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Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2006 Mar 21
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000080< 64 ~
81
82To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
83base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000084
85For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
86
87Note that in the command >
88 :if "foo"
89"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
90use strlen(): >
91 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000092< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
93List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000094
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 *E706*
96You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
97to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000098equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000100 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000101 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000103
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001041.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000105 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
108around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000109
110 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
111 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
114have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000116A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
117Dictionary entry. Example: >
118 :function dict.init() dict
119 : let self.val = 0
120 :endfunction
121
122The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
123function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
124
125A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
126 :call Fn()
127 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000128
129The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000131
132You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
133arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000134 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135
136
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001371.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000138 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000139A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
140can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
141position in the sequence.
142
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144List creation ~
145 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147Examples: >
148 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
149 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152nested List: >
153 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154
155An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
156
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157
158List index ~
159 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000160An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
162 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000165When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000166 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000167<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
169the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000170 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
171
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000172To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000173is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174 :echo get(mylist, idx)
175 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
176
177
178List concatenation ~
179
180Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
181 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000182 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183
184To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
185it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
186
187
188Sublist ~
189
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000190A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
191separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000192 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000193
194Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
195similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
196available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000197 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
198 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
199 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000200
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000201The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
202is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
203 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
204 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
205
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000206NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
207using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
208mylist[s : e].
209
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000210
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000211List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000212 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000213When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
214variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
215change "bb": >
216 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
217 :let bb = aa
218 :call add(aa, 4)
219 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000220< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000221
222Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
223works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000224a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000225 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
226 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
229 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000232< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000233
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239the same value. >
240 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
241 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
242 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000243< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000244 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000247Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
248same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
250different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
251variables. Example: >
252 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000253< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000254 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000255< 0
256
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
258can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
259
260 :let a = 5
261 :let b = "5"
262 echo a == b
263< 1 >
264 echo [a] == [b]
265< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000266
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000267
268List unpack ~
269
270To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
271square brackets, like list items: >
272 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
273
274When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
275this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
276and a variable name: >
277 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
278
279This works like: >
280 :let var1 = mylist[0]
281 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000282 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000283
284Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
285empty list then.
286
287
288List modification ~
289 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000290To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000291 :let list[4] = "four"
292 :let listlist[0][3] = item
293
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000294To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000295modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000296 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
297
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
299examples: >
300 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
301 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
302 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000303 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000304 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
305 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000306 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000308 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000309 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000311Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000312 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
313 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
314
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000315
316For loop ~
317
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000318The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
319to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000320 :for item in mylist
321 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :endfor
323
324This works like: >
325 :let index = 0
326 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000327 : let item = mylist[index]
328 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000329 : let index = index + 1
330 :endwhile
331
332Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000333results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000334the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000335
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000336If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000337function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000339Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
340requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
341 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
342 : call Doit(lnum, col)
343 :endfor
344
345This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
346must remain the same to avoid an error.
347
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000349 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
350 : call Doit(i, j)
351 : if !empty(rest)
352 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
353 : endif
354 :endfor
355
356
357List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000358 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000359Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000361 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000362 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
363 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
364 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000365 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
366 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000367 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
368 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000369 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
370 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000371 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
372 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000374Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
375example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
376 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
377
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000378
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003791.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000380 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000381A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
383ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384
385
386Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000387 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000388A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000389braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
390only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
392 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000393< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
395String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
397Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000398
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000400nested Dictionary: >
401 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
402
403An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
404
405
406Accessing entries ~
407
408The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
409 :let val = mydict["one"]
410 :let mydict["four"] = 4
411
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
414For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
415form can be used |expr-entry|: >
416 :let val = mydict.one
417 :let mydict.four = 4
418
419Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
420key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000421 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000422
423
424Dictionary to List conversion ~
425
426You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
427turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
428
429Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
430 :for key in keys(mydict)
431 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
432 :endfor
433
434The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
435 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
436
437To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
438 :for v in values(mydict)
439 : echo "value: " . v
440 :endfor
441
442If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000443a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000444 :for entry in items(mydict)
445 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
446 :endfor
447
448
449Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000450 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000451Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
452Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
453Dictionary: >
454 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
455 :let adict = onedict
456 :let adict['a'] = 11
457 :echo onedict['a']
458 11
459
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000460Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
461more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000462
463
464Dictionary modification ~
465 *dict-modification*
466To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
467use |:let| this way: >
468 :let dict[4] = "four"
469 :let dict['one'] = item
470
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000471Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
472Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
473 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
474 :unlet dict.aaa
475 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000476
477Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000478 :call extend(adict, bdict)
479This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
480in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000481Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
482expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
483adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000484
485Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000486 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000487This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000488
489
490Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000491 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000492When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
493special way with a dictionary. Example: >
494 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000495 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000496 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000497 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
498 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499
500This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
501Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
502the function was invoked from.
503
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000504It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
505Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
506
507 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
509assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
511 :function mydict.len() dict
512 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000513 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000514 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000515
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000516The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
517that references this function. The function can only be used through a
518|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
519remaining that refers to it.
520
521It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522
523
524Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 *E715*
526Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000527 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
528 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
529 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
530 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
531 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
532 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
533 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
534 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000535
536
5371.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000538 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000539If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
540function.
541
542When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
543start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
544stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
545
546When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
547start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
548stored in the session file |session-file|.
549
550variable name can be stored where ~
551my_var_6 not
552My_Var_6 session file
553MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
554
555
556It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
557|curly-braces-names|.
558
559==============================================================================
5602. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
561
562Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
563
564|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
565
566|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
567
568|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
569
570|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
571 expr5 != expr5 not equal
572 expr5 > expr5 greater than
573 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
574 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
575 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
576 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
577 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
578
579 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
580 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
581 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
582 matching case
583
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000584 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
585 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000586
587|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000588 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
589 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
590
591|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
592 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
593 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
594
595|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
596 - expr7 unary minus
597 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000598
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000599
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000600|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
601 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
602 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
603 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604
605|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000606 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000607 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000608 [expr1, ...] |List|
609 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000610 &option option value
611 (expr1) nested expression
612 variable internal variable
613 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
614 $VAR environment variable
615 @r contents of register 'r'
616 function(expr1, ...) function call
617 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
618
619
620".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
621Example: >
622 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
623
624All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
625
626
627expr1 *expr1* *E109*
628-----
629
630expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
631
632The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
633non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
634otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
637
638Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
639other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
640Example: >
641 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
642
643To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
644 :echo lnum == 1
645 :\ ? "top"
646 :\ : lnum == 1000
647 :\ ? "last"
648 :\ : lnum
649
650
651expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
652---------------
653
654 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
655The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
656are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
657
658 input output ~
659n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
660zero zero zero zero
661zero non-zero non-zero zero
662non-zero zero non-zero zero
663non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
664
665The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
666
667 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
668
669Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
670
671 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
672
673Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
674arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
675
676 let a = 1
677 echo a || b
678
679This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
680so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
681
682 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
683
684This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
685only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
686
687
688expr4 *expr4*
689-----
690
691expr5 {cmp} expr5
692
693Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
694if it evaluates to true.
695
696 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
697 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
698 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
699 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
700 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
701 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000702 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000703 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
704equal == ==# ==?
705not equal != !=# !=?
706greater than > ># >?
707greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
708smaller than < <# <?
709smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
710regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
711regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000712same instance is
713different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000714
715Examples:
716"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
717"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
718"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
719
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000720 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000721A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
722"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
723Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000724
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000725 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000726A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
727equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000728recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
729
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000730 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000731A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
732equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000733
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000734When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
735referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
736the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
737using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000738different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
739is false.
740
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000741When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
742and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
743because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
744
745When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
746results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
747necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
748
749When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
750'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
751
752When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
753'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
754
755The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
756argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
757This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
758matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
759portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
760single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
761Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
762(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
763can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
764 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
765 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
766
767
768expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
769---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000770expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000771expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
772expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000773
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000774For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000775result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000776
777expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
778expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
779expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000780
781For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
782
783Note the difference between "+" and ".":
784 "123" + "456" = 579
785 "123" . "456" = "123456"
786
787When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
788When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
789
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000790None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000791
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000792
793expr7 *expr7*
794-----
795! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
796- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
797+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
798
799For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
800For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
801For '+' the number is unchanged.
802
803A String will be converted to a Number first.
804
805These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
806 !-1 == 0
807 !!8 == 1
808 --9 == 9
809
810
811expr8 *expr8*
812-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000813expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000814
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000815If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
816expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000817Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000818
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000819Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
820text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
821cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000822 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
823
824If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000825String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
826compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
827
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000828If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000829for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
830error. Example: >
831 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
832
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000833Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
834|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
835error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000837
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000838expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000839
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000840If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
841from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000842expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
843encodings.
844
845If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
846string minus one is used.
847
848A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
849the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
850
851If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
852expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
853
854Examples: >
855 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
856 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
857 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
858 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
859
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000860If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
861the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
862just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000863 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
864 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
865 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
866
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000867Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
868error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000869
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000870
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000871expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000872
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000873If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
874name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
875expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000876
877The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
878but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
879
880There must not be white space before or after the dot.
881
882Examples: >
883 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
884 :echo dict.one
885 :echo dict .2
886
887Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
888always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
889
890
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000891expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000892
893When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
894
895
896
897 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000898number
899------
900number number constant *expr-number*
901
902Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
903
904
905string *expr-string* *E114*
906------
907"string" string constant *expr-quote*
908
909Note that double quotes are used.
910
911A string constant accepts these special characters:
912\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
913\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
914\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
915\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
916\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
917\X.. same as \x..
918\X. same as \x.
919\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
920 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
921\U.... same as \u....
922\b backspace <BS>
923\e escape <Esc>
924\f formfeed <FF>
925\n newline <NL>
926\r return <CR>
927\t tab <Tab>
928\\ backslash
929\" double quote
930\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
931
932Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
933
934
935literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
936---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000937'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000938
939Note that single quotes are used.
940
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000941This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000942meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000943
944Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
945to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
946 if a =~ "\\s*"
947 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000948
949
950option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
951------
952&option option value, local value if possible
953&g:option global option value
954&l:option local option value
955
956Examples: >
957 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
958 if &insertmode
959
960Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
961and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
962anyway.
963
964
965register *expr-register*
966--------
967@r contents of register 'r'
968
969The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
970Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000971register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
972registers.
973
974When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
975evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000976
977
978nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
979-------
980(expr1) nested expression
981
982
983environment variable *expr-env*
984--------------------
985$VAR environment variable
986
987The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
988result is an empty string.
989 *expr-env-expand*
990Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
991expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
992are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
993the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
994fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
995does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
996 :echo $version
997 :echo expand("$version")
998The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
999variable (if your shell supports it).
1000
1001
1002internal variable *expr-variable*
1003-----------------
1004variable internal variable
1005See below |internal-variables|.
1006
1007
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001008function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001009-------------
1010function(expr1, ...) function call
1011See below |functions|.
1012
1013
1014==============================================================================
10153. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1016 *E461*
1017An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1018cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1019|curly-braces-names|.
1020
1021An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001022An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1023|:unlet|.
1024Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1025been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001026
1027There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1028specified by what is prepended:
1029
1030 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1031|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1032|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1033|global-variable| g: Global.
1034|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1035|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1036|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1037|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1038
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001039The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1040delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001041 :for k in keys(s:)
1042 : unlet s:[k]
1043 :endfor
1044<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001045 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1046A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1047Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1048This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1049|:bdelete|.
1050
1051One local buffer variable is predefined:
1052 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1053b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1054 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1055 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1056 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1057 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1058 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1059 : call My_Update()
1060 :endif
1061<
1062 *window-variable* *w:var*
1063A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1064is deleted when the window is closed.
1065
1066 *global-variable* *g:var*
1067Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1068access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1069place if you like.
1070
1071 *local-variable* *l:var*
1072Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1073But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1074
1075 *script-variable* *s:var*
1076In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1077accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1078
1079They can be used in:
1080- commands executed while the script is sourced
1081- functions defined in the script
1082- autocommands defined in the script
1083- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1084 defined in the script (recursively)
1085- user defined commands defined in the script
1086Thus not in:
1087- other scripts sourced from this one
1088- mappings
1089- etc.
1090
1091script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1092Take this example:
1093
1094 let s:counter = 0
1095 function MyCounter()
1096 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1097 echo s:counter
1098 endfunction
1099 command Tick call MyCounter()
1100
1101You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1102that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1103"Tick" was defined is used.
1104
1105Another example that does the same: >
1106
1107 let s:counter = 0
1108 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1109
1110When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001111script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001112defined.
1113
1114The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1115function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1116
1117 let s:counter = 0
1118 function StartCounting(incr)
1119 if a:incr
1120 function MyCounter()
1121 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1122 endfunction
1123 else
1124 function MyCounter()
1125 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1126 endfunction
1127 endif
1128 endfunction
1129
1130This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1131when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1132called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1133
1134When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1135They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1136maintain a counter: >
1137
1138 if !exists("s:counter")
1139 let s:counter = 1
1140 echo "script executed for the first time"
1141 else
1142 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1143 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1144 endif
1145
1146Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1147variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1148
1149
1150Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1151
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001152 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1153v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1154 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1155 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1158v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1159 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1160
1161 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1162v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1163 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1164
1165 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001166v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1167 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1168 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1169 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001170 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1171 highlighted text is used.
1172 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
1174 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1175v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1176 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1177
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001178 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1179v:charconvert_from
1180 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1181 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1182
1183 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1184v:charconvert_to
1185 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1186 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1187
1188 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1189v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1190 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1191 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1192 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1193 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1194 possible to append this variable directly after the
1195 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1196 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1197 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1198 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1199 in 'printexpr'.
1200
1201 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1202v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1203 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1204 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1205 can be used.
1206
1207 *v:count* *count-variable*
1208v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1209 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1210 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1211< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1212 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001213 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001214 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1215
1216 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1217v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1218 used.
1219
1220 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1221v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1222 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1223 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1224 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1225 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1226 command.
1227 See |multi-lang|.
1228
1229 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1230v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1231 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1232 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1233 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1234 Example: >
1235 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1236<
1237 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1238v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1239 Example: >
1240 :let v:errmsg = ""
1241 :silent! next
1242 :if v:errmsg != ""
1243 : ... handle error
1244< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1245
1246 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1247v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1248 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1249 Example: >
1250 :try
1251 : throw "oops"
1252 :catch /.*/
1253 : echo "caught" v:exception
1254 :endtry
1255< Output: "caught oops".
1256
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001257 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1258v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1259 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1260 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1261 deleted file no longer exists
1262 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1263 changed and buffer is modified
1264 changed file contents has changed
1265 mode mode of file changed
1266 time only file timestamp changed
1267
1268 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1269v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1270 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1271 do with the affected buffer:
1272 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1273 the file was deleted).
1274 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1275 was no autocommand. Except that when
1276 only the timestamp changed nothing
1277 will happen.
1278 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1279 everything that needs to be done.
1280 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1281 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1282
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001283 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001284v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' file to be converted
1287 'diffexpr' original file
1288 'patchexpr' original file
1289 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001290 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001291
1292 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1293v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1294 evaluating:
1295 option used for ~
1296 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1297 'diffexpr' output of diff
1298 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1299 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1300 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1301 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1302 file and different from v:fname_in.
1303
1304 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1305v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1306 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1307
1308 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1309v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1310 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1311
1312 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1313v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1314 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001315 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001316
1317 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1318v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001319 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001320
1321 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1322v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001323 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001324
1325 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1326v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001327 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001328
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001329 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1330v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1331 events. Values:
1332 i Insert mode
1333 r Replace mode
1334 v Virtual Replace mode
1335
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001336 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001337v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001338 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1339 Read-only.
1340
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001341 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1342v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1343 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1344 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1345 The value is system dependent.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command.
1348 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1349 in a different language than what is used for character
1350 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1351
1352 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1353v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1354 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1355 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1356 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1357 command. See |multi-lang|.
1358
1359 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001360v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00001361 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'. Only valid
1362 while one of these expressions is being evaluated. Read-only
1363 when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001364
1365 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1366v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1367 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1368 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1369 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1370< Read-only.
1371
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001372 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1373v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1374 See |profiling|.
1375
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001376 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1377v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1378 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1379 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1380 Read-only.
1381
1382 *v:register* *register-variable*
1383v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1384 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1385
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001386 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1387v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1388 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1389 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1390 typed command.
1391 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1392 hit-enter prompt.
1393
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001394 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1395v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1396 Read-only.
1397
1398 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1399v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1400 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1401 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1402 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1403 executed. Read-only.
1404 Example: >
1405 :!mv foo bar
1406 :if v:shell_error
1407 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1408 :endif
1409< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1410
1411 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1412v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1413
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001414 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1415v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1416 the swap file found. Read-only.
1417
1418 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1419v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1420 for handling an existing swap file:
1421 'o' Open read-only
1422 'e' Edit anyway
1423 'r' Recover
1424 'd' Delete swapfile
1425 'q' Quit
1426 'a' Abort
1427 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1428 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1429 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1430
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001431 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001432v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001433 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1434 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1435 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001436 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001437
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001438 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1439v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1440 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1441 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1442 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1443 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1444 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1445 terminal.
1446 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1447 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1448 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1449 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1450 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1451
1452 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1453v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1454 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1455 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1456 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1457
1458 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1459v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1460 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1461 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1462 Example: >
1463 :try
1464 : throw "oops"
1465 :catch /.*/
1466 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1467 :endtry
1468< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1469
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001470 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001471v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1472 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001473 |filter()|. Read-only.
1474
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001475 *v:version* *version-variable*
1476v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1477 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1478 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1479 compatibility.
1480 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1481 if has("patch123")
1482< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1483 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1484 completely different.
1485
1486 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1487v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1488
1489==============================================================================
14904. Builtin Functions *functions*
1491
1492See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1493
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001494(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001495
1496USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1497
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001498add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001499append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001500append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001501argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001502argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001503argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1504browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1505 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001506browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001507bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001508buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1509bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1511bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1512bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1513byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001514byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001515call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1516 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001517changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001518char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001519cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001521complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001522complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1523complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001524confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1525 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001526copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001527count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1528 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001529cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1530 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001531cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1532 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1533cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001534deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001535delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1536did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001537diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1538diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001539empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001540escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001541eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001542eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001543executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1544exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1545expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1546filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001547filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1548 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001549finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1550 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001551findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001552 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1554fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1556foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001559foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001560function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001561get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001562get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001563getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1564 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001565getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1566getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001567getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1568getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1569getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001570getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001571getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001572getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1573getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001574getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001576getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001577getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1578getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001579getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001580getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001581getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001582getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001583getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001584getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1585getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1586getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1587glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1588globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1589has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001590has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001591hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1592 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1594histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1595histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1596histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1597hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1598hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1599hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001600iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1601indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001602index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1603 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001604input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1605 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001606inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001607inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1608inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001609inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001610insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001611isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001612islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001613items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001614join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001615keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001616len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1617libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001618libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1619line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1620line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001621lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001623map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001624maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1625 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1626mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1627 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001628match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001630matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001631 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001632matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1633 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001634matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1635 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001636max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1637min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001638mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1639 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001640mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1642nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1643prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001644printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001645pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001646range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1647 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001648readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1649 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001650reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1651reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001652remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1653 String send expression
1654remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1655remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1656 Number check for reply string
1657remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1658remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1659 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001660remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001661remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001662rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1663repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1664resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001665reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001666search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001667searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1668 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001669searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001670 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001671searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001672 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001673searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001674 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001675server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1676 Number send reply string
1677serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1678setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1679setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1680setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001681setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1682 Number modify location list using {list}
1683setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001684setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001685setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001687sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001688soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001689spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001690spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1691 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001692split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001693 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001694str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001695strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001696stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1697 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001698string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001699strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1700strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1701 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001702strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1703 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001704strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001705submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001706substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1707 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001708synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001709synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1710 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1711synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001712system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001713tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1714tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1715tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1716 Number number of current window in tab page
1717taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001718tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001719tempname() String name for a temporary file
1720tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1721toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001722tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1723 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001724type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001725values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001726virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1727visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1728winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1729wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1730winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1731winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001732winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001733winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001734winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1735winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001736winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001737writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1738 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001740add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001741 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1742 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001743 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1744 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001745< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001746 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001747 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001748
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001749
1750append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001751 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1752 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001753 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1754 the current buffer.
1755 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001756 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1757 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001758 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001759 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001760<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001761 *argc()*
1762argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1763 current window. See |arglist|.
1764
1765 *argidx()*
1766argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1767 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1768
1769 *argv()*
1770argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1771 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1772 Example: >
1773 :let i = 0
1774 :while i < argc()
1775 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1776 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1777 : let i = i + 1
1778 :endwhile
1779<
1780 *browse()*
1781browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1782 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1783 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1784 The input fields are:
1785 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1786 {title} title for the requester
1787 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1788 {default} default file name
1789 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1790 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1791
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001792 *browsedir()*
1793browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1794 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1795 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1796 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1797 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1798 to be used.
1799 The input fields are:
1800 {title} title for the requester
1801 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1802 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1803 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1804
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001805bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1806 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1807 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001808 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001809 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001810 exactly. The name can be:
1811 - Relative to the current directory.
1812 - A full path.
1813 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1814 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001815 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1816 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1817 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1818 long name to be able to find them.
1819 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1820 file name.
1821 *buffer_exists()*
1822 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1823
1824buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1825 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1826 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001827 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001828
1829bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1830 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1831 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001832 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001833
1834bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1835 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1836 ":ls" command.
1837 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1838 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1839 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1840 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1841 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1842 match an empty string is returned.
1843 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1844 alternate buffer.
1845 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1846 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1847 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1848 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1849 buffers are searched for.
1850 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1851 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1852 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1853< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1854 string is returned. >
1855 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1856 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1857 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1858 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1859< *buffer_name()*
1860 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1861
1862 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001863bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1864 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001865 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001866 above.
1867 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1868 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1869 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001870 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1871 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1872< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1873 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1874 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1875 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1876 *buffer_number()*
1877 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1878 *last_buffer_nr()*
1879 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1880
1881bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1882 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1883 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1884 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1885 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1886
1887 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1888
1889< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1890 |:wincmd|.
1891
1892
1893byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1894 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1895 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1896 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1897 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1898 one.
1899 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1900 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1901 feature}
1902
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001903byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1904 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1905 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1906 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1907 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1908 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1909 Example : >
1910 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1911< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1912 same: >
1913 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1914 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1915< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1916 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1917 is returned.
1918
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001919call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001920 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001921 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001922 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001923 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1924 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001925 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1926 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001927
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001928changenr() *changenr()*
1929 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
1930 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
1931 with the |:undo| command.
1932 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
1933 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
1934 one less than the number of the undone change.
1935
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001936char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1937 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1938 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1939 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1940< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001941 char2nr("?") returns 225
1942 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001943< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001944
1945cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1946 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1947 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1948 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1949 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1950 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1951 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001952 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001953
1954 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001955col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001956 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1957 . the cursor position
1958 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1959 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1960 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1961 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001962 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
1963 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001964 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1965 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1966 Examples: >
1967 col(".") column of cursor
1968 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1969 col("'t") column of mark t
1970 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1971< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1972 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1973 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1974 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1975 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1976 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1977 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1978 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1979<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001980
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001981complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
1982 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
1983 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
1984 with an expression argument |:map-<expr>| or CTRL-R =
1985 |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O.
1986 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
1987 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
1988 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
1989 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
1990 match.
1991 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
1992 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
1993 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
1994 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
1995 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
1996 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
1997 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
1998 Example: >
1999 inoremap <expr> <F5> ListMonths()
2000
2001 func! ListMonths()
2002 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2003 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2004 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2005 return ''
2006 endfunc
2007< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2008 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2009
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002010complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2011 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2012 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2013 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2014 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2015 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002016 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2017 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002018
2019complete_check() *complete_check()*
2020 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2021 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2022 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2023 zero otherwise.
2024 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2025 'completefunc' option.
2026
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002027 *confirm()*
2028confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2029 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2030 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2031 choice this is 1.
2032 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2033 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2034 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2035 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2036 used (and translated).
2037 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2038 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2039 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2040 by '\n', e.g. >
2041 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2042< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2043 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2044 not need to be the first letter: >
2045 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2046< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2047 the default shortcut key.
2048 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2049 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2050 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2051 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2052 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2053 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2054 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2055 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2056 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2057 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2058 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2059
2060 An example: >
2061 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2062 :if choice == 0
2063 : echo "make up your mind!"
2064 :elseif choice == 3
2065 : echo "tasteful"
2066 :else
2067 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2068 :endif
2069< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2070 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2071 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2072 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2073 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2074 the horizontal layout is always used.
2075
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002076 *copy()*
2077copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2078 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002079 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2080 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002081 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002082 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002083 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002084
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002085count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002086 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002087 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002088 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002089 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002090 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2091
2092
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002093 *cscope_connection()*
2094cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2095 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2096 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2097 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2098 if there are no cscope connections;
2099 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2100
2101 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2102 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2103
2104 {num} Description of existence check
2105 ----- ------------------------------
2106 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2107 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2108 {dbpath}.
2109 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2110 {dbpath}.
2111 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2112 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2113 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2114 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2115
2116 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2117
2118 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2119
2120 # pid database name prepend path
2121 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2122<
2123 Invocation Return Val ~
2124 ---------- ---------- >
2125 cscope_connection() 1
2126 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2127 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2128 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2129 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2130 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2131 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2132 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2133<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002134cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2135cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002136 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002137 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002138 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002139 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2140 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002141 Does not change the jumplist.
2142 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2143 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2144 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002145 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002146 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2147 line.
2148 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002149 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2150 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2151 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002152
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002153
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002154deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002155 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2156 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002157 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2158 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2159 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002160 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002161 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2162 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2163 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2164 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2165 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2166 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002167 *E724*
2168 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002169 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2170 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002171 Also see |copy()|.
2172
2173delete({fname}) *delete()*
2174 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002175 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2176 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002177 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002178
2179 *did_filetype()*
2180did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2181 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2182 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2183 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2184 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2185 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2186 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2187 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2188 file.
2189
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002190diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2191 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2192 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2193 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2194 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2195 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2196 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2197 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2198
2199diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2200 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2201 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2202 diff change zero is returned.
2203 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2204 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2205 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2206 line.
2207 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2208 syntax information about the highlighting.
2209
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002210empty({expr}) *empty()*
2211 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002212 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2213 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2214 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2215 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002216
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002217escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2218 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2219 backslash. Example: >
2220 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2221< results in: >
2222 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002223
2224< *eval()*
2225eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2226 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2227 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002228 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002229
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002230eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2231 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2232 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2233 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2234 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2235
2236executable({expr}) *executable()*
2237 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2238 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002239 arguments.
2240 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2241 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2242 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2243 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2244 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2245 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2246 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2247 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2248 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2249 extension.
2250 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2251 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002252 The result is a Number:
2253 1 exists
2254 0 does not exist
2255 -1 not implemented on this system
2256
2257 *exists()*
2258exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2259 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2260 which contains one of these:
2261 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2262 not if it really works)
2263 +option-name Vim option that works.
2264 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2265 done by comparing with an empty
2266 string)
2267 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2268 or user defined function (see
2269 |user-functions|).
2270 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002271 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002272 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2273 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2274 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002275 invoked cause an error message for an
2276 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002277 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2278 command or command modifier |:command|.
2279 Returns:
2280 1 for match with start of a command
2281 2 full match with a command
2282 3 matches several user commands
2283 To check for a supported command
2284 always check the return value to be 2.
2285 #event autocommand defined for this event
2286 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2287 pattern (the pattern is taken
2288 literally and compared to the
2289 autocommand patterns character by
2290 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002291 #group autocommand group exists
2292 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2293 event.
2294 #group#event#pattern
2295 autocommand defined for this group,
2296 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002297 ##event autocommand for this event is
2298 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002299 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2300
2301 Examples: >
2302 exists("&shortname")
2303 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2304 exists("*strftime")
2305 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2306 exists("bufcount")
2307 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002308 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002309 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002310 exists("#filetypeindent")
2311 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2312 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002313 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002314< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2315 name.
2316 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2317 variable itself! For example: >
2318 exists(bufcount)
2319< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2320 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2321 exists.
2322
2323expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2324 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2325 The result is a String.
2326
2327 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2328 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2329 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2330
2331 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2332 for a non-existing file is not included.
2333
2334 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2335 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2336 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2337
2338 % current file name
2339 # alternate file name
2340 #n alternate file name n
2341 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2342 <afile> autocmd file name
2343 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2344 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2345 <sfile> sourced script file name
2346 <cword> word under the cursor
2347 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2348 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2349 message |server2client()|
2350 Modifiers:
2351 :p expand to full path
2352 :h head (last path component removed)
2353 :t tail (last path component only)
2354 :r root (one extension removed)
2355 :e extension only
2356
2357 Example: >
2358 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2359< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2360 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2361 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2362< Use this: >
2363 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2364< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2365 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2366 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2367 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2368 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2369<
2370 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2371 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2372 to modify normal file names.
2373
2374 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2375 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2376 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2377 '/' added.
2378
2379 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2380 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2381 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2382 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002383 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2384 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2385 files in the current directory and below: >
2386 :echo expand("**/README")
2387<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002388 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2389 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2390 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2391 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2392 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2393 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2394 "$FOOBAR".
2395
2396 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2397 getting the raw output of an external command.
2398
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002399extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002400 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2401 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002402
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002403 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002404 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2405 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2406 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2407 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002408 Examples: >
2409 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2410 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002411< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2412 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002413 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002414<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002415 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002416 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2417 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2418 used to decide what to do:
2419 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2420 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002421 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002422 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2423
2424 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2425 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2426 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2427 Returns {expr1}.
2428
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002429
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002430filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2431 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2432 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2433 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2434 expression, which is used as a String.
2435 *file_readable()*
2436 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2437
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002438
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002439filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002440 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002441 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002442 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002443 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002444 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002445 Examples: >
2446 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2447< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2448 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2449< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2450 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002451< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002452
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002453 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2454 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2455 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2456
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002457 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2458 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002459 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002460
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002461< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002462 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2463 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002464
2465
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002466finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002467 Find directory {name} in {path}. Returns the path of the
2468 first found match. When the found directory is below the
2469 current directory a relative path is returned. Otherwise a
2470 full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002471 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2472 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002473 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002474 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002475 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2476
2477findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2478 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002479 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2480 Example: >
2481 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2482< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2483 the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002484
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002485filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2486 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2487 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2488 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2489 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2490
2491fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2492 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2493 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2494 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2495 Example: >
2496 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2497< results in: >
2498 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2499< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2500 |expand()| first then.
2501
2502foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2503 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2504 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2505 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2506
2507foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2508 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2509 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2510 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2511
2512foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2513 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2514 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2515 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2516 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2517 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2518 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2519 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2520 previous line is usually available.
2521
2522 *foldtext()*
2523foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2524 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2525 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2526 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2527 The returned string looks like this: >
2528 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2529< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2530 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2531 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2532 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2533 options is removed.
2534 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2535
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002536foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2537 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2538 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2539 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2540 returned.
2541 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2542 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2543 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2544 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2545
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002546 *foreground()*
2547foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2548 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2549 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2550 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2551 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2552 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2553 Win32 console version}
2554
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002555
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002556function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002557 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002558 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2559
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002560
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002561garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002562 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002563 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2564 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2565 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2566 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2567 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002568 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2569 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2570 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002571
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002572get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002573 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002574 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2575 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002576get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002577 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002578 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2579 {default} is omitted.
2580
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002581 *getbufline()*
2582getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002583 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2584 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2585 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002586
2587 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2588
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002589 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2590 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002591
2592 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002593 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002594
2595 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2596 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002597 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002598 returned.
2599
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002600 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002601 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002602
2603 Example: >
2604 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002605
2606getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2607 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2608 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2609 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002610 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2611 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2612 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002613 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2614 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2615 returned, there is no error message.
2616 Examples: >
2617 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2618 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2619<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002620getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2621 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2622 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2623 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2624 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2625 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2626 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2627 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2628 not consumed. If a normal character is
2629 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2630 non-zero value is returned.
2631 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2632 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2633 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2634 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2635 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2636 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2637 user that a character has to be typed.
2638 There is no mapping for the character.
2639 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2640 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2641 sequence. Examples: >
2642 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2643 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2644< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2645 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2646 :function FindChar()
2647 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2648 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2649 : normal l
2650 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2651 : break
2652 : endif
2653 : endwhile
2654 :endfunction
2655
2656getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2657 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2658 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2659 These values are added together:
2660 2 shift
2661 4 control
2662 8 alt (meta)
2663 16 mouse double click
2664 32 mouse triple click
2665 64 mouse quadruple click
2666 128 Macintosh only: command
2667 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2668 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2669 with no modifier.
2670
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002671getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2672 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2673 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2674 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2675 Example: >
2676 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002677< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002678
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002679getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002680 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2681 byte count. The first column is 1.
2682 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2683 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002684 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2685
2686getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2687 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2688 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002689 : normal Ex command
2690 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2691 / forward search command
2692 ? backward search command
2693 @ |input()| command
2694 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002695 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2696 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2697 otherwise.
2698 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002699
2700 *getcwd()*
2701getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2702 working directory.
2703
2704getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2705 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2706 given file {fname}.
2707 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2708 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2709
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002710getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2711 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2712 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2713 |hl-Normal|.
2714 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2715 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2716 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2717 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2718 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2719 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2720 for a valid name does not work.
2721 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2722 function just after the GUI has started.
2723
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002724getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2725 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2726 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2727 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2728 empty string is returned.
2729 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2730 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2731 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2732 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2733 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2734 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2735< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2736 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002737
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002738getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2739 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2740 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2741 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2742 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2743 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2744
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002745getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2746 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2747 file of the given file {fname}.
2748 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2749 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2750 results:
2751 Normal file "file"
2752 Directory "dir"
2753 Symbolic link "link"
2754 Block device "bdev"
2755 Character device "cdev"
2756 Socket "socket"
2757 FIFO "fifo"
2758 All other "other"
2759 Example: >
2760 getftype("/home")
2761< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2762 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2763 "file" are returned.
2764
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002765 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002766getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2767 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2768 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002769 getline(1)
2770< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2771 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2772 To get the line under the cursor: >
2773 getline(".")
2774< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2775 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2776
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002777 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2778 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002779 including line {end}.
2780 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2781 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002782 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002783 Example: >
2784 :let start = line('.')
2785 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2786 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2787
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002788getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2789 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2790 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2791 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002792 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2793 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002794
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002795getqflist() *getqflist()*
2796 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2797 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2798 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2799 bufname() to get the name
2800 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2801 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002802 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2803 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002804 nr error number
2805 text description of the error
2806 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2807 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2808
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002809 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2810 returned.
2811
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002812 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2813 do something with them: >
2814 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2815 :for d in getqflist()
2816 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2817 :endfor
2818
2819
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002820getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002821 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002822 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002823 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2824< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002825 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002826 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2827 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2828 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002829 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2830
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002831
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002832getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2833 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2834 The value will be one of:
2835 "v" for |characterwise| text
2836 "V" for |linewise| text
2837 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2838 0 for an empty or unknown register
2839 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2840 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2841
2842 *getwinposx()*
2843getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2844 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2845 -1 if the information is not available.
2846
2847 *getwinposy()*
2848getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2849 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2850 information is not available.
2851
2852getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2853 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002854 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2855 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002856 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2857 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2858 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002859 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2860 Examples: >
2861 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2862 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2863<
2864 *glob()*
2865glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2866 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2867 characters.
2868 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2869 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2870
2871 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2872 any external command. Example: >
2873 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2874 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2875< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2876 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2877
2878 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2879 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2880
2881globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2882 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2883 the results. Example: >
2884 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2885< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2886 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2887 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2888 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2889 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2890 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2891 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2892 error message.
2893 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2894 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2895
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002896 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2897 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2898 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2899 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2900<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002901 *has()*
2902has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2903 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2904 string. See |feature-list| below.
2905 Also see |exists()|.
2906
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002907
2908has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002909 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
2910 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002911
2912
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002913hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002914 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2915 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2916 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2917 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002918 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002919 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
2920 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002921 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2922 buffer are checked for a match.
2923 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2924 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2925 n Normal mode
2926 v Visual mode
2927 o Operator-pending mode
2928 i Insert mode
2929 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2930 c Command-line mode
2931 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2932
2933 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2934 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2935 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2936 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2937 :endif
2938< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2939 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2940
2941histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2942 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2943 one of: *hist-names*
2944 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2945 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2946 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2947 "input" or "@" input line history
2948 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2949 shifted to become the newest entry.
2950 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2951 otherwise 0 is returned.
2952
2953 Example: >
2954 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2955 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2956< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2957
2958histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002959 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002960 for the possible values of {history}.
2961
2962 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2963 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2964 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2965 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2966 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2967 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2968 if it exists.
2969
2970 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2971 otherwise 0 is returned.
2972
2973 Examples:
2974 Clear expression register history: >
2975 :call histdel("expr")
2976<
2977 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2978 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2979<
2980 The following three are equivalent: >
2981 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2982 :call histdel("search", -1)
2983 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2984<
2985 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2986 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2987 :call histdel("search", -1)
2988 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2989
2990histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2991 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2992 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2993 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2994 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2995 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2996
2997 Examples:
2998 Redo the second last search from history. >
2999 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3000
3001< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3002 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3003 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3004<
3005histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3006 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3007 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3008 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3009
3010 Example: >
3011 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3012<
3013hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3014 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3015 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3016 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3017 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3018 item.
3019 *highlight_exists()*
3020 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3021
3022 *hlID()*
3023hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3024 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3025 zero is returned.
3026 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3027 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3028 "Comment" group: >
3029 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3030< *highlightID()*
3031 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3032
3033hostname() *hostname()*
3034 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003035 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003036 256 characters long are truncated.
3037
3038iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3039 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3040 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3041 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3042 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3043 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3044 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3045 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3046 can be done.
3047 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3048 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3049 UTF-8 and use: >
3050 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3051< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3052 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3053 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3054 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3055
3056 *indent()*
3057indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3058 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3059 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3060 |getline()|.
3061 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3062
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003063
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003064index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003065 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003066 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003067 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3068 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003069 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3070 case must match.
3071 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3072 Example: >
3073 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003074 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003075
3076
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003077input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003078 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3079 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3080 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003081 prompt to start a new line.
3082 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3083 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3084 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3085 for lines typed for input().
3086 Example: >
3087 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3088 : echo "Cheers!"
3089 :endif
3090<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003091 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3092 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003093 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3094
3095< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3096 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3097 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3098 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3099 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3100 more information. Example: >
3101 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3102<
3103 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3104 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003105 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3106 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3107 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3108 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3109 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3110 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3111 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3112
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003113 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003114 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3115 :function GetFoo()
3116 : call inputsave()
3117 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3118 : call inputrestore()
3119 :endfunction
3120
3121inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3122 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3123 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3124 Example: >
3125 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3126 :if n != ""
3127 : let &sw = n
3128 :endif
3129< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3130 omitted an empty string is returned.
3131 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3132 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003133 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003134
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003135inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
3136 {textlist} must be a list of strings. This list is displayed,
3137 one string per line. The user will be prompted to enter a
3138 number, which is returned.
3139 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3140 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3141 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3142 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3143 is returned.
3144 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3145 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3146 the start of the string. Example: >
3147 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3148 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3149
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003150inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3151 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3152 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3153 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3154 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3155
3156inputsave() *inputsave()*
3157 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3158 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3159 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3160 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3161 many inputrestore() calls.
3162 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3163
3164inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3165 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3166 two exceptions:
3167 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3168 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3169 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3170 |history| stack.
3171 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3172 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003173 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003174
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003175insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003176 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003177 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3178 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3179 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3180 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003181 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003182 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3183 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3184 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003185< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003186 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003187 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003188
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003189isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3190 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3191 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3192 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3193 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3194
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003195islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3196 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3197 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003198 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3199 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003200 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3201 :lockvar 1 alist
3202 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3203 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3204
3205< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3206 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3207
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003208items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003209 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3210 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3211 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3212 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003213
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003214
3215join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3216 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3217 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3218 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3219 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3220 add it there too: >
3221 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003222< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003223 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3224 The opposite function is |split()|.
3225
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003226keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003227 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003228 arbitrary order.
3229
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003230 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003231len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3232 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3233 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003234 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003235 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003236 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3237 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003238 Otherwise an error is given.
3239
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003240 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3241libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3242 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3243 with single argument {argument}.
3244 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3245 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3246 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3247 limited.
3248 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3249 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3250 to Vim.
3251 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3252 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3253 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3254 null-terminated string.
3255 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3256
3257 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3258 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3259 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3260 very probably crash.
3261
3262 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3263 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3264 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3265 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3266 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3267 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3268 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3269 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3270 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3271 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3272
3273 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3274 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3275 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3276 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3277 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3278 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3279 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3280 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3281 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3282 feature is present}
3283 Examples: >
3284 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3285 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3286<
3287 *libcallnr()*
3288libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3289 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3290 int instead of a string.
3291 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3292 feature is present}
3293 Example (not very useful...): >
3294 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3295 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3296<
3297 *line()*
3298line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3299 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3300 . the cursor position
3301 $ the last line in the current buffer
3302 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3303 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003304 w0 first line visible in current window
3305 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003306 Note that a mark in another file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003307 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3308 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003309 Examples: >
3310 line(".") line number of the cursor
3311 line("'t") line number of mark t
3312 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3313< *last-position-jump*
3314 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3315 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3316 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003317
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003318line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3319 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3320 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3321 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3322 line returns 1.
3323 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3324 below the last line: >
3325 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3326< This is the file size plus one.
3327 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3328 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3329 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3330
3331lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3332 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3333 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3334 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3335 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3336 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3337 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3338
3339localtime() *localtime()*
3340 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3341 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3342
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003343
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003344map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003345 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003346 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3347 {string}.
3348 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003349 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003350 Example: >
3351 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003352< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003353
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003354 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003355 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003356 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3357 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003358
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003359 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3360 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003361 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003362
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003363< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003364 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3365 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003366
3367
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003368maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003369 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3370 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003371 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003372 "n" Normal
3373 "v" Visual
3374 "o" Operator-pending
3375 "i" Insert
3376 "c" Cmd-line
3377 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3378 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003379 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003380 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3381 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003382 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3383 command. The returned String has special characters
3384 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3385 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3386 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003387 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3388 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3389 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3390
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003391
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003392mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003393 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3394 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3395 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003396 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3397 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003398 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3399 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3400
3401 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3402 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3403 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3404 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3405 mapcheck("b") no no no
3406
3407 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3408 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3409 mapping for {name} exactly.
3410 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3411 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3412 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3413 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3414 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3415 then the global mappings.
3416 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3417 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3418 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3419 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3420 :endif
3421< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3422 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3423
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003424match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003425 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3426 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003427 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003428 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3429 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3430 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003431 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003432 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3433 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003434 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003435 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003436< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003437 *strpbrk()*
3438 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3439 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3440< *strcasestr()*
3441 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3442 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3443 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3444<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003445 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003446 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003447 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003448 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003449 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3450< result is again "4". >
3451 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3452< result is again "4". >
3453 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3454< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003455 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003456 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3457 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3458 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3459 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003460 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3461 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003462 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3463 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003464
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003465 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003466 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003467 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3468 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3469< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003470 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3471 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003472
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003473 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3474 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3475 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3476 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3477
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003478matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003479 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3480 the match. Example: >
3481 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3482< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003483 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3484 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3485 do it with matchend(): >
3486 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3487 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3488< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3489
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003490 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3491 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3492< results in "7". >
3493 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3494< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003495 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003496
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003497matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003498 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003499 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3500 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3501 in |:substitute|.
3502 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3503
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003504matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003505 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3506 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3507< results in "ing".
3508 When there is no match "" is returned.
3509 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3510 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3511< results in "ing". >
3512 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3513< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003514 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003515 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003516
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003517 *max()*
3518max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3519 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3520 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003521 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003522
3523 *min()*
3524min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3525 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3526 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003527 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003528
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003529 *mkdir()* *E749*
3530mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3531 Create directory {name}.
3532 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3533 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3534 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3535 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3536 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3537 for others.
3538 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3539 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3540 :if exists("*mkdir")
3541<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003542 *mode()*
3543mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3544 n Normal
3545 v Visual by character
3546 V Visual by line
3547 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3548 s Select by character
3549 S Select by line
3550 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3551 i Insert
3552 R Replace
3553 c Command-line
3554 r Hit-enter prompt
3555 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3556 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3557
3558nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3559 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3560 that is not blank. Example: >
3561 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3562< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3563 below it, zero is returned.
3564 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3565
3566nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3567 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3568 value {expr}. Examples: >
3569 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3570 nr2char(32) returns " "
3571< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3572 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3573< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3574 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3575 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003576 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003577
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003578 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003579getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3580 see |line()|.
3581 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3582 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3583 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3584 is the buffer number of the mark.
3585 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3586 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003587 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3588 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3589 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3590 character.
3591 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3592 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3593 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003594 call setpos(save_cursor)
3595< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003596
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003597prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3598 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3599 that is not blank. Example: >
3600 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3601< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3602 above it, zero is returned.
3603 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3604
3605
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003606printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3607 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3608 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003609 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003610< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003611 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003612
3613 Often used items are:
3614 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003615 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3616 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003617 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003618 %d decimal number
3619 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3620 %x hex number
3621 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3622 %X hex number using upper case letters
3623 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003624 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003625
3626 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3627 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3628 the result.
3629
3630 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003631 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003632
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003633 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003634
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003635 flags
3636 Zero or more of the following flags:
3637
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003638 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3639 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3640 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3641 of the number is increased to force the first
3642 character of the output string to a zero (except
3643 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3644 precision of zero).
3645 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3646 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3647 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003648
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003649 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3650 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3651 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3652 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3653 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003654
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003655 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3656 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3657 The converted value is padded on the right with
3658 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3659 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003660
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003661 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3662 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003663
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003664 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3665 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3666 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003667
3668 field-width
3669 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003670 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3671 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3672 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3673 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003674
3675 .precision
3676 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3677 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3678 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3679 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3680 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003681 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003682
3683 type
3684 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3685 be applied, see below.
3686
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003687 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3688 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3689 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3690 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3691 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3692 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003693 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003694< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003695 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003696
3697 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003698
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003699 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3700 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3701 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3702 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003703 conversions.
3704 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3705 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3706 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3707 zeros.
3708 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3709 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3710 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3711 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3712
3713 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3714 resulting character is written.
3715
3716 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3717 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3718 specified are used.
3719
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003720 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3721 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003722
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003723 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3724 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3725 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003726
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003727 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003728 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3729 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003730 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003731
3732
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003733pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3734 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3735 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003736 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
3737 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003738
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003739 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003740range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003741 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003742 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3743 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3744 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3745 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3746 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003747 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3748 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3749 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003750 Examples: >
3751 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3752 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3753 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3754 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003755 range(0) " []
3756 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003757<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003758 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003759readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003760 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3761 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003762 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3763 NL appears somewhere).
3764 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3765 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3766 added.
3767 - No CR characters are removed.
3768 Otherwise:
3769 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3770 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3771 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003772 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3773 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3774 lines of a file: >
3775 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3776 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3777 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003778< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3779 are returned, or as many as there are.
3780 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003781 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3782 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3783 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003784 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3785 the result is an empty list.
3786 Also see |writefile()|.
3787
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003788reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
3789 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
3790 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
3791 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
3792 Without an argument it returns the current time.
3793 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
3794 specified in the argument.
3795 With two arguments it returns the time passed betweein {start}
3796 and {end}.
3797 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
3798 reltime().
3799 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3800
3801reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
3802 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
3803 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
3804 microseconds. Example: >
3805 let start = reltime()
3806 call MyFunction()
3807 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
3808< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
3809 The accuracy depends on the system.
3810 Also see |profiling|.
3811 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3812
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003813 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3814remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3815 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3816 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003817 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
3818 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
3819 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003820 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3821 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3822 remote_read() is stored there.
3823 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3824 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3825 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3826 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3827 and the result will be the empty string.
3828 Examples: >
3829 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3830 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3831<
3832
3833remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3834 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3835 This works like: >
3836 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3837< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3838 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3839 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003840 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3841 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003842 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3843 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3844 Win32 console version}
3845
3846
3847remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3848 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3849 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3850 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3851 name of a variable.
3852 Returns zero if none are available.
3853 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3854 See also |clientserver|.
3855 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3856 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3857 Examples: >
3858 :let repl = ""
3859 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3860
3861remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3862 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3863 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3864 See also |clientserver|.
3865 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3866 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3867 Example: >
3868 :echo remote_read(id)
3869<
3870 *remote_send()* *E241*
3871remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003872 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3873 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3874 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003875 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
3876 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
3877 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003878 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3879 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3880 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3881 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3882 up the display.
3883 Examples: >
3884 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3885 \ remote_read(serverid)
3886
3887 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3888 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3889 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3890 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003891<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003892remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003893 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003894 return it.
3895 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3896 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3897 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3898 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3899 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003900 Example: >
3901 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003902 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003903remove({dict}, {key})
3904 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3905 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3906< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3907
3908 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003909
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003910rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3911 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3912 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3913 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3914 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3915 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3916
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003917repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3918 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3919 result. Example: >
3920 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3921< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003922 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003923 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003924 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3925< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003926
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003927
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003928resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3929 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3930 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3931 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3932 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3933 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3934 stopped after 100 iterations.
3935 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3936 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3937 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3938 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3939 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3940
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003941 *reverse()*
3942reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3943 {list}.
3944 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3945 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3946
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003947search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003948 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003949 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003950
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003951 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3952 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003953 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
3954 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003955 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003956 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
3957 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003958 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3959 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
3960 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3961
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003962 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3963 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3964 flag.
3965
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003966 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
3967 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
3968 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
3969 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
3970 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
3971< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
3972 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
3973
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003974 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3975 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003976 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3977 *search()-sub-match*
3978 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
3979 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
3980 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003981 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003982
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003983 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3984 flag is used.
3985
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003986 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3987 :let n = 1
3988 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3989 : exe "argument " . n
3990 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3991 : " first search to find match at start of file
3992 : normal G$
3993 : let flags = "w"
3994 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3995 : s/foo/bar/g
3996 : let flags = "W"
3997 : endwhile
3998 : update " write the file if modified
3999 : let n = n + 1
4000 :endwhile
4001<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004002 Example for using some flags: >
4003 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4004< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4005 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4006 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4007 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4008 line:
4009 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4010 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4011 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4012 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4013 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4014
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004015
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004016searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4017 Search for the declaration of {name}.
4018
4019 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4020 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4021 first match in the function.
4022
4023 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4024 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4025 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4026
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004027 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4028 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4029 Example: >
4030 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4031 echo getline('.')
4032 endif
4033<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004034 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004035searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004036 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4037 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4038 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004039 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4040 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4041 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4042 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4043 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4044 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004045
4046 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4047 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4048 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4049 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4050 typical use is: >
4051 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4052< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4053
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004054 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4055 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004056 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4057 outer pair
4058 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004059 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004060
4061 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4062 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4063 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4064 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4065 or a string.
4066 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4067 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4068 and -1 returned.
4069
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004070 For {stopline} see |search()|.
4071
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004072 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4073 patterns are used like it's on.
4074
4075 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4076 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4077 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4078 if 1
4079 if 2
4080 endif 2
4081 endif 1
4082< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4083 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4084 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4085 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4086 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4087 "endif 2".
4088 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4089 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4090 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4091 the matching start.
4092
4093 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4094
4095 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4096 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4097
4098< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4099 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4100 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4101 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4102 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4103 match.
4104 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4105
4106 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4107
4108< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4109 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4110 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4111
4112 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4113 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4114<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004115 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004116searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004117 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4118 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4119 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004120 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4121 returns [0, 0].
4122>
4123 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4124<
4125 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4126
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004127searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4128 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004129 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4130 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4131 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4132 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004133 Example: >
4134 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4135
4136< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4137 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4138 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4139< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4140 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4141
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004142server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4143 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4144 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4145 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4146 Note:
4147 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004148 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004149 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4150 See also |clientserver|.
4151 Example: >
4152 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4153<
4154serverlist() *serverlist()*
4155 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4156 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4157 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4158 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4159 Example: >
4160 :echo serverlist()
4161<
4162setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4163 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4164 {val}.
4165 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4166 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4167 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4168 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4169 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4170 Examples: >
4171 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4172 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4173< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4174
4175setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4176 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4177 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4178 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4179 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004180 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4181 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4182 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4183 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4184 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004185 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4186 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4187 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4188 line.
4189
4190setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004191 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4192 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004193 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4194 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004195 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4196 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004197 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004198< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004199 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4200 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4201< This is equivalent to: >
4202 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4203 : call setline(n, l)
4204 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004205< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4206
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004207setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4208 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4209 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004210 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4211 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004212 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004213
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004214 *setpos()*
4215setpos({expr}, {list})
4216 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4217 . the cursor
4218 'x mark x
4219
4220 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4221 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4222
4223 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
4224 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
4225 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4226 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4227 number.
4228
4229 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4230 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4231
4232 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4233 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4234 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4235 character.
4236
4237 Also see |getpos()|
4238
4239
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004240setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004241 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4242 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4243 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4244 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004245
4246 filename name of a file
4247 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004248 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004249 col column number
4250 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
4251 when zero: "col" is byte index
4252 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004253 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004254 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004255
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004256 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4257 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4258 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004259 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
4260 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
4261 handled as an error line.
4262 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4263 be used.
4264
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004265 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4266 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4267 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4268 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4269 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4270 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4271
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004272 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4273
4274 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4275 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4276 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4277
4278
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004279 *setreg()*
4280setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4281 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4282 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4283 then the value is appended.
4284 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4285 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4286 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4287 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4288 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4289 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4290 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4291 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4292
4293 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4294 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4295 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4296 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4297
4298 Examples: >
4299 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4300 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4301 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4302
4303< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4304 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004305 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004306 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4307 ....
4308 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4309
4310< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4311 nothing: >
4312 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4313
4314setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4315 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004316 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004317 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4318 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4319 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4320 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
4321 Examples: >
4322 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4323 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
4324< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4325
4326simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4327 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4328 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4329 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4330 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4331 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4332 not removed either.
4333 Example: >
4334 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4335< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4336 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4337 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4338 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4339 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4340
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004341
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004342sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004343 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4344 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4345 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4346< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004347 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004348 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004349 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004350 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4351 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004352 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4353 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4354 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4355 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4356 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4357 endfunc
4358 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004359<
4360
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004361 *soundfold()*
4362soundfold({word})
4363 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4364 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004365 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4366 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004367 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4368 the method can be quite slow.
4369
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004370 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004371spellbadword([{sentence}])
4372 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4373 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4374 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4375 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4376
4377 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4378 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4379 result is an empty string.
4380
4381 The return value is a list with two items:
4382 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4383 - The type of the spelling error:
4384 "bad" spelling mistake
4385 "rare" rare word
4386 "local" word only valid in another region
4387 "caps" word should start with Capital
4388 Example: >
4389 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4390< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4391
4392 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4393 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4394 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004395
4396 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004397spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004398 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004399 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4400 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4401
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004402 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4403 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4404 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4405
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004406 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4407 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004408 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4409 replace a line.
4410
4411 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004412 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4413 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004414
4415 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004416 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4417 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004418
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004419
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004420split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004421 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4422 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4423 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004424 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004425 removing the matched characters.
4426 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4427 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004428 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4429 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004430 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004431 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004432< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004433 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004434< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4435 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4436< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004437 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4438 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4439< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004440
4441
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004442str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4443 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4444 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4445 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4446 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4447 with the default String to Number conversion.
4448 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4449 different base the result will be zero.
4450 Text after the number is silently ignored.
4451
4452
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004453strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4454 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4455 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4456 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4457 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4458 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4459 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4460 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4461 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4462 Examples: >
4463 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4464 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4465 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4466 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4467 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4468 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004469< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4470 :if exists("*strftime")
4471
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004472stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4473 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4474 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004475 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4476 This can be used to find a second match: >
4477 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4478 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4479< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004480 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004481 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004482 See also |strridx()|.
4483 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004484 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4485 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4486 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004487< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4488 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4489 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4490
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004491 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004492string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4493 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4494 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004495 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004496 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004497 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004498 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004499 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004500 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004501 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004502
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004503 *strlen()*
4504strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004505 {expr} in bytes.
4506 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4507 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004508
4509 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004510<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004511 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4512 For other types an error is given.
4513 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004514
4515strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4516 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004517 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004518 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4519 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4520 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4521 end of the {src}. >
4522 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4523 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4524 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4525 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4526< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4527 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4528 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4529<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004530strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4531 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4532 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4533 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4534 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4535 match: >
4536 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4537 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4538< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004539 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4540 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004541 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004542 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004543 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004544< *strrchr()*
4545 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4546 function strrchr().
4547
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004548strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4549 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4550 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4551 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4552 echo strtrans(@a)
4553< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4554 starting a new line.
4555
4556submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4557 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4558 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4559 the whole matched text is returned.
4560 Example: >
4561 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4562< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4563 A line break is included as a newline character.
4564
4565substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4566 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4567 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4568 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4569 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4570 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4571 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4572 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4573 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4574 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4575 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4576 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4577 unmodified.
4578 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4579 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4580 Example: >
4581 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4582< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4583 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4584< results in "TESTING".
4585
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004586synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004587 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004588 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004589 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4590 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004591
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004592 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004593 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4594
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004595 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4596 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4597 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4598 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4599 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4600 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4601 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4602
4603 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4604 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4605<
4606synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4607 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4608 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4609 about a syntax item.
4610 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4611 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4612 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4613 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4614 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4615 {what} result
4616 "name" the name of the syntax item
4617 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4618 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4619 term: empty string)
4620 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4621 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4622 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4623 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4624 "bold" "1" if bold
4625 "italic" "1" if italic
4626 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4627 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4628 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004629 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004630
4631 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4632 cursor): >
4633 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4634<
4635synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4636 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4637 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4638 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4639 ":highlight link" are followed.
4640
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004641system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4642 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4643 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4644 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4645 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004646 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004647 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4648 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4649 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004650 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4651 The result is a String. Example: >
4652
4653 :let files = system("ls")
4654
4655< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4656 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4657 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4658 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4659 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4660 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4661 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4662 concatenated commands.
4663
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004664 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
4665 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
4666
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004667 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4668 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004669
4670 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4671 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4672 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004673 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4674 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4675
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004676
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004677tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004678 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004679 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4680 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4681 omitted the current tab page is used.
4682 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4683 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4684 tablist = []
4685 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4686 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4687 endfor
4688< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4689
4690
4691tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004692 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4693 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4694 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4695 page is returned (the tab page count).
4696 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4697
4698
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004699tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4700 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4701 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4702 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4703 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4704 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4705 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4706 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4707 Useful examples: >
4708 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4709 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4710< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4711
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004712taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4713 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004714 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4715 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004716 name Name of the tag.
4717 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004718 defined.
4719 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4720 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004721 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004722 entry depends on the language specific
4723 kind values generated by the ctags
4724 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004725 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004726 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004727 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4728 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4729 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4730 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4731 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4732 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4733 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004734
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004735 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4736 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004737
4738 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4739
4740 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4741 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4742 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4743
4744 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4745 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4746 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4747
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00004748 *tagfiles()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004749tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4750 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00004751
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004752
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004753tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4754 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4755 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4756 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4757 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4758 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4759< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4760 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4761 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4762 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4763 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4764 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4765
4766tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4767 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4768 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4769 the string).
4770
4771toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4772 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4773 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4774 the string).
4775
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004776tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4777 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4778 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4779 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4780 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4781 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4782 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4783
4784 Examples: >
4785 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4786< returns "Hello THere" >
4787 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4788< returns "{blob}"
4789
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004790 *type()*
4791type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004792 Number: 0
4793 String: 1
4794 Funcref: 2
4795 List: 3
4796 Dictionary: 4
4797 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004798 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4799 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4800 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4801 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004802 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004803
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004804values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004805 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4806 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004807
4808
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004809virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4810 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4811 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4812 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4813 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4814 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4815 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4816 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004817 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004818 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4819 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004820 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4821 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4822 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4823 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004824 For the byte position use |col()|.
4825 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4826 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4827 The accepted positions are:
4828 . the cursor position
4829 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4830 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4831 plus one)
4832 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4833 returned)
4834 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4835 Examples: >
4836 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4837 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4838 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4839< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4840
4841visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4842 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4843 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4844 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4845 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4846 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4847 Example: >
4848 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4849< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4850 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4851 Visual mode that was used.
4852
4853 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4854 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4855 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4856 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4857
4858 *winbufnr()*
4859winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004860 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004861 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4862 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4863 Example: >
4864 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4865<
4866 *wincol()*
4867wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4868 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4869 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4870
4871winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4872 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4873 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4874 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4875 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4876 Examples: >
4877 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4878<
4879 *winline()*
4880winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4881 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4882 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004883 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4884 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004885
4886 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004887winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4888 window. The top window has number 1.
4889 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004890 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004891 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4892 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4893 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4894 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4895 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004896
4897 *winrestcmd()*
4898winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4899 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004900 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
4901 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004902 Example: >
4903 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4904 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4905 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004906<
4907 *winrestview()*
4908winrestview({dict})
4909 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
4910 the view of the current window.
4911 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
4912 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
4913
4914 *winsaveview()*
4915winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
4916 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
4917 restore the view.
4918 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
4919 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
4920 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
4921 option to temporarily switch of folding, so that folds are not
4922 opened when moving around.
4923 The return value includes:
4924 lnum cursor line number
4925 col cursor column
4926 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
4927 curswant column for vertical movement
4928 topline first line in the window
4929 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
4930 leftcol first column displayed
4931 skipcol columns skipped
4932 Note that no option values are saved.
4933
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004934
4935winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4936 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4937 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4938 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4939 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4940 Examples: >
4941 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4942 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4943 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4944 :endif
4945<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004946 *writefile()*
4947writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004948 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004949 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4950 Number.
4951 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4952 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4953 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4954 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4955 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4956 to writefile().
4957 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4958 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4959 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4960 fails.
4961 Also see |readfile()|.
4962 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4963 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4964 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4965<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004966
4967 *feature-list*
4968There are three types of features:
49691. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4970 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4971 :if has("cindent")
49722. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4973 Example: >
4974 :if has("gui_running")
4975< *has-patch*
49763. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4977 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4978 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4979 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4980
4981all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4982amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4983arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4984arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00004985autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004986balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004987balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004988beos BeOS version of Vim.
4989browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4990 work.
4991builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4992byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4993cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4994clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4995clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4996cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4997cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4998cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4999comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5000cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5001cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5002compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5003debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5004dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5005dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5006diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5007digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5008dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5009dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5010dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5011ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5012emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5013eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5014 true, of course!
5015ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5016extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5017 |'hlsearch'|
5018farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5019file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005020filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5021 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005022find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5023 |+find_in_path|.
5024fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5025 Windows this is not present).
5026folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5027footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5028fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5029gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5030gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5031gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005032gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5033gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00005034gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005035gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5036gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5037gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5038gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5039gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5040gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5041hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5042iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5043insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5044 Insert mode.
5045jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5046keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5047langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5048libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5049linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5050 support.
5051lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5052listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5053 and the argument list |arglist|.
5054localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5055mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5056macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5057menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5058mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5059modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5060mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5061mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5062mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5063mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5064mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5065mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5066mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5067multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5068multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5069multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005070mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005071netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005072netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005073ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5074os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5075osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5076path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5077perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5078postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5079printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005080profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005081python Compiled with Python interface.
5082qnx QNX version of Vim.
5083quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
5084rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5085ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5086scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5087showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5088signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5089smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005090sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005091statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5092 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5093sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005094spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5095syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005096syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5097 current buffer.
5098system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5099tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5100 |tag-binary-search|.
5101tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5102 |tag-old-static|.
5103tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5104 files |tag-any-white|.
5105tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5106terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5107termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5108textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5109tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5110 or terminfo file.
5111title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5112toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5113unix Unix version of Vim.
5114user_commands User-defined commands.
5115viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5116vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5117vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5118virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5119visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5120visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5121 |blockwise-operators|.
5122vms VMS version of Vim.
5123vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5124wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5125wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5126windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5127winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5128win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5129win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5130win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5131win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5132win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5133writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5134xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5135xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5136xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5137xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5138xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5139xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5140 xterm screen.
5141x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5142
5143 *string-match*
5144Matching a pattern in a String
5145
5146A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5147the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5148everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5149like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5150line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5151with ".". Example: >
5152 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5153 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5154 aa
5155 xx
5156 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5157 a
5158 x
5159
5160Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5161"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5162"\n".
5163
5164==============================================================================
51655. Defining functions *user-functions*
5166
5167New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5168functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5169commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5170
5171The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5172builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5173avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5174the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5175
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005176It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5177|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005178
5179 *local-function*
5180A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5181can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5182and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5183function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5184instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5185
5186 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5187:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5188
5189:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005190 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5191 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005192 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005193
5194:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5195 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5196 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005197<
5198 *:function-verbose*
5199When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5200last defined. Example: >
5201
5202 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5203 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5204 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5205<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005206See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005207
5208 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005209:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005210 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5211 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5212 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005213
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005214 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5215 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005216 :function dict.init(arg)
5217< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5218 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5219 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5220 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5221 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5222 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005223 *E127* *E122*
5224 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5225 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5226 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5227 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005228
5229 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5230
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005231 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5232 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5233 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5234 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5235 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5236 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5237 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005238
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005239 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5240 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005241
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005242 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005243 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005244 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5245 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005246
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005247 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5248 will not be changed by the function.
5249
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005250 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5251:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5252 by its own, without other commands.
5253
5254 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5255:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005256 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5257 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005258 :delfunc dict.init
5259< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5260 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5261 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005262 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5263:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5264 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5265 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5266 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5267 the number 0 is returned.
5268 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5269 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5270
5271 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5272 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5273 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5274 are executed first. This process applies to all
5275 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5276 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5277
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005278 *function-argument* *a:var*
5279An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5280be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5281 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5282Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5283arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5284may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5285as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005286can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5287that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005288 *E742*
5289The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005290However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5291Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5292it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5293|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005294
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005295When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5296to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5297may be larger.
5298
5299It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5300still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5301until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5302inside a function body.
5303
5304 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005305Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5306will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5307accessed with "g:".
5308
5309Example: >
5310 :function Table(title, ...)
5311 : echohl Title
5312 : echo a:title
5313 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005314 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5315 : for s in a:000
5316 : echon ' ' . s
5317 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005318 :endfunction
5319
5320This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005321 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5322 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005323
5324To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5325 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5326 : if a:n2 == 0
5327 : return "fail"
5328 : endif
5329 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5330 : return "ok"
5331 :endfunction
5332
5333This function can then be called with: >
5334 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5335 :if success == "ok"
5336 : echo div
5337 :endif
5338
5339An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5340with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5341 :function Foo()
5342 : execute Bar()
5343 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5344 :endfunction
5345
5346 :function Bar()
5347 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5348 :endfunction
5349
5350The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5351the caller to set the names.
5352
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005353 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005354:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5355 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5356 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5357 used.
5358 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5359 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5360 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5361 function.
5362 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5363 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5364 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5365 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5366 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5367 this works:
5368 *function-range-example* >
5369 :function Mynumber(arg)
5370 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5371 :endfunction
5372 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5373<
5374 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5375 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5376 the range.
5377
5378 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5379
5380 :function Cont() range
5381 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5382 :endfunction
5383 :4,8call Cont()
5384<
5385 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5386 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5387
5388 *E132*
5389The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5390option.
5391
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005392
5393AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005394 *autoload-functions*
5395When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005396only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5397the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5398
5399
5400Using an autocommand ~
5401
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005402This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5403
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005404The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5405You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5406That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5407again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5408
5409Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5410function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005411
5412 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5413
5414The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5415"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5416
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005417
5418Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005419 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005420This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5421
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005422Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5423exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5424like this: >
5425
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005426 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005427
5428When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5429"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5430"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5431then define the function like this: >
5432
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005433 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005434 echo "Done!"
5435 endfunction
5436
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005437The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005438exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5439called.
5440
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005441It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5442a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005443
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005444 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005445
5446Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5447
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005448This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5449
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005450 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005451
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005452However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5453for an unknown variable.
5454
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005455When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5456be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5457
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005458 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5459 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005460
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005461Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5462defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5463function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005464And you will get an error message every time.
5465
5466Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5467other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5468Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005469
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005470Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
5471|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
5472
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005473==============================================================================
54746. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5475
5476Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5477This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5478{} like this: >
5479 my_{adjective}_variable
5480
5481When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5482that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5483name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5484"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5485"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5486
5487One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5488value. For example, the statement >
5489 echo my_{&background}_message
5490
5491would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5492on the current value of 'background'.
5493
5494You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5495 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5496..or even nest them: >
5497 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5498where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5499
5500However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005501variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005502 :let foo='a + b'
5503 :echo c{foo}d
5504.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5505
5506 *curly-braces-function-names*
5507You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5508Example: >
5509 :let func_end='whizz'
5510 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5511
5512This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5513
5514==============================================================================
55157. Commands *expression-commands*
5516
5517:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5518 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5519 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5520 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5521 is created.
5522
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005523:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5524 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5525 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5526 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5527 the index can be repeated.
5528 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5529
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005530 *E711* *E719*
5531:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005532 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5533 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005534 correct number of items.
5535 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5536 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5537 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5538 end of the list, items will be added.
5539
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005540 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005541:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5542:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5543:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5544 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5545 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5546
5547
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005548:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5549 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5550 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005551:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5552 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5553 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5554 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005555
5556:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5557 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5558 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5559 must be the name of a writable register (see
5560 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5561 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5562 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5563 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5564 characterwise.
5565 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5566 :let @/ = ""
5567< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5568 that would match everywhere.
5569
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005570:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5571 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5572 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5573
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005574:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5575 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005576 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5577 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005578 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5579 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005580 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005581 Example: >
5582 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005583
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005584:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5585 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5586 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5587
5588:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5589:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5590 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5591 {expr1}.
5592
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005593:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005594:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5595:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5596:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005597 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5598 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5599
5600:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005601:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5602:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5603:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005604 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5605 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5606
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005607:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005608 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005609 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5610 {name2}, etc.
5611 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005612 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005613 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5614 command as mentioned above.
5615 Example: >
5616 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005617< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5618 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5619 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5620 :let x = [0, 1]
5621 :let i = 0
5622 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5623 :echo x
5624< The result is [0, 2].
5625
5626:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5627:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5628:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5629 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005630 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005631
5632:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005633 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005634 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5635 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5636 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005637 Example: >
5638 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5639<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005640:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5641:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5642:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5643 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005644 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005645 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005646:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005647 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5648 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005649 g: global variables
5650 b: local buffer variables
5651 w: local window variables
5652 s: script-local variables
5653 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005654 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005655
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005656:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5657 variable is indicated before the value:
5658 <nothing> String
5659 # Number
5660 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005661
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005662
5663:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5664 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5665 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005666 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005667 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5668 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005669 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005670 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5671 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005672< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005673 :unlet dict['two']
5674 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005675
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005676:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5677 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5678 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5679 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5680 :lockvar v
5681 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5682 :unlet v
5683< *E741*
5684 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5685 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5686
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005687 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5688 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5689 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005690 cannot add or remove items, but can
5691 still change their values.
5692 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005693 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5694 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005695 items, but can still change the
5696 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005697 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5698 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5699 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5700 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5701 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005702 *E743*
5703 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5704 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5705 loops.
5706
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005707 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5708 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
5709 locked when used through the other variable. Example:
5710 >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005711 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5712 :let cl = l
5713 :lockvar l
5714 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5715< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5716 See |deepcopy()|.
5717
5718
5719:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5720 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5721 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5722
5723
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005724:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5725:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5726 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5727
5728 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5729 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5730 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5731 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5732 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5733 part was not executed either.
5734
5735 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5736 versions: >
5737 :if version >= 500
5738 : version-5-specific-commands
5739 :endif
5740< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5741 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5742 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5743 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5744 avoid problems: >
5745 :if version >= 600
5746 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5747 :endif
5748<
5749 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5750 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5751
5752 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5753:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5754 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5755 executed.
5756
5757 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5758:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5759 is no extra ":endif".
5760
5761:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005762 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005763:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5764 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5765 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5766 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005767 Example: >
5768 :let lnum = 1
5769 :while lnum <= line("$")
5770 :call FixLine(lnum)
5771 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5772 :endwhile
5773<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005774 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005775 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005776
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005777:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005778:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5779 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005780 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005781 value of each item.
5782 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005783 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005784 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5785 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005786 :for item in copy(mylist)
5787< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5788 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5789 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5790 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5791 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5792 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5793 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005794 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5795 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005796< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5797 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5798 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005799 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5800 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5801 to allow multiple item types.
5802
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005803:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5804:endfo[r]
5805 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5806 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5807 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5808 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5809 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5810 :endfor
5811<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005812 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005813:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5814 to the start of the loop.
5815 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5816 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5817 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5818 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5819 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5820 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005821
5822 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005823:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5824 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5825 ":endfor".
5826 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5827 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5828 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5829 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5830 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5831 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005832
5833:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5834:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5835 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5836 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5837 or autocommand invocations.
5838
5839 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5840 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5841 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5842 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5843 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5844 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5845 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5846 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5847 Example: >
5848 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5849 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5850<
5851 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5852 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5853 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5854 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5855 processing is not terminated.
5856
5857 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5858 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5859 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5860 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5861 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5862 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5863 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5864 the error number.
5865 Examples: >
5866 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5867 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5868<
5869 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5870:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5871 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5872 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5873 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5874 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5875 commands are skipped.
5876 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5877 Examples: >
5878 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5879 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5880 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5881 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5882 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5883 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5884 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5885 :catch " same as /.*/
5886<
5887 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5888 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5889 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5890 {pattern}.
5891 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5892 an error message because it may vary in different
5893 locales.
5894
5895 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5896:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5897 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5898 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5899 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5900 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5901 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5902
5903 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5904:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5905 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5906 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5907 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5908 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5909 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5910 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5911 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5912 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5913 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5914 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5915 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5916 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5917 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5918 is terminated.
5919 Example: >
5920 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5921<
5922
5923 *:ec* *:echo*
5924:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5925 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5926 Also see |:comment|.
5927 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5928 cursor to the first column.
5929 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5930 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5931 Example: >
5932 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5933< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5934 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5935 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5936 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5937 command. Example: >
5938 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5939<
5940 *:echon*
5941:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5942 |:comment|.
5943 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5944 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5945 Example: >
5946 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5947<
5948 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5949 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5950 command: >
5951 :!echo % --> filename
5952< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5953 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5954< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5955 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5956 :echo % --> nothing
5957< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5958 :echo "%" --> %
5959< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5960 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5961< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5962
5963 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5964:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5965 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5966 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5967 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5968< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5969 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5970
5971 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5972:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5973 message in the |message-history|.
5974 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5975 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5976 displayed, not interpreted.
5977 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5978 Example: >
5979 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5980<
5981 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5982:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5983 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5984 script or function the line number will be added.
5985 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5986 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5987 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5988 (see |try-echoerr|).
5989 Example: >
5990 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5991< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5992 And to get a beep: >
5993 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5994<
5995 *:exe* *:execute*
5996:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5997 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5998 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5999 used as the processed command, command line editing
6000 keys are not recognized.
6001 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6002 Examples: >
6003 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6004 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6005<
6006 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6007 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6008 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6009
6010< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6011 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6012 command: >
6013 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6014< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6015
6016 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006017 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6018 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006019 :execute 'while i > 5'
6020 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6021<
6022 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6023 completely in the executed string: >
6024 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6025<
6026
6027 *:comment*
6028 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6029 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6030 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6031 comment. Example: >
6032 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6033
6034==============================================================================
60358. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6036
6037The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6038explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6039
6040Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6041|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6042exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6043
6044
6045TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6046
6047Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6048use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6049a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6050 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6051|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6052a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6053be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6054which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6055clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6056
6057 :try
6058 : ...
6059 : ... TRY BLOCK
6060 : ...
6061 :catch /{pattern}/
6062 : ...
6063 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6064 : ...
6065 :catch /{pattern}/
6066 : ...
6067 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6068 : ...
6069 :finally
6070 : ...
6071 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6072 : ...
6073 :endtry
6074
6075The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6076appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6077from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6078 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6079is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6080script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6081 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6082lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6083patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6084after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6085executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6086":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6087(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6088continues in the following line as usual.
6089 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6090":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6091that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6092finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6093the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6094the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6095see |try-nesting|.
6096 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6097remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6098not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6099try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6100a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6101execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6102exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6103 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6104thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6105clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6106catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6107following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6108clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6109
6110The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6111a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6112try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6113from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6114sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6115":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6116":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6117from the finally clause.
6118 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6119try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6120clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6121":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6122clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6123":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6124this pending exception or command is discarded.
6125
6126For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6127
6128
6129NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6130
6131Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6132conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6133clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6134catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6135of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6136checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6137try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6138otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6139nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6140one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6141the inner try conditional.
6142
6143When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6144finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6145An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6146thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6147implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6148as usual.
6149
6150For examples see |throw-catch|.
6151
6152
6153EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6154
6155Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6156'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6157script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6158finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6159a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6160(see |debug-scripts|).
6161
6162
6163THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6164
6165You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6166and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6167 :throw 4711
6168 :throw "string"
6169< *throw-expression*
6170You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6171first, and the result is thrown: >
6172 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6173 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6174
6175An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6176command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6177The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6178 Example: >
6179
6180 :function! Foo(arg)
6181 : try
6182 : throw a:arg
6183 : catch /foo/
6184 : endtry
6185 : return 1
6186 :endfunction
6187 :
6188 :function! Bar()
6189 : echo "in Bar"
6190 : return 4710
6191 :endfunction
6192 :
6193 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6194
6195This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6196executed. >
6197 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6198however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6199
6200Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6201abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6202exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6203 Example: >
6204
6205 :if Foo("arrgh")
6206 : echo "then"
6207 :else
6208 : echo "else"
6209 :endif
6210
6211Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6212
6213 *catch-order*
6214Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6215commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6216command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6217gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6218 Example: >
6219
6220 :function! Foo(value)
6221 : try
6222 : throw a:value
6223 : catch /^\d\+$/
6224 : echo "Number thrown"
6225 : catch /.*/
6226 : echo "String thrown"
6227 : endtry
6228 :endfunction
6229 :
6230 :call Foo(0x1267)
6231 :call Foo('string')
6232
6233The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6234An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6235specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6236specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6237
6238 : catch /.*/
6239 : echo "String thrown"
6240 : catch /^\d\+$/
6241 : echo "Number thrown"
6242
6243The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6244never taken.
6245
6246 *throw-variables*
6247If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6248in the variable |v:exception|: >
6249
6250 : catch /^\d\+$/
6251 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6252
6253You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6254|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6255exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6256 Example: >
6257
6258 :function! Caught()
6259 : if v:exception != ""
6260 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6261 : else
6262 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6263 : endif
6264 :endfunction
6265 :
6266 :function! Foo()
6267 : try
6268 : try
6269 : try
6270 : throw 4711
6271 : finally
6272 : call Caught()
6273 : endtry
6274 : catch /.*/
6275 : call Caught()
6276 : throw "oops"
6277 : endtry
6278 : catch /.*/
6279 : call Caught()
6280 : finally
6281 : call Caught()
6282 : endtry
6283 :endfunction
6284 :
6285 :call Foo()
6286
6287This displays >
6288
6289 Nothing caught
6290 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6291 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6292 Nothing caught
6293
6294A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6295number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6296
6297 :function! LineNumber()
6298 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6299 :endfunction
6300 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6301<
6302 *try-nested*
6303An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6304a surrounding try conditional: >
6305
6306 :try
6307 : try
6308 : throw "foo"
6309 : catch /foobar/
6310 : echo "foobar"
6311 : finally
6312 : echo "inner finally"
6313 : endtry
6314 :catch /foo/
6315 : echo "foo"
6316 :endtry
6317
6318The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6319clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6320conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6321
6322 *throw-from-catch*
6323You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6324catch clause: >
6325
6326 :function! Foo()
6327 : throw "foo"
6328 :endfunction
6329 :
6330 :function! Bar()
6331 : try
6332 : call Foo()
6333 : catch /foo/
6334 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6335 : throw "bar"
6336 : endtry
6337 :endfunction
6338 :
6339 :try
6340 : call Bar()
6341 :catch /.*/
6342 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6343 :endtry
6344
6345This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6346
6347 *rethrow*
6348There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6349"v:exception" instead: >
6350
6351 :function! Bar()
6352 : try
6353 : call Foo()
6354 : catch /.*/
6355 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6356 : throw v:exception
6357 : endtry
6358 :endfunction
6359< *try-echoerr*
6360Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6361exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6362Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6363denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6364the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6365
6366 :try
6367 : try
6368 : asdf
6369 : catch /.*/
6370 : echoerr v:exception
6371 : endtry
6372 :catch /.*/
6373 : echo v:exception
6374 :endtry
6375
6376This code displays
6377
6378 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6379
6380
6381CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6382
6383Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6384user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6385an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6386a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6387catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6388a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6389normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6390(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6391to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6392clause has been executed.)
6393Example: >
6394
6395 :try
6396 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6397 : set ts=17
6398 :
6399 : " Do the hard work here.
6400 :
6401 :finally
6402 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6403 : unlet s:saved_ts
6404 :endtry
6405
6406This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6407changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6408that function or script part.
6409
6410 *break-finally*
6411Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6412a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6413 Example: >
6414
6415 :let first = 1
6416 :while 1
6417 : try
6418 : if first
6419 : echo "first"
6420 : let first = 0
6421 : continue
6422 : else
6423 : throw "second"
6424 : endif
6425 : catch /.*/
6426 : echo v:exception
6427 : break
6428 : finally
6429 : echo "cleanup"
6430 : endtry
6431 : echo "still in while"
6432 :endwhile
6433 :echo "end"
6434
6435This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6436
6437 :function! Foo()
6438 : try
6439 : return 4711
6440 : finally
6441 : echo "cleanup\n"
6442 : endtry
6443 : echo "Foo still active"
6444 :endfunction
6445 :
6446 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6447
6448This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6449extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6450return value.)
6451
6452 *except-from-finally*
6453Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6454a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6455cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6456exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6457 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6458working correctly: >
6459
6460 :try
6461 : try
6462 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6463 : while 1
6464 : endwhile
6465 : finally
6466 : unlet novar
6467 : endtry
6468 :catch /novar/
6469 :endtry
6470 :echo "Script still running"
6471 :sleep 1
6472
6473If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6474think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6475|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6476
6477
6478CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6479
6480If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6481watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6482presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6483exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6484the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6485the error exception is.
6486 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6487
6488 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6489or >
6490 Vim:{errmsg}
6491
6492{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6493the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6494when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6495a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6496a space.
6497
6498Examples:
6499
6500The command >
6501 :unlet novar
6502normally produces the error message >
6503 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6504which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6505 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6506
6507The command >
6508 :dwim
6509normally produces the error message >
6510 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6511which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6512 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6513
6514You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6515 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6516or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6517 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6518
6519Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6520 :function nofunc
6521and >
6522 :delfunction nofunc
6523both produce the error message >
6524 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6525which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6526 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6527or >
6528 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6529respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6530command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6531 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6532
6533Some commands like >
6534 :let x = novar
6535produce multiple error messages, here: >
6536 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6537 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6538Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6539one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6540 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6541
6542You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6543 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6544
6545You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6546 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6547
6548You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6549 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6550<
6551 *catch-text*
6552NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6553 :catch /No such variable/
6554only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6555a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6556cite the message text in a comment: >
6557 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6558
6559
6560IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6561
6562You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6563
6564 :try
6565 : write
6566 :catch
6567 :endtry
6568
6569But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6570catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6571be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6572
6573 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6574
6575There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6576writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6577then hide the error from the user.
6578 It is much better to use >
6579
6580 :try
6581 : write
6582 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6583 :endtry
6584
6585which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6586intentionally.
6587
6588For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6589even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6590command: >
6591 :silent! nunmap k
6592This works also when a try conditional is active.
6593
6594
6595CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6596
6597When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6598the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6599script is not terminated, then.
6600 Example: >
6601
6602 :function! TASK1()
6603 : sleep 10
6604 :endfunction
6605
6606 :function! TASK2()
6607 : sleep 20
6608 :endfunction
6609
6610 :while 1
6611 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6612 : try
6613 : if command == ""
6614 : continue
6615 : elseif command == "END"
6616 : break
6617 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6618 : call TASK1()
6619 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6620 : call TASK2()
6621 : else
6622 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6623 : continue
6624 : endif
6625 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6626 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6627 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6628 : endtry
6629 :endwhile
6630
6631You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6632a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6633
6634For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6635your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6636command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6637
6638
6639CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6640
6641The commands >
6642
6643 :catch /.*/
6644 :catch //
6645 :catch
6646
6647catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6648explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6649a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6650 Example: >
6651
6652 :try
6653 :
6654 : " do the hard work here
6655 :
6656 :catch /MyException/
6657 :
6658 : " handle known problem
6659 :
6660 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6661 : echo "Script interrupted"
6662 :catch /.*/
6663 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6664 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6665 :endtry
6666 :" end of script
6667
6668Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6669strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6670specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6671 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6672by pressing CTRL-C: >
6673
6674 :while 1
6675 : try
6676 : sleep 1
6677 : catch
6678 : endtry
6679 :endwhile
6680
6681
6682EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6683
6684Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6685
6686 :autocmd User x try
6687 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6688 :autocmd User x catch
6689 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6690 :autocmd User x endtry
6691 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6692 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6693 :
6694 :try
6695 : doautocmd User x
6696 :catch
6697 : echo v:exception
6698 :endtry
6699
6700This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6701
6702 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6703For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6704command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6705of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6706abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6707 Example: >
6708
6709 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6710 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6711 :
6712 :try
6713 : write
6714 :catch
6715 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6716 :endtry
6717
6718Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6719you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6720autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6721script displays: >
6722
6723 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6724<
6725 *except-autocmd-Post*
6726For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6727command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6728an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6729is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6730 Example: >
6731
6732 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6733 :
6734 :try
6735 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6736 :catch
6737 : echo v:exception
6738 :endtry
6739
6740This just displays: >
6741
6742 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6743
6744If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6745fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6746 Example: >
6747
6748 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6749 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6750 :
6751 :try
6752 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6753 :catch
6754 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6755 :endtry
6756<
6757You can also use ":silent!": >
6758
6759 :let x = "ok"
6760 :let v:errmsg = ""
6761 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6762 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6763 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6764 :try
6765 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6766 :catch
6767 :endtry
6768 :echo x
6769
6770This displays "after fail".
6771
6772If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6773autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6774
6775 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6776 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6777 :
6778 :try
6779 : write
6780 :catch
6781 : echo v:exception
6782 :endtry
6783<
6784 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6785For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6786autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6787of the command.
6788 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6789had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6790some way. >
6791
6792 :if !exists("cnt")
6793 : let cnt = 0
6794 :
6795 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6796 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6797 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6798 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6799 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6800 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6801 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6802 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6803 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6804 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6805 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6806 :endif
6807 :
6808 :try
6809 : write
6810 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6811 : if &modified
6812 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6813 : else
6814 : echo "Error after writing"
6815 : endif
6816 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6817 : echo "Error on writing"
6818 :endtry
6819
6820When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6821first >
6822 File successfully written!
6823then >
6824 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6825then >
6826 Error after writing
6827etc.
6828
6829 *except-autocmd-ill*
6830You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6831The following code is ill-formed: >
6832
6833 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6834 :
6835 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6836 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6837 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6838 :
6839 :write
6840
6841
6842EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6843
6844Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6845pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6846similar things in Vim.
6847 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6848class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6849string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6850 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6851it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6852for an error when writing "myfile".
6853 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6854base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6855parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6856 Example: >
6857
6858 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6859 : if a:a < 0
6860 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6861 : endif
6862 :endfunction
6863 :
6864 :function! Add(a, b)
6865 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6866 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6867 : let c = a:a + a:b
6868 : if c < 0
6869 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6870 : endif
6871 : return c
6872 :endfunction
6873 :
6874 :function! Div(a, b)
6875 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6876 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6877 : if (a:b == 0)
6878 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6879 : endif
6880 : return a:a / a:b
6881 :endfunction
6882 :
6883 :function! Write(file)
6884 : try
6885 : execute "write" a:file
6886 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6887 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6888 : endtry
6889 :endfunction
6890 :
6891 :try
6892 :
6893 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6894 :
6895 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6896 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6897 : echo "Range error in" function
6898 :
6899 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6900 : echo "Math error"
6901 :
6902 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6903 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6904 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6905 : if file !~ '^/'
6906 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6907 : endif
6908 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6909 :
6910 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6911 : echo "Unspecified error"
6912 :
6913 :endtry
6914
6915The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6916a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6917exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6918 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6919failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6920
6921
6922PECULIARITIES
6923 *except-compat*
6924The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6925exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6926and/or a catch clause.
6927
6928In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6929continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6930after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6931functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6932or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6933(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6934
6935This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6936immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6937conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6938be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6939termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6940catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6941by specifying a finally clause.)
6942
6943When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6944behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6945scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6946
6947However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6948commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6949conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6950script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6951error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6952messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6953|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6954not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6955where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6956error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6957scripts.
6958
6959 *except-syntax-err*
6960Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6961the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6962clauses, however, is executed.
6963 Example: >
6964
6965 :try
6966 : try
6967 : throw 4711
6968 : catch /\(/
6969 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6970 : catch
6971 : echo "inner catch-all"
6972 : finally
6973 : echo "inner finally"
6974 : endtry
6975 :catch
6976 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6977 : finally
6978 : echo "outer finally"
6979 :endtry
6980
6981This displays: >
6982 inner finally
6983 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6984 outer finally
6985The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6986
6987 *except-single-line*
6988The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6989a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6990"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6991 Example: >
6992 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6993raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6994argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6995error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6996displayed.
6997
6998 *except-several-errors*
6999When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7000usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7001 Example: >
7002 echo novar
7003causes >
7004 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7005 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7006The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7007 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7008< *except-syntax-error*
7009But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7010the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7011 Example: >
7012 unlet novar #
7013causes >
7014 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7015 E488: Trailing characters
7016The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7017 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7018This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7019not intended by the user. Example: >
7020 try
7021 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7022 catch /.*/
7023 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7024 endtry
7025This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7026a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7027
7028==============================================================================
70299. Examples *eval-examples*
7030
7031Printing in Hex ~
7032>
7033 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
7034 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
7035 : let n = a:nr
7036 : let r = ""
7037 : while n
7038 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
7039 : let n = n / 16
7040 : endwhile
7041 : return r
7042 :endfunc
7043
7044 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
7045 :" character Hex string.
7046 :func String2Hex(str)
7047 : let out = ''
7048 : let ix = 0
7049 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
7050 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7051 : let ix = ix + 1
7052 : endwhile
7053 : return out
7054 :endfunc
7055
7056Example of its use: >
7057 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
7058result: "20" >
7059 :echo String2Hex("32")
7060result: "3332"
7061
7062
7063Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
7064
7065Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
7066":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
7067platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
7068function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
7069with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
7070>
7071 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
7072 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
7073 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
7074 : return -1
7075 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
7076 : return 1
7077 : else
7078 : return 0
7079 : endif
7080 :endfunction
7081
7082 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
7083 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
7084 : if (a:start >= a:end)
7085 : return
7086 : endif
7087 : let partition = a:start - 1
7088 : let middle = partition
7089 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
7090 : let i = a:start
7091 : while (i <= a:end)
7092 : let str = getline(i)
7093 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
7094 : if (result <= 0)
7095 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
7096 : let partition = partition + 1
7097 : if (result == 0)
7098 : let middle = partition
7099 : endif
7100 : if (i != partition)
7101 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7102 : call setline(i, str2)
7103 : call setline(partition, str)
7104 : endif
7105 : endif
7106 : let i = i + 1
7107 : endwhile
7108
7109 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
7110 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
7111 : " the end of the partition.
7112 : if (middle != partition)
7113 : let str = getline(middle)
7114 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7115 : call setline(middle, str2)
7116 : call setline(partition, str)
7117 : endif
7118 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
7119 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
7120 :endfunc
7121
7122 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
7123 :" function that will compare two lines.
7124 :func! Sort(cmp) range
7125 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
7126 :endfunc
7127
7128 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
7129 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
7130<
7131 *sscanf*
7132There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7133line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7134how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7135"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7136 :" Set up the match bit
7137 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7138 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7139 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7140 :"get each item out of the match
7141 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7142 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7143 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7144
7145The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7146"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7147
7148==============================================================================
714910. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7150
7151When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7152evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7153to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7154recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7155and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7156only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7157recognized.
7158
7159Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7160missing: >
7161
7162 :if 1
7163 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7164 :else
7165 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7166 :endif
7167
7168==============================================================================
716911. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7170
7171The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7172options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7173these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7174these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007175a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007176The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007177
7178These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7179 - changing the buffer text
7180 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7181 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7182 - executing a shell command
7183 - reading or writing a file
7184 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007185 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007186This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7187
7188 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007189:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007190 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7191 'foldexpr'.
7192
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007193 *sandbox-option*
7194A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007195have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007196restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7197location. Insecure in this context are:
7198- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directlry
7199- while executing in the sandbox
7200- value coming from a modeline
7201
7202Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7203option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7204
7205==============================================================================
720612. Textlock *textlock*
7207
7208In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7209to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7210is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7211actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7212happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7213
7214This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7215 - changing the buffer text
7216 - jumping to another buffer or window
7217 - editing another file
7218 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7219 - etc.
7220
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007221
7222 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: