevent problems in this
680scenario: >
681 :set encoding=latin1
682 :imap <M-C> foo
683 :set encoding=utf-8
684The mapping for <M-C> is defined with the latin1 encoding, resulting in a 0xc3
Bram Moolenaar85eee132018-05-06 17:57:30 +0200685byte. If you type the character á (0xe1 <M-a>) in UTF-8 encoding this is the
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +0200686two bytes 0xc3 0xa1. You don't want the 0xc3 byte to be mapped then or
Bram Moolenaar85eee132018-05-06 17:57:30 +0200687otherwise it would be impossible to type the á character.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000688
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000689 *<Leader>* *mapleader*
690To define a mapping which uses the "mapleader" variable, the special string
691"<Leader>" can be used. It is replaced with the string value of "mapleader".
692If "mapleader" is not set or empty, a backslash is used instead. Example: >
693 :map <Leader>A oanother line<Esc>
694Works like: >
695 :map \A oanother line<Esc>
696But after: >
697 :let mapleader = ","
698It works like: >
699 :map ,A oanother line<Esc>
700
701Note that the value of "mapleader" is used at the moment the mapping is
702defined. Changing "mapleader" after that has no effect for already defined
703mappings.
704
705 *<LocalLeader>* *maplocalleader*
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000706<LocalLeader> is just like <Leader>, except that it uses "maplocalleader"
707instead of "mapleader". <LocalLeader> is to be used for mappings which are
708local to a buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +0100709 :map <buffer> <LocalLeader>A oanother line<Esc>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000710<
711In a global plugin <Leader> should be used and in a filetype plugin
712<LocalLeader>. "mapleader" and "maplocalleader" can be equal. Although, if
713you make them different, there is a smaller chance of mappings from global
714plugins to clash with mappings for filetype plugins. For example, you could
715keep "mapleader" at the default backslash, and set "maplocalleader" to an
716underscore.
717
718 *map-<SID>*
719In a script the special key name "<SID>" can be used to define a mapping
720that's local to the script. See |<SID>| for details.
721
722 *<Plug>*
723The special key name "<Plug>" can be used for an internal mapping, which is
724not to be matched with any key sequence. This is useful in plugins
725|using-<Plug>|.
726
Bram Moolenaarcbaff5e2022-04-08 17:45:08 +0100727 *<MouseMove>*
728The special key name "<MouseMove>" can be used to handle mouse movement. It
729needs to be enabled with 'mousemoveevent'. Currently only works in the GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2d8ed022022-05-21 13:08:16 +0100730The |getmousepos()| function can be used to obtain the mouse position.
Bram Moolenaarcbaff5e2022-04-08 17:45:08 +0100731
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000732 *<Char>* *<Char->*
733To map a character by its decimal, octal or hexadecimal number the <Char>
734construct can be used:
735 <Char-123> character 123
736 <Char-033> character 27
737 <Char-0x7f> character 127
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +0200738 <S-Char-114> character 114 ('r') shifted ('R')
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200739This is useful to specify a (multibyte) character in a 'keymap' file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000740Upper and lowercase differences are ignored.
741
742 *map-comments*
743It is not possible to put a comment after these commands, because the '"'
Bram Moolenaar036986f2017-03-16 17:41:02 +0100744character is considered to be part of the {lhs} or {rhs}. However, one can
745use |", since this starts a new, empty command with a comment.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000746
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100747 *map_bar* *map-bar*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000748Since the '|' character is used to separate a map command from the next
749command, you will have to do something special to include a '|' in {rhs}.
750There are three methods:
751 use works when example ~
752 <Bar> '<' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls <Bar> more^M
753 \| 'b' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls \| more^M
754 ^V| always, in Vim and Vi :map _l :!ls ^V| more^M
755
756(here ^V stands for CTRL-V; to get one CTRL-V you have to type it twice; you
757cannot use the <> notation "<C-V>" here).
758
759All three work when you use the default setting for 'cpoptions'.
760
761When 'b' is present in 'cpoptions', "\|" will be recognized as a mapping
762ending in a '\' and then another command. This is Vi compatible, but
763illogical when compared to other commands.
764
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100765 *map_return* *map-return*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000766When you have a mapping that contains an Ex command, you need to put a line
767terminator after it to have it executed. The use of <CR> is recommended for
768this (see |<>|). Example: >
Bram Moolenaar251835e2014-02-24 02:51:51 +0100769 :map _ls :!ls -l %:S<CR>:echo "the end"<CR>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000770
771To avoid mapping of the characters you type in insert or Command-line mode,
772type a CTRL-V first. The mapping in Insert mode is disabled if the 'paste'
773option is on.
Bram Moolenaare2db6952013-07-24 19:53:36 +0200774 *map-error*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775Note that when an error is encountered (that causes an error message or beep)
776the rest of the mapping is not executed. This is Vi-compatible.
777
778Note that the second character (argument) of the commands @zZtTfF[]rm'`"v
779and CTRL-X is not mapped. This was done to be able to use all the named
780registers and marks, even when the command with the same name has been
781mapped.
782
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000783
7841.7 WHAT KEYS TO MAP *map-which-keys*
785
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000786If you are going to map something, you will need to choose which key(s) to use
787for the {lhs}. You will have to avoid keys that are used for Vim commands,
788otherwise you would not be able to use those commands anymore. Here are a few
789suggestions:
790- Function keys <F2>, <F3>, etc.. Also the shifted function keys <S-F1>,
791 <S-F2>, etc. Note that <F1> is already used for the help command.
Bram Moolenaarf91787c2010-07-17 12:47:16 +0200792- Meta-keys (with the ALT key pressed). Depending on your keyboard accented
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100793 characters may be used as well. |:map-alt-keys|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000794- Use the '_' or ',' character and then any other character. The "_" and ","
795 commands do exist in Vim (see |_| and |,|), but you probably never use them.
796- Use a key that is a synonym for another command. For example: CTRL-P and
797 CTRL-N. Use an extra character to allow more mappings.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100798- The key defined by <Leader> and one or more other keys. This is especially
799 useful in scripts. |mapleader|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
801See the file "index" for keys that are not used and thus can be mapped without
802losing any builtin function. You can also use ":help {key}^D" to find out if
803a key is used for some command. ({key} is the specific key you want to find
804out about, ^D is CTRL-D).
805
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000806
8071.8 EXAMPLES *map-examples*
808
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809A few examples (given as you type them, for "<CR>" you type four characters;
810the '<' flag must not be present in 'cpoptions' for this to work). >
811
812 :map <F3> o#include
813 :map <M-g> /foo<CR>cwbar<Esc>
814 :map _x d/END/e<CR>
815 :map! qq quadrillion questions
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000816
817
818Multiplying a count
819
820When you type a count before triggering a mapping, it's like the count was
821typed before the {lhs}. For example, with this mapping: >
822 :map <F4> 3w
823Typing 2<F4> will result in "23w". Thus not moving 2 * 3 words but 23 words.
824If you want to multiply counts use the expression register: >
825 :map <F4> @='3w'<CR>
826The part between quotes is the expression being executed. |@=|
827
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000828
8291.9 USING MAPPINGS *map-typing*
830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000831Vim will compare what you type with the start of a mapped sequence. If there
832is an incomplete match, it will get more characters until there either is a
833complete match or until there is no match at all. Example: If you map! "qq",
834the first 'q' will not appear on the screen until you type another
835character. This is because Vim cannot know if the next character will be a
836'q' or not. If the 'timeout' option is on (which is the default) Vim will
837only wait for one second (or as long as specified with the 'timeoutlen'
838option). After that it assumes that the 'q' is to be interpreted as such. If
839you type slowly, or your system is slow, reset the 'timeout' option. Then you
840might want to set the 'ttimeout' option.
841
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200842 *map-precedence*
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200843Buffer-local mappings (defined using |:map-<buffer>|) take precedence over
844global mappings. When a buffer-local mapping is the same as a global mapping,
845Vim will use the buffer-local mapping. In addition, Vim will use a complete
Bram Moolenaar14b69452013-06-29 23:05:20 +0200846mapping immediately if it was defined with <nowait>, even if a longer mapping
847has the same prefix. For example, given the following two mappings: >
848 :map <buffer> <nowait> \a :echo "Local \a"<CR>
849 :map \abc :echo "Global \abc"<CR>
850When typing \a the buffer-local mapping will be used immediately. Vim will
851not wait for more characters to see if the user might be typing \abc.
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200852
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000853 *map-keys-fails*
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000854There are situations where key codes might not be recognized:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000855- Vim can only read part of the key code. Mostly this is only the first
856 character. This happens on some Unix versions in an xterm.
857- The key code is after character(s) that are mapped. E.g., "<F1><F1>" or
858 "g<F1>".
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000859
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000860The result is that the key code is not recognized in this situation, and the
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000861mapping fails. There are two actions needed to avoid this problem:
862
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000863- Remove the 'K' flag from 'cpoptions'. This will make Vim wait for the rest
864 of the characters of the function key.
865- When using <F1> to <F4> the actual key code generated may correspond to
866 <xF1> to <xF4>. There are mappings from <xF1> to <F1>, <xF2> to <F2>, etc.,
867 but these are not recognized after another half a mapping. Make sure the
868 key codes for <F1> to <F4> are correct: >
869 :set <F1>=<type CTRL-V><type F1>
870< Type the <F1> as four characters. The part after the "=" must be done with
871 the actual keys, not the literal text.
872Another solution is to use the actual key code in the mapping for the second
873special key: >
874 :map <F1><Esc>OP :echo "yes"<CR>
875Don't type a real <Esc>, Vim will recognize the key code and replace it with
876<F1> anyway.
877
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000878Another problem may be that when keeping ALT or Meta pressed the terminal
879prepends ESC instead of setting the 8th bit. See |:map-alt-keys|.
880
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000881 *recursive_mapping*
882If you include the {lhs} in the {rhs} you have a recursive mapping. When
883{lhs} is typed, it will be replaced with {rhs}. When the {lhs} which is
884included in {rhs} is encountered it will be replaced with {rhs}, and so on.
885This makes it possible to repeat a command an infinite number of times. The
886only problem is that the only way to stop this is by causing an error. The
887macros to solve a maze uses this, look there for an example. There is one
888exception: If the {rhs} starts with {lhs}, the first character is not mapped
889again (this is Vi compatible).
890For example: >
891 :map ab abcd
892will execute the "a" command and insert "bcd" in the text. The "ab" in the
893{rhs} will not be mapped again.
894
895If you want to exchange the meaning of two keys you should use the :noremap
896command. For example: >
897 :noremap k j
898 :noremap j k
899This will exchange the cursor up and down commands.
900
901With the normal :map command, when the 'remap' option is on, mapping takes
902place until the text is found not to be a part of a {lhs}. For example, if
903you use: >
904 :map x y
905 :map y x
906Vim will replace x with y, and then y with x, etc. When this has happened
907'maxmapdepth' times (default 1000), Vim will give the error message
908"recursive mapping".
909
910 *:map-undo*
911If you include an undo command inside a mapped sequence, this will bring the
912text back in the state before executing the macro. This is compatible with
913the original Vi, as long as there is only one undo command in the mapped
914sequence (having two undo commands in a mapped sequence did not make sense
915in the original Vi, you would get back the text before the first undo).
916
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000917
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00009181.10 MAPPING ALT-KEYS *:map-alt-keys*
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000919
920In the GUI Vim handles the Alt key itself, thus mapping keys with ALT should
921always work. But in a terminal Vim gets a sequence of bytes and has to figure
922out whether ALT was pressed or not.
923
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200924If the terminal supports the modifyOtherKeys mode and it has been enabled,
925then Vim can recognize more key combinations, see |modifyOtherKeys| below.
926
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000927By default Vim assumes that pressing the ALT key sets the 8th bit of a typed
Bram Moolenaar97d29a12005-12-17 22:02:57 +0000928character. Most decent terminals can work that way, such as xterm, aterm and
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000929rxvt. If your <A-k> mappings don't work it might be that the terminal is
930prefixing the character with an ESC character. But you can just as well type
931ESC before a character, thus Vim doesn't know what happened (except for
932checking the delay between characters, which is not reliable).
933
934As of this writing, some mainstream terminals like gnome-terminal and konsole
935use the ESC prefix. There doesn't appear a way to have them use the 8th bit
Bram Moolenaar97d29a12005-12-17 22:02:57 +0000936instead. Xterm should work well by default. Aterm and rxvt should work well
937when started with the "--meta8" argument. You can also tweak resources like
938"metaSendsEscape", "eightBitInput" and "eightBitOutput".
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000939
940On the Linux console, this behavior can be toggled with the "setmetamode"
941command. Bear in mind that not using an ESC prefix could get you in trouble
942with other programs. You should make sure that bash has the "convert-meta"
943option set to "on" in order for your Meta keybindings to still work on it
944(it's the default readline behavior, unless changed by specific system
945configuration). For that, you can add the line: >
946
947 set convert-meta on
948
949to your ~/.inputrc file. If you're creating the file, you might want to use: >
950
951 $include /etc/inputrc
952
953as the first line, if that file exists on your system, to keep global options.
954This may cause a problem for entering special characters, such as the umlaut.
955Then you should use CTRL-V before that character.
956
957Bear in mind that convert-meta has been reported to have troubles when used in
958UTF-8 locales. On terminals like xterm, the "metaSendsEscape" resource can be
959toggled on the fly through the "Main Options" menu, by pressing Ctrl-LeftClick
960on the terminal; that's a good last resource in case you want to send ESC when
Bram Moolenaar6aa8cea2017-06-05 14:44:35 +0200961using other applications but not when inside Vim.
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000962
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000963
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +02009641.11 MAPPING IN modifyOtherKeys mode *modifyOtherKeys*
965
966Xterm and a few other terminals can be put in a mode where keys with modifiers
967are sent with a special escape code. Vim recognizes these codes and can then
968make a difference between CTRL-H and Backspace, even when Backspace sends the
969character 8. And many more special keys.
970
971For xterm modifyOtherKeys is enabled in the builtin termcap entry. If this is
972not used you can enable modifyOtherKeys with these lines in your vimrc: >
973 let &t_TI = "\<Esc>[>4;2m"
974 let &t_TE = "\<Esc>[>4;m"
975
976In case the modifyOtherKeys mode causes problems you can disable it: >
977 let &t_TI = ""
978 let &t_TE = ""
979It does not take effect immediately. To have this work without restarting Vim
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100980execute a shell command, e.g.: `!ls` Or put the lines in your |vimrc|.
981
982When modifyOtherKeys is enabled you can map <C-[> and <C-S-{>: >
983 imap <C-[> [[[
Bram Moolenaar9a033d72020-10-07 17:29:48 +0200984 imap <C-{> {{{
985Without modifyOtherKeys <C-[> and <C-{> are indistinguishable from Esc.
986Note that <C-{> is used and not <C-S-[> or <C-S-{>. This works on most
987keyboards. Similarly, <C-}> is used instead of <C-S-]> or <C-S-}> and
988<C-|> instead of <C-S-\> or <C-S-|>. Note that '|' has a special meaning in a
989mapping, see |map-bar|.
990
991WARNING: if you map <C-[> you may very well break any key codes that start
992with Esc. Make sure it comes AFTER other mappings.
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200993
Bram Moolenaar2547aa92020-07-26 17:00:44 +0200994A known side effect is that in Insert mode the raw escape sequence is inserted
995after the CTRL-V key. This can be used to check whether modifyOtherKeys is
996enabled: In Insert mode type CTRL-SHIFT-V CTRL-V, if you get one byte then
997modifyOtherKeys is off, if you get <1b>27;5;118~ then it is on.
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200998
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100999When the 'esckeys' option is off, then modifyOtherKeys will be disabled in
1000Insert mode to avoid every key with a modifier causing Insert mode to end.
1001
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +02001002
10031.12 MAPPING AN OPERATOR *:map-operator*
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001004
1005An operator is used before a {motion} command. To define your own operator
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001006you must create a mapping that first sets the 'operatorfunc' option and then
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001007invoke the |g@| operator. After the user types the {motion} command the
1008specified function will be called.
1009
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00001010 *g@* *E774* *E775*
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001011g@{motion} Call the function set by the 'operatorfunc' option.
1012 The '[ mark is positioned at the start of the text
1013 moved over by {motion}, the '] mark on the last
1014 character of the text.
1015 The function is called with one String argument:
1016 "line" {motion} was |linewise|
1017 "char" {motion} was |characterwise|
Bram Moolenaarf91787c2010-07-17 12:47:16 +02001018 "block" {motion} was |blockwise-visual|
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001019 The type can be forced, see |forced-motion|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001020 {not available when compiled without the |+eval|
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001021 feature}
1022
1023Here is an example that counts the number of spaces with <F4>: >
1024
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001025 nnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces()
1026 xnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces()
1027 " doubling <F4> works on a line
1028 nnoremap <expr> <F4><F4> CountSpaces() .. '_'
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001029
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001030 function CountSpaces(context = {}, type = '') abort
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001031 if a:type == ''
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001032 let context = #{
1033 \ dot_command: v:false,
1034 \ extend_block: '',
1035 \ virtualedit: [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit],
1036 \ }
1037 let &operatorfunc = function('CountSpaces', [context])
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001038 set virtualedit=block
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001039 return 'g@'
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001040 endif
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001041
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001042 let save = #{
1043 \ clipboard: &clipboard,
1044 \ selection: &selection,
1045 \ virtualedit: [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit],
1046 \ register: getreginfo('"'),
1047 \ visual_marks: [getpos("'<"), getpos("'>")],
1048 \ }
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001049
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001050 try
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001051 set clipboard= selection=inclusive virtualedit=
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001052 let commands = #{
1053 \ line: "'[V']",
1054 \ char: "`[v`]",
1055 \ block: "`[\<C-V>`]",
1056 \ }[a:type]
1057 let [_, _, col, off] = getpos("']")
1058 if off != 0
1059 let vcol = getline("'[")->strpart(0, col + off)->strdisplaywidth()
1060 if vcol >= [line("'["), '$']->virtcol() - 1
1061 let a:context.extend_block = '$'
1062 else
1063 let a:context.extend_block = vcol .. '|'
1064 endif
1065 endif
1066 if a:context.extend_block != ''
1067 let commands ..= 'oO' .. a:context.extend_block
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001068 endif
1069 let commands ..= 'y'
1070 execute 'silent noautocmd keepjumps normal! ' .. commands
1071 echomsg getreg('"')->count(' ')
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001072 finally
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001073 call setreg('"', save.register)
1074 call setpos("'<", save.visual_marks[0])
1075 call setpos("'>", save.visual_marks[1])
1076 let &clipboard = save.clipboard
1077 let &selection = save.selection
1078 let [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit] = get(a:context.dot_command ? save : a:context, 'virtualedit')
1079 let a:context.dot_command = v:true
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001080 endtry
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001081 endfunction
1082
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001083An <expr> mapping is used to be able to fetch any prefixed count and register.
1084This also avoids using a command line, which would trigger CmdlineEnter and
1085CmdlineLeave autocommands.
1086
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001087Note that the 'selection' option is temporarily set to "inclusive" to be able
1088to yank exactly the right text by using Visual mode from the '[ to the ']
1089mark.
1090
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001091Also note that the 'clipboard' option is temporarily emptied to avoid
1092clobbering the `"*` or `"+` registers, if its value contains the item `unnamed`
1093or `unnamedplus`.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001094
Bram Moolenaar079ba762021-10-23 12:08:41 +01001095The `mode()` function will return the state as it will be after applying the
1096operator.
1097
Yegappan Lakshmanan777175b2021-11-18 22:08:57 +00001098Here is an example for using a lambda function to create a normal-mode
1099operator to add quotes around text in the current line: >
1100
1101 nnoremap <F4> <Cmd>let &opfunc='{t ->
1102 \ getline(".")
1103 \ ->split("\\zs")
1104 \ ->insert("\"", col("'']"))
1105 \ ->insert("\"", col("''[") - 1)
1106 \ ->join("")
1107 \ ->setline(".")}'<CR>g@
1108
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001109==============================================================================
11102. Abbreviations *abbreviations* *Abbreviations*
1111
1112Abbreviations are used in Insert mode, Replace mode and Command-line mode.
1113If you enter a word that is an abbreviation, it is replaced with the word it
1114stands for. This can be used to save typing for often used long words. And
1115you can use it to automatically correct obvious spelling errors.
1116Examples:
1117
Bram Moolenaarc1762cc2007-05-10 16:56:30 +00001118 :iab ms Microsoft
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001119 :iab tihs this
1120
1121There are three types of abbreviations:
1122
1123full-id The "full-id" type consists entirely of keyword characters (letters
1124 and characters from 'iskeyword' option). This is the most common
1125 abbreviation.
1126
1127 Examples: "foo", "g3", "-1"
1128
1129end-id The "end-id" type ends in a keyword character, but all the other
1130 characters are not keyword characters.
1131
1132 Examples: "#i", "..f", "$/7"
1133
1134non-id The "non-id" type ends in a non-keyword character, the other
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001135 characters may be of any type, excluding space and tab. {this type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001136 is not supported by Vi}
1137
1138 Examples: "def#", "4/7$"
1139
1140Examples of strings that cannot be abbreviations: "a.b", "#def", "a b", "_$r"
1141
1142An abbreviation is only recognized when you type a non-keyword character.
1143This can also be the <Esc> that ends insert mode or the <CR> that ends a
1144command. The non-keyword character which ends the abbreviation is inserted
1145after the expanded abbreviation. An exception to this is the character <C-]>,
1146which is used to expand an abbreviation without inserting any extra
1147characters.
1148
1149Example: >
1150 :ab hh hello
1151< "hh<Space>" is expanded to "hello<Space>"
1152 "hh<C-]>" is expanded to "hello"
1153
1154The characters before the cursor must match the abbreviation. Each type has
1155an additional rule:
1156
1157full-id In front of the match is a non-keyword character, or this is where
1158 the line or insertion starts. Exception: When the abbreviation is
1159 only one character, it is not recognized if there is a non-keyword
Bram Moolenaareb3dc872018-05-13 22:34:24 +02001160 character in front of it, other than a space or a tab. However, for
1161 the command line "'<,'>" (or any other marks) is ignored, as if the
1162 command line starts after it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001163
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001164end-id In front of the match is a keyword character, or a space or a tab,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001165 or this is where the line or insertion starts.
1166
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001167non-id In front of the match is a space, tab or the start of the line or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001168 the insertion.
1169
1170Examples: ({CURSOR} is where you type a non-keyword character) >
1171 :ab foo four old otters
1172< " foo{CURSOR}" is expanded to " four old otters"
1173 " foobar{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1174 "barfoo{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1175>
1176 :ab #i #include
1177< "#i{CURSOR}" is expanded to "#include"
1178 ">#i{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1179>
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001180 :ab ;; <endofline>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001181< "test;;" is not expanded
1182 "test ;;" is expanded to "test <endofline>"
1183
Bram Moolenaar7d76c802014-10-15 22:51:52 +02001184To avoid the abbreviation in Insert mode: Type CTRL-V before the character
1185that would trigger the abbreviation. E.g. CTRL-V <Space>. Or type part of
1186the abbreviation, exit insert mode with <Esc>, re-enter insert mode with "a"
1187and type the rest.
1188
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001189To avoid the abbreviation in Command-line mode: Type CTRL-V twice somewhere in
1190the abbreviation to avoid it to be replaced. A CTRL-V in front of a normal
1191character is mostly ignored otherwise.
1192
1193It is possible to move the cursor after an abbreviation: >
1194 :iab if if ()<Left>
1195This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag. |<>|
1196
1197You can even do more complicated things. For example, to consume the space
1198typed after an abbreviation: >
1199 func Eatchar(pat)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001200 let c = nr2char(getchar(0))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001201 return (c =~ a:pat) ? '' : c
1202 endfunc
1203 iabbr <silent> if if ()<Left><C-R>=Eatchar('\s')<CR>
1204
1205There are no default abbreviations.
1206
1207Abbreviations are never recursive. You can use ":ab f f-o-o" without any
1208problem. But abbreviations can be mapped. {some versions of Vi support
1209recursive abbreviations, for no apparent reason}
1210
1211Abbreviations are disabled if the 'paste' option is on.
1212
1213 *:abbreviate-local* *:abbreviate-<buffer>*
1214Just like mappings, abbreviations can be local to a buffer. This is mostly
1215used in a |filetype-plugin| file. Example for a C plugin file: >
1216 :abb <buffer> FF for (i = 0; i < ; ++i)
1217<
1218 *:ab* *:abbreviate*
1219:ab[breviate] list all abbreviations. The character in the first
1220 column indicates the mode where the abbreviation is
1221 used: 'i' for insert mode, 'c' for Command-line
1222 mode, '!' for both. These are the same as for
1223 mappings, see |map-listing|.
1224
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00001225 *:abbreviate-verbose*
1226When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing an abbreviation will also display where it
1227was last defined. Example: >
1228
1229 :verbose abbreviate
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001230 ! teh the
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00001231 Last set from /home/abcd/vim/abbr.vim
1232
1233See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
1234
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001235:ab[breviate] {lhs} list the abbreviations that start with {lhs}
1236 You may need to insert a CTRL-V (type it twice) to
1237 avoid that a typed {lhs} is expanded, since
1238 command-line abbreviations apply here.
1239
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001240:ab[breviate] [<expr>] [<buffer>] {lhs} {rhs}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001241 add abbreviation for {lhs} to {rhs}. If {lhs} already
1242 existed it is replaced with the new {rhs}. {rhs} may
1243 contain spaces.
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001244 See |:map-<expr>| for the optional <expr> argument.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001245 See |:map-<buffer>| for the optional <buffer> argument.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001246
1247 *:una* *:unabbreviate*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001248:una[bbreviate] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1249 Remove abbreviation for {lhs} from the list. If none
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001250 is found, remove abbreviations in which {lhs} matches
1251 with the {rhs}. This is done so that you can even
1252 remove abbreviations after expansion. To avoid
1253 expansion insert a CTRL-V (type it twice).
1254
1255 *:norea* *:noreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001256:norea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001257 Same as ":ab", but no remapping for this {rhs}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001258
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +02001259 *:ca* *:cab* *:cabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001260:ca[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001261 Same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001262
1263 *:cuna* *:cunabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001264:cuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1265 Same as ":una", but for Command-line mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001266
1267 *:cnorea* *:cnoreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001268:cnorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001269 same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only and no
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001270 remapping for this {rhs}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001271
1272 *:ia* *:iabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001273:ia[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001274 Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001275
1276 *:iuna* *:iunabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001277:iuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1278 Same as ":una", but for insert mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001279
1280 *:inorea* *:inoreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001281:inorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001282 Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only and no
1283 remapping for this {rhs}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001284
1285 *:abc* *:abclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001286:abc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001287
1288 *:iabc* *:iabclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001289:iabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Insert mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001290
1291 *:cabc* *:cabclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001292:cabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001293
1294 *using_CTRL-V*
1295It is possible to use special characters in the rhs of an abbreviation.
1296CTRL-V has to be used to avoid the special meaning of most non printable
1297characters. How many CTRL-Vs need to be typed depends on how you enter the
1298abbreviation. This also applies to mappings. Let's use an example here.
1299
1300Suppose you want to abbreviate "esc" to enter an <Esc> character. When you
1301type the ":ab" command in Vim, you have to enter this: (here ^V is a CTRL-V
1302and ^[ is <Esc>)
1303
1304You type: ab esc ^V^V^V^V^V^[
1305
1306 All keyboard input is subjected to ^V quote interpretation, so
1307 the first, third, and fifth ^V characters simply allow the second,
1308 and fourth ^Vs, and the ^[, to be entered into the command-line.
1309
1310You see: ab esc ^V^V^[
1311
1312 The command-line contains two actual ^Vs before the ^[. This is
1313 how it should appear in your .exrc file, if you choose to go that
1314 route. The first ^V is there to quote the second ^V; the :ab
1315 command uses ^V as its own quote character, so you can include quoted
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001316 whitespace or the | character in the abbreviation. The :ab command
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001317 doesn't do anything special with the ^[ character, so it doesn't need
1318 to be quoted. (Although quoting isn't harmful; that's why typing 7
1319 [but not 8!] ^Vs works.)
1320
1321Stored as: esc ^V^[
1322
1323 After parsing, the abbreviation's short form ("esc") and long form
1324 (the two characters "^V^[") are stored in the abbreviation table.
1325 If you give the :ab command with no arguments, this is how the
1326 abbreviation will be displayed.
1327
1328 Later, when the abbreviation is expanded because the user typed in
1329 the word "esc", the long form is subjected to the same type of
1330 ^V interpretation as keyboard input. So the ^V protects the ^[
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001331 character from being interpreted as the "exit Insert mode" character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001332 Instead, the ^[ is inserted into the text.
1333
1334Expands to: ^[
1335
1336[example given by Steve Kirkendall]
1337
1338==============================================================================
13393. Local mappings and functions *script-local*
1340
1341When using several Vim script files, there is the danger that mappings and
1342functions used in one script use the same name as in other scripts. To avoid
1343this, they can be made local to the script.
1344
1345 *<SID>* *<SNR>* *E81*
1346The string "<SID>" can be used in a mapping or menu. This requires that the
1347'<' flag is not present in 'cpoptions'.
1348 When executing the map command, Vim will replace "<SID>" with the special
1349key code <SNR>, followed by a number that's unique for the script, and an
1350underscore. Example: >
1351 :map <SID>Add
1352could define a mapping "<SNR>23_Add".
1353
1354When defining a function in a script, "s:" can be prepended to the name to
Bram Moolenaar75ab5902022-04-18 15:36:40 +01001355make it local to the script (in |Vim9| script functions without a prefix are
1356local to the script). But when a mapping is executed from outside of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001357the script, it doesn't know in which script the function was defined. To
1358avoid this problem, use "<SID>" instead of "s:". The same translation is done
1359as for mappings. This makes it possible to define a call to the function in
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001360a mapping.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001361
1362When a local function is executed, it runs in the context of the script it was
1363defined in. This means that new functions and mappings it defines can also
1364use "s:" or "<SID>" and it will use the same unique number as when the
1365function itself was defined. Also, the "s:var" local script variables can be
1366used.
1367
1368When executing an autocommand or a user command, it will run in the context of
1369the script it was defined in. This makes it possible that the command calls a
1370local function or uses a local mapping.
1371
Bram Moolenaar90944302020-08-01 20:45:11 +02001372In case the value is used in a context where <SID> cannot be correctly
1373expanded, use the expand() function: >
1374 let &includexpr = expand('<SID>') .. 'My_includeexpr()'
1375
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001376Otherwise, using "<SID>" outside of a script context is an error.
1377
1378If you need to get the script number to use in a complicated script, you can
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001379use this function: >
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001380 func s:ScriptNumber()
1381 return matchstr(expand('<SID>'), '<SNR>\zs\d\+\ze_')
1382 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001383
1384The "<SNR>" will be shown when listing functions and mappings. This is useful
1385to find out what they are defined to.
1386
1387The |:scriptnames| command can be used to see which scripts have been sourced
1388and what their <SNR> number is.
1389
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001390This is all {not available when compiled without the |+eval| feature}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001391
1392==============================================================================
13934. User-defined commands *user-commands*
1394
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001395It is possible to define your own Ex commands. A user-defined command can act
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001396just like a built-in command (it can have a range or arguments, arguments can
1397be completed as filenames or buffer names, etc), except that when the command
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001398is executed, it is transformed into a normal Ex command and then executed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001399
1400For starters: See section |40.2| in the user manual.
1401
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001402 *E183* *E841* *user-cmd-ambiguous*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001403All user defined commands must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001404confusion with builtin commands. Exceptions are these builtin commands:
1405 :Next
1406 :X
1407They cannot be used for a user defined command. ":Print" is also an existing
1408command, but it is deprecated and can be overruled.
1409
1410The other characters of the user command can be uppercase letters, lowercase
1411letters or digits. When using digits, note that other commands that take a
1412numeric argument may become ambiguous. For example, the command ":Cc2" could
1413be the user command ":Cc2" without an argument, or the command ":Cc" with
1414argument "2". It is advised to put a space between the command name and the
1415argument to avoid these problems.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001416
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001417When using a user-defined command, the command can be abbreviated. However, if
1418an abbreviation is not unique, an error will be issued. Furthermore, a
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001419built-in command will always take precedence.
1420
1421Example: >
1422 :command Rename ...
1423 :command Renumber ...
1424 :Rena " Means "Rename"
1425 :Renu " Means "Renumber"
1426 :Ren " Error - ambiguous
1427 :command Paste ...
1428 :P " The built-in :Print
1429
1430It is recommended that full names for user-defined commands are used in
1431scripts.
1432
1433:com[mand] *:com* *:command*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001434 List all user-defined commands. When listing commands,
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001435 the characters in the first columns are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001436 ! Command has the -bang attribute
1437 " Command has the -register attribute
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001438 | Command has the -bar attribute
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001439 b Command is local to current buffer
1440 (see below for details on attributes)
Bram Moolenaar818078d2016-08-27 21:58:42 +02001441 The list can be filtered on command name with
1442 |:filter|, e.g., to list all commands with "Pyth" in
1443 the name: >
1444 filter Pyth command
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001445
1446:com[mand] {cmd} List the user-defined commands that start with {cmd}
1447
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001448 *:command-verbose*
1449When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a command will also display where it was
Bram Moolenaar6f4754b2022-01-23 12:07:04 +00001450last defined and any completion argument. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001451
1452 :verbose command TOhtml
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001453< Name Args Range Complete Definition ~
1454 TOhtml 0 % :call Convert2HTML(<line1>, <line2>) ~
1455 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/plugin/tohtml.vim ~
1456
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +00001457See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001458
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001459 *E174* *E182*
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001460:com[mand][!] [{attr}...] {cmd} {repl}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001461 Define a user command. The name of the command is
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001462 {cmd} and its replacement text is {repl}. The
1463 command's attributes (see below) are {attr}. If the
1464 command already exists, an error is reported, unless a
1465 ! is specified, in which case the command is
1466 redefined. There is one exception: When sourcing a
1467 script again, a command that was previously defined in
1468 that script will be silently replaced.
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001469
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001470
1471:delc[ommand] {cmd} *:delc* *:delcommand* *E184*
1472 Delete the user-defined command {cmd}.
1473
Bram Moolenaarbdcba242021-09-12 20:58:02 +02001474:delc[ommand] -buffer {cmd} *E1237*
1475 Delete the user-defined command {cmd} that was defined
1476 for the current buffer.
1477
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001478:comc[lear] *:comc* *:comclear*
1479 Delete all user-defined commands.
1480
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001481
1482Command attributes ~
Bram Moolenaar1588bc82022-03-08 21:35:07 +00001483 *command-attributes*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001484User-defined commands are treated by Vim just like any other Ex commands. They
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001485can have arguments, or have a range specified. Arguments are subject to
1486completion as filenames, buffers, etc. Exactly how this works depends upon the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001487command's attributes, which are specified when the command is defined.
1488
1489There are a number of attributes, split into four categories: argument
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001490handling, completion behavior, range handling, and special cases. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001491attributes are described below, by category.
1492
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001493
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001494Argument handling ~
1495 *E175* *E176* *:command-nargs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496By default, a user defined command will take no arguments (and an error is
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001497reported if any are supplied). However, it is possible to specify that the
1498command can take arguments, using the -nargs attribute. Valid cases are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001499
1500 -nargs=0 No arguments are allowed (the default)
Bram Moolenaar9d87a372018-12-18 21:41:50 +01001501 -nargs=1 Exactly one argument is required, it includes spaces
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001502 -nargs=* Any number of arguments are allowed (0, 1, or many),
1503 separated by white space
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001504 -nargs=? 0 or 1 arguments are allowed
1505 -nargs=+ Arguments must be supplied, but any number are allowed
1506
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001507Arguments are considered to be separated by (unescaped) spaces or tabs in this
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001508context, except when there is one argument, then the white space is part of
1509the argument.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510
1511Note that arguments are used as text, not as expressions. Specifically,
1512"s:var" will use the script-local variable in the script where the command was
1513defined, not where it is invoked! Example:
1514 script1.vim: >
1515 :let s:error = "None"
1516 :command -nargs=1 Error echoerr <args>
1517< script2.vim: >
1518 :source script1.vim
1519 :let s:error = "Wrong!"
1520 :Error s:error
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001521Executing script2.vim will result in "None" being echoed. Not what you
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001522intended! Calling a function may be an alternative.
1523
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001524
1525Completion behavior ~
Bram Moolenaar9d87a372018-12-18 21:41:50 +01001526 *:command-completion* *E179* *E180* *E181*
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001527 *:command-complete*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528By default, the arguments of user defined commands do not undergo completion.
1529However, by specifying one or the other of the following attributes, argument
1530completion can be enabled:
1531
Bram Moolenaarcd43eff2018-03-29 15:55:38 +02001532 -complete=arglist file names in argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533 -complete=augroup autocmd groups
1534 -complete=buffer buffer names
Bram Moolenaar5ae636b2012-04-30 18:48:53 +02001535 -complete=behave :behave suboptions
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001536 -complete=color color schemes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001537 -complete=command Ex command (and arguments)
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001538 -complete=compiler compilers
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02001539 -complete=cscope |:cscope| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001540 -complete=dir directory names
1541 -complete=environment environment variable names
1542 -complete=event autocommand events
1543 -complete=expression Vim expression
1544 -complete=file file and directory names
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001545 -complete=file_in_path file and directory names in |'path'|
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001546 -complete=filetype filetype names |'filetype'|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001547 -complete=function function name
1548 -complete=help help subjects
1549 -complete=highlight highlight groups
Bram Moolenaar5ae636b2012-04-30 18:48:53 +02001550 -complete=history :history suboptions
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001551 -complete=locale locale names (as output of locale -a)
Bram Moolenaarcae92dc2017-08-06 15:22:15 +02001552 -complete=mapclear buffer argument
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553 -complete=mapping mapping name
1554 -complete=menu menus
Bram Moolenaar9e507ca2016-10-15 15:39:39 +02001555 -complete=messages |:messages| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001556 -complete=option options
Bram Moolenaar063b9d12016-07-09 20:21:48 +02001557 -complete=packadd optional package |pack-add| names
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001558 -complete=shellcmd Shell command
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02001559 -complete=sign |:sign| suboptions
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001560 -complete=syntax syntax file names |'syntax'|
Bram Moolenaarcd9c4622013-06-08 15:24:48 +02001561 -complete=syntime |:syntime| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001562 -complete=tag tags
1563 -complete=tag_listfiles tags, file names are shown when CTRL-D is hit
Bram Moolenaar24305862012-08-15 14:05:05 +02001564 -complete=user user names
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001565 -complete=var user variables
1566 -complete=custom,{func} custom completion, defined via {func}
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001567 -complete=customlist,{func} custom completion, defined via {func}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001568
Bram Moolenaar6f4754b2022-01-23 12:07:04 +00001569If you specify completion while there is nothing to complete (-nargs=0, the
1570default) then you get error *E1208* .
Bram Moolenaar3a991dd2014-10-02 01:41:41 +02001571Note: That some completion methods might expand environment variables.
1572
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001573
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001574Custom completion ~
1575 *:command-completion-custom*
1576 *:command-completion-customlist* *E467* *E468*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577It is possible to define customized completion schemes via the "custom,{func}"
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001578or the "customlist,{func}" completion argument. The {func} part should be a
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001579function with the following signature: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001580
1581 :function {func}(ArgLead, CmdLine, CursorPos)
1582
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001583The function need not use all these arguments. The function should provide the
1584completion candidates as the return value.
1585
1586For the "custom" argument, the function should return the completion
1587candidates one per line in a newline separated string.
1588
1589For the "customlist" argument, the function should return the completion
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001590candidates as a Vim List. Non-string items in the list are ignored.
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001591
1592The function arguments are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593 ArgLead the leading portion of the argument currently being
1594 completed on
1595 CmdLine the entire command line
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001596 CursorPos the cursor position in it (byte index)
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001597The function may use these for determining context. For the "custom"
1598argument, it is not necessary to filter candidates against the (implicit
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001599pattern in) ArgLead. Vim will filter the candidates with its regexp engine
Bram Moolenaar1588bc82022-03-08 21:35:07 +00001600after function return, and this is probably more efficient in most cases. If
1601'wildoptions' contains "fuzzy", then the candidates will be filtered using
1602|fuzzy-matching|. For the "customlist" argument, Vim will not
1603filter the returned completion candidates and the user supplied function
1604should filter the candidates.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001605
1606The following example lists user names to a Finger command >
1607 :com -complete=custom,ListUsers -nargs=1 Finger !finger <args>
1608 :fun ListUsers(A,L,P)
1609 : return system("cut -d: -f1 /etc/passwd")
1610 :endfun
1611
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001612The following example completes filenames from the directories specified in
1613the 'path' option: >
1614 :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=customlist,EditFileComplete
1615 \ EditFile edit<bang> <args>
1616 :fun EditFileComplete(A,L,P)
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001617 : return split(globpath(&path, a:A), "\n")
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001618 :endfun
1619<
Bram Moolenaar5ac3b1a2010-07-27 22:50:36 +02001620This example does not work for file names with spaces!
1621
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001622
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001623Range handling ~
1624 *E177* *E178* *:command-range* *:command-count*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001625By default, user-defined commands do not accept a line number range. However,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001626it is possible to specify that the command does take a range (the -range
1627attribute), or that it takes an arbitrary count value, either in the line
1628number position (-range=N, like the |:split| command) or as a "count"
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +00001629argument (-count=N, like the |:Next| command). The count will then be
1630available in the argument with |<count>|.
1631
1632Possible attributes are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001633
1634 -range Range allowed, default is current line
1635 -range=% Range allowed, default is whole file (1,$)
1636 -range=N A count (default N) which is specified in the line
Bram Moolenaar8e5af3e2011-04-28 19:02:44 +02001637 number position (like |:split|); allows for zero line
1638 number.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001639 -count=N A count (default N) which is specified either in the line
Bram Moolenaar32e7b2d2005-02-27 22:36:47 +00001640 number position, or as an initial argument (like |:Next|).
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001641 -count acts like -count=0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001642
1643Note that -range=N and -count=N are mutually exclusive - only one should be
1644specified.
1645
Bram Moolenaaraa3b15d2016-04-21 08:53:19 +02001646 *:command-addr*
Bram Moolenaarf1d6ccf2014-12-08 04:16:44 +01001647It is possible that the special characters in the range like ., $ or % which
1648by default correspond to the current line, last line and the whole buffer,
1649relate to arguments, (loaded) buffers, windows or tab pages.
1650
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001651Possible values are (second column is the short name used in listing):
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001652 -addr=lines Range of lines (this is the default for -range)
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001653 -addr=arguments arg Range for arguments
1654 -addr=buffers buf Range for buffers (also not loaded buffers)
1655 -addr=loaded_buffers load Range for loaded buffers
1656 -addr=windows win Range for windows
1657 -addr=tabs tab Range for tab pages
1658 -addr=quickfix qf Range for quickfix entries
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001659 -addr=other ? other kind of range; can use ".", "$" and "%"
1660 as with "lines" (this is the default for
1661 -count)
Bram Moolenaarf1d6ccf2014-12-08 04:16:44 +01001662
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001663
1664Special cases ~
1665 *:command-bang* *:command-bar*
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +00001666 *:command-register* *:command-buffer*
Bram Moolenaar519cc552021-11-16 19:18:26 +00001667 *:command-keepscript*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001668There are some special cases as well:
1669
1670 -bang The command can take a ! modifier (like :q or :w)
1671 -bar The command can be followed by a "|" and another command.
1672 A "|" inside the command argument is not allowed then.
1673 Also checks for a " to start a comment.
1674 -register The first argument to the command can be an optional
1675 register name (like :del, :put, :yank).
1676 -buffer The command will only be available in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar58ef8a32021-11-12 11:25:11 +00001677 -keepscript Do not use the location of where the user command was
1678 defined for verbose messages, use the location of where
1679 the user command was invoked.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001680
1681In the cases of the -count and -register attributes, if the optional argument
1682is supplied, it is removed from the argument list and is available to the
1683replacement text separately.
Bram Moolenaar7cba6c02013-09-05 22:13:31 +02001684Note that these arguments can be abbreviated, but that is a deprecated
1685feature. Use the full name for new scripts.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001686
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001687
1688Replacement text ~
Bram Moolenaar73b8b0a2021-08-01 14:52:32 +02001689 *:command-repl*
Bram Moolenaar5d7c2df2021-07-27 21:17:32 +02001690The {repl} argument is normally one long string, possibly with "|" separated
1691commands. A special case is when the argument is "{", then the following
1692lines, up to a line starting with "}" are used and |Vim9| syntax applies.
1693Example: >
1694 :command MyCommand {
1695 echo 'hello'
1696 g:calledMyCommand = true
1697 }
Bram Moolenaar63b91732021-08-05 20:40:03 +02001698< *E1231*
1699There must be white space before the "{". No nesting is supported, inline
1700functions cannot be used. Commands where a "|" may appear in the argument,
1701such as commands with an expression argument, cannot be followed by a "|" and
1702another command.
Bram Moolenaar5d7c2df2021-07-27 21:17:32 +02001703
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001704The replacement text {repl} for a user defined command is scanned for special
1705escape sequences, using <...> notation. Escape sequences are replaced with
1706values from the entered command line, and all other text is copied unchanged.
1707The resulting string is executed as an Ex command. To avoid the replacement
1708use <lt> in place of the initial <. Thus to include "<bang>" literally use
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +00001709"<lt>bang>".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001710
1711The valid escape sequences are
1712
1713 *<line1>*
1714 <line1> The starting line of the command range.
1715 *<line2>*
1716 <line2> The final line of the command range.
Bram Moolenaarc168bd42017-09-10 17:34:35 +02001717 *<range>*
1718 <range> The number of items in the command range: 0, 1 or 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001719 *<count>*
1720 <count> Any count supplied (as described for the '-range'
1721 and '-count' attributes).
1722 *<bang>*
1723 <bang> (See the '-bang' attribute) Expands to a ! if the
1724 command was executed with a ! modifier, otherwise
1725 expands to nothing.
Bram Moolenaar1d59aa12020-09-19 18:50:13 +02001726 *<mods>* *<q-mods>* *:command-modifiers*
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001727 <mods> The command modifiers, if specified. Otherwise, expands to
Bram Moolenaarc95a3022016-06-12 23:01:46 +02001728 nothing. Supported modifiers are |:aboveleft|, |:belowright|,
1729 |:botright|, |:browse|, |:confirm|, |:hide|, |:keepalt|,
Bram Moolenaarbc8801c2016-08-02 21:04:33 +02001730 |:keepjumps|, |:keepmarks|, |:keeppatterns|, |:leftabove|,
1731 |:lockmarks|, |:noswapfile| |:rightbelow|, |:silent|, |:tab|,
1732 |:topleft|, |:verbose|, and |:vertical|.
1733 Note that these are not yet supported: |:noautocmd|,
1734 |:sandbox| and |:unsilent|.
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001735 Examples: >
1736 command! -nargs=+ -complete=file MyEdit
1737 \ for f in expand(<q-args>, 0, 1) |
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +00001738 \ exe '<mods> split ' .. f |
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001739 \ endfor
1740
1741 function! SpecialEdit(files, mods)
1742 for f in expand(a:files, 0, 1)
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +00001743 exe a:mods .. ' split ' .. f
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001744 endfor
1745 endfunction
1746 command! -nargs=+ -complete=file Sedit
1747 \ call SpecialEdit(<q-args>, <q-mods>)
1748<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749 *<reg>* *<register>*
1750 <reg> (See the '-register' attribute) The optional register,
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001751 if specified. Otherwise, expands to nothing. <register>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001752 is a synonym for this.
1753 *<args>*
1754 <args> The command arguments, exactly as supplied (but as
1755 noted above, any count or register can consume some
1756 of the arguments, which are then not part of <args>).
1757 <lt> A single '<' (Less-Than) character. This is needed if you
1758 want to get a literal copy of one of these escape sequences
1759 into the expansion - for example, to get <bang>, use
1760 <lt>bang>.
1761
1762 *<q-args>*
1763If the first two characters of an escape sequence are "q-" (for example,
1764<q-args>) then the value is quoted in such a way as to make it a valid value
1765for use in an expression. This uses the argument as one single value.
Bram Moolenaar51485f02005-06-04 21:55:20 +00001766When there is no argument <q-args> is an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar552f8a12007-03-08 17:12:08 +00001767 *<f-args>*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001768To allow commands to pass their arguments on to a user-defined function, there
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001769is a special form <f-args> ("function args"). This splits the command
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001770arguments at spaces and tabs, quotes each argument individually, and the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001771<f-args> sequence is replaced by the comma-separated list of quoted arguments.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001772See the Mycmd example below. If no arguments are given <f-args> is removed.
Bram Moolenaar552f8a12007-03-08 17:12:08 +00001773 To embed whitespace into an argument of <f-args>, prepend a backslash.
1774<f-args> replaces every pair of backslashes (\\) with one backslash. A
1775backslash followed by a character other than white space or a backslash
1776remains unmodified. Overview:
1777
1778 command <f-args> ~
1779 XX ab 'ab'
1780 XX a\b 'a\b'
1781 XX a\ b 'a b'
1782 XX a\ b 'a ', 'b'
1783 XX a\\b 'a\b'
1784 XX a\\ b 'a\', 'b'
1785 XX a\\\b 'a\\b'
1786 XX a\\\ b 'a\ b'
1787 XX a\\\\b 'a\\b'
1788 XX a\\\\ b 'a\\', 'b'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001789
1790Examples >
1791
1792 " Delete everything after here to the end
1793 :com Ddel +,$d
1794
1795 " Rename the current buffer
1796 :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=file Ren f <args>|w<bang>
1797
1798 " Replace a range with the contents of a file
1799 " (Enter this all as one line)
1800 :com -range -nargs=1 -complete=file
1801 Replace <line1>-pu_|<line1>,<line2>d|r <args>|<line1>d
1802
1803 " Count the number of lines in the range
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001804 :com! -range -nargs=0 Lines echo <line2> - <line1> + 1 "lines"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001805
1806 " Call a user function (example of <f-args>)
1807 :com -nargs=* Mycmd call Myfunc(<f-args>)
1808
1809When executed as: >
1810 :Mycmd arg1 arg2
1811This will invoke: >
1812 :call Myfunc("arg1","arg2")
1813
1814 :" A more substantial example
1815 :function Allargs(command)
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001816 : let i = 0
1817 : while i < argc()
1818 : if filereadable(argv(i))
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +00001819 : execute "e " .. argv(i)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001820 : execute a:command
1821 : endif
1822 : let i = i + 1
1823 : endwhile
1824 :endfunction
1825 :command -nargs=+ -complete=command Allargs call Allargs(<q-args>)
1826
1827The command Allargs takes any Vim command(s) as argument and executes it on all
1828files in the argument list. Usage example (note use of the "e" flag to ignore
1829errors and the "update" command to write modified buffers): >
1830 :Allargs %s/foo/bar/ge|update
1831This will invoke: >
1832 :call Allargs("%s/foo/bar/ge|update")
1833<
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001834If the command is defined in Vim9 script (a script that starts with
1835`:vim9script` and in a `:def` function) then {repl} will be executed as in Vim9
1836script. Thus this depends on where the command is defined, not where it is
1837used.
1838
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001839When defining a user command in a script, it will be able to call functions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001840local to the script and use mappings local to the script. When the user
1841invokes the user command, it will run in the context of the script it was
1842defined in. This matters if |<SID>| is used in a command.
1843
Bram Moolenaar91f84f62018-07-29 15:07:52 +02001844 vim:tw=78:ts=8:noet:ft=help:norl: