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Bram Moolenaarfff2bee2010-05-15 13:56:02 +02001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3a. Last change: 2010 May 14
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
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 Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +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 Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
66the Number. Examples: >
67 Number 123 --> String "123"
68 Number 0 --> String "0"
69 Number -1 --> String "-1"
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
73the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
74 String "456" --> Number 456
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6
76 String "foo" --> Number 0
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
78 String "0100" --> Number 64
79 String "-8" --> Number -8
80 String "+8" --> Number 0
81
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
538
539Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000540 *E715*
541Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
543 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
544 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
545 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
546 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
547 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
548 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
549 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000550
551
5521.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000553 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000554If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
555function.
556
557When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
558start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
559stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
560
561When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
563stored in the session file |session-file|.
564
565variable name can be stored where ~
566my_var_6 not
567My_Var_6 session file
568MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
569
570
571It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
572|curly-braces-names|.
573
574==============================================================================
5752. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
576
577Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
578
579|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
580
581|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
582
583|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
584
585|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
586 expr5 != expr5 not equal
587 expr5 > expr5 greater than
588 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
589 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
590 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
591 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
592 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
593
594 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
595 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
596 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
597 matching case
598
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000599 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
600 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000601
602|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000603 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
604 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
605
606|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
607 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
608 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
609
610|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
611 - expr7 unary minus
612 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000614
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000615|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
616 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
617 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
618 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000619
620|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000621 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000622 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000623 [expr1, ...] |List|
624 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000625 &option option value
626 (expr1) nested expression
627 variable internal variable
628 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
629 $VAR environment variable
630 @r contents of register 'r'
631 function(expr1, ...) function call
632 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
633
634
635".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
636Example: >
637 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
638
639All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
640
641
642expr1 *expr1* *E109*
643-----
644
645expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
646
647The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
648non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
649otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
650Example: >
651 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
652
653Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
654other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
655Example: >
656 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
657
658To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
659 :echo lnum == 1
660 :\ ? "top"
661 :\ : lnum == 1000
662 :\ ? "last"
663 :\ : lnum
664
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000665You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
666use in a variable such as "a:1".
667
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000668
669expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
670---------------
671
672 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
673The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
674are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
675
676 input output ~
677n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
678zero zero zero zero
679zero non-zero non-zero zero
680non-zero zero non-zero zero
681non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
682
683The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
684
685 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
686
687Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
688
689 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
690
691Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
692arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
693
694 let a = 1
695 echo a || b
696
697This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
698so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
699
700 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
701
702This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
703only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
704
705
706expr4 *expr4*
707-----
708
709expr5 {cmp} expr5
710
711Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
712if it evaluates to true.
713
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000714 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000715 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
716 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
717 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
718 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
719 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000720 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000721 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
722equal == ==# ==?
723not equal != !=# !=?
724greater than > ># >?
725greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
726smaller than < <# <?
727smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
728regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
729regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000730same instance is
731different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000732
733Examples:
734"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
735"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
736"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
737
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000738 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000739A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
740"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
741Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000742
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000743 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000744A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
745equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000746recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
747
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000748 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000749A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
750equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000751
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000752When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000753referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000754the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
755using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000756different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000757is false.
758
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000759When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000760and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000761because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
762
763When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
764results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
765necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
766
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000767When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000768'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000769
770When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000771'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
772
773'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000774
775The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
776argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
777This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
778matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
779portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
780single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
781Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
782(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
783can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
784 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
785 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
786
787
788expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
789---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000790expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000791expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
792expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000793
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000794For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000795result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000796
797expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
798expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
799expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
801For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
802
803Note the difference between "+" and ".":
804 "123" + "456" = 579
805 "123" . "456" = "123456"
806
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000807Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
808 1 . 90 + 90.0
809As: >
810 (1 . 90) + 90.0
811That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
812190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
813 1 . 90 * 90.0
814Should be read as: >
815 1 . (90 * 90.0)
816Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
817attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
818
819When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
820 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
821 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
822 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
823 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
824
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000825When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
826
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000827None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000828
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000829. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000831
832expr7 *expr7*
833-----
834! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
835- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
836+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
837
838For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
839For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
840For '+' the number is unchanged.
841
842A String will be converted to a Number first.
843
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000844These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000845 !-1 == 0
846 !!8 == 1
847 --9 == 9
848
849
850expr8 *expr8*
851-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000852expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
855expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100856Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
857an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000858
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000859Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
860text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
861cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000862 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000863
864If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000865String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
866compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
867
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000868If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000869for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000870error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000871 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
872
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000873Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
874|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
875error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000876
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000877
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000878expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000879
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000880If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
881from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100882expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
883|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000884
885If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
886string minus one is used.
887
888A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
889the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
890
891If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
892expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
893
894Examples: >
895 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
896 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
897 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
898 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100899<
900 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000901If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000902the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000903just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000904 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
905 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
906 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
907
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000908Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
909error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000910
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000911
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000912expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000913
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000914If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
915name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
916expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000917
918The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
919but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
920
921There must not be white space before or after the dot.
922
923Examples: >
924 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
925 :echo dict.one
926 :echo dict .2
927
928Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
929always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
930
931
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000932expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000933
934When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
935
936
937
938 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000939number
940------
941number number constant *expr-number*
942
943Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
944
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000945 *floating-point-format*
946Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
947
948 [-+]{N}.{M}
949 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
950
951{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
952contain digits.
953[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
954{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
955Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
956locale is.
957{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
958
959Examples:
960 123.456
961 +0.0001
962 55.0
963 -0.123
964 1.234e03
965 1.0E-6
966 -3.1416e+88
967
968These are INVALID:
969 3. empty {M}
970 1e40 missing .{M}
971
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000972 *float-pi* *float-e*
973A few useful values to copy&paste: >
974 :let pi = 3.14159265359
975 :let e = 2.71828182846
976
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000977Rationale:
978Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
979the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
980resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000981could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000982incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
983for floating point numbers.
984
985 *floating-point-precision*
986The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
987means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
988runtime.
989
990The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
991printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
992function. Example: >
993 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
994< 7.853981633974483e-01
995
996
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000997
998string *expr-string* *E114*
999------
1000"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1001
1002Note that double quotes are used.
1003
1004A string constant accepts these special characters:
1005\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1006\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1007\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1008\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1009\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1010\X.. same as \x..
1011\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001012\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001013 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1014\U.... same as \u....
1015\b backspace <BS>
1016\e escape <Esc>
1017\f formfeed <FF>
1018\n newline <NL>
1019\r return <CR>
1020\t tab <Tab>
1021\\ backslash
1022\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001023\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1024 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1025 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001026
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001027Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1028encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1029of 'encoding'.
1030
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001031Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1032
1033
1034literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1035---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001036'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037
1038Note that single quotes are used.
1039
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001040This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001041meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001042
1043Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001044to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001045 if a =~ "\\s*"
1046 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001047
1048
1049option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1050------
1051&option option value, local value if possible
1052&g:option global option value
1053&l:option local option value
1054
1055Examples: >
1056 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1057 if &insertmode
1058
1059Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1060and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1061anyway.
1062
1063
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001064register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001065--------
1066@r contents of register 'r'
1067
1068The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1069Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001070register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001071registers.
1072
1073When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1074evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075
1076
1077nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1078-------
1079(expr1) nested expression
1080
1081
1082environment variable *expr-env*
1083--------------------
1084$VAR environment variable
1085
1086The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1087result is an empty string.
1088 *expr-env-expand*
1089Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1090expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1091are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1092the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1093fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1094does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1095 :echo $version
1096 :echo expand("$version")
1097The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1098variable (if your shell supports it).
1099
1100
1101internal variable *expr-variable*
1102-----------------
1103variable internal variable
1104See below |internal-variables|.
1105
1106
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001107function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001108-------------
1109function(expr1, ...) function call
1110See below |functions|.
1111
1112
1113==============================================================================
11143. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1115 *E461*
1116An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1117cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1118|curly-braces-names|.
1119
1120An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001121An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1122|:unlet|.
1123Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1124been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001125
1126There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1127specified by what is prepended:
1128
1129 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1130|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1131|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001132|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001133|global-variable| g: Global.
1134|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1135|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1136|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001137|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001138
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001139The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1140delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001141 :for k in keys(s:)
1142 : unlet s:[k]
1143 :endfor
1144<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001145 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1146A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1147Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1148This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1149|:bdelete|.
1150
1151One local buffer variable is predefined:
1152 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1153b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1154 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1155 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1156 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1157 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001158 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1159 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001160 :endif
1161<
1162 *window-variable* *w:var*
1163A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1164is deleted when the window is closed.
1165
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001166 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1167A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1168It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1169without the +windows feature}
1170
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001171 *global-variable* *g:var*
1172Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001173access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001174place if you like.
1175
1176 *local-variable* *l:var*
1177Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001178But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1179you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1180refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1181same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001182
1183 *script-variable* *s:var*
1184In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1185accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1186
1187They can be used in:
1188- commands executed while the script is sourced
1189- functions defined in the script
1190- autocommands defined in the script
1191- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1192 defined in the script (recursively)
1193- user defined commands defined in the script
1194Thus not in:
1195- other scripts sourced from this one
1196- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001197- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001198- etc.
1199
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001200Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1201Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001202
1203 let s:counter = 0
1204 function MyCounter()
1205 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1206 echo s:counter
1207 endfunction
1208 command Tick call MyCounter()
1209
1210You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1211that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1212"Tick" was defined is used.
1213
1214Another example that does the same: >
1215
1216 let s:counter = 0
1217 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1218
1219When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001220script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001221defined.
1222
1223The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1224function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1225
1226 let s:counter = 0
1227 function StartCounting(incr)
1228 if a:incr
1229 function MyCounter()
1230 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1231 endfunction
1232 else
1233 function MyCounter()
1234 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1235 endfunction
1236 endif
1237 endfunction
1238
1239This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1240when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1241called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1242
1243When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1244They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1245maintain a counter: >
1246
1247 if !exists("s:counter")
1248 let s:counter = 1
1249 echo "script executed for the first time"
1250 else
1251 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1252 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1253 endif
1254
1255Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1256variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1257
1258
1259Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1260
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001261 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1262v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1263 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1264 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1265
1266 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1267v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1268 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1269
1270 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1271v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1272 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1273
1274 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001275v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1276 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1277 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1278 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001279 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1280 highlighted text is used.
1281 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1282
1283 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1284v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1285 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1286
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001287 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001288v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02001289 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |:map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001290
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001291 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1292v:charconvert_from
1293 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1294 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1295
1296 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1297v:charconvert_to
1298 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1299 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1300
1301 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1302v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1303 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1304 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1305 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1306 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1307 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001308 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001309 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1310 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1311 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1312 in 'printexpr'.
1313
1314 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1315v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1316 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1317 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1318 can be used.
1319
1320 *v:count* *count-variable*
1321v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001322 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001323 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1324< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1325 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001326 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1327 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001328 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001329 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1330
1331 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1332v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1333 used.
1334
1335 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1336v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1337 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1338 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1339 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1340 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1341 command.
1342 See |multi-lang|.
1343
1344 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001345v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001346 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1347 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1348 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1349 Example: >
1350 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
Bram Moolenaar0e1e25f2010-05-28 21:07:08 +02001351< Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one,
1352 VimLeave autocommands will not be executed.
1353
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001354 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1355v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1356 Example: >
1357 :let v:errmsg = ""
1358 :silent! next
1359 :if v:errmsg != ""
1360 : ... handle error
1361< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1362
1363 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1364v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1365 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1366 Example: >
1367 :try
1368 : throw "oops"
1369 :catch /.*/
1370 : echo "caught" v:exception
1371 :endtry
1372< Output: "caught oops".
1373
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001374 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1375v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1376 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1377 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1378 deleted file no longer exists
1379 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1380 changed and buffer is modified
1381 changed file contents has changed
1382 mode mode of file changed
1383 time only file timestamp changed
1384
1385 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1386v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1387 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1388 do with the affected buffer:
1389 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1390 the file was deleted).
1391 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1392 was no autocommand. Except that when
1393 only the timestamp changed nothing
1394 will happen.
1395 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1396 everything that needs to be done.
1397 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1398 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1399
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001400 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001401v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001402 option used for ~
1403 'charconvert' file to be converted
1404 'diffexpr' original file
1405 'patchexpr' original file
1406 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001407 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001408
1409 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1410v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1411 evaluating:
1412 option used for ~
1413 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1414 'diffexpr' output of diff
1415 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1416 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001417 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001418 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1419 file and different from v:fname_in.
1420
1421 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1422v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1423 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1424
1425 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1426v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1427 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1428
1429 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1430v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1431 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001432 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001433
1434 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1435v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001436 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001437
1438 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1439v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001440 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001441
1442 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1443v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001444 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001445
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001446 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1447v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1448 events. Values:
1449 i Insert mode
1450 r Replace mode
1451 v Virtual Replace mode
1452
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001453 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001454v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001455 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1456 Read-only.
1457
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001458 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1459v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1460 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1461 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1462 The value is system dependent.
1463 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1464 command.
1465 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1466 in a different language than what is used for character
1467 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1468
1469 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1470v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1471 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1472 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1473 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1474 command. See |multi-lang|.
1475
1476 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001477v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001478 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1479 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1480 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001481
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001482 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1483v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1484 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1485 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1486
1487 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1488v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1489 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1490 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1491
1492 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1493v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1494 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1495 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1496
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001497 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1498v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1499 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1500 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1501 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1502 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1503 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1504 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1505 than String this will cause trouble.
1506 {only when compiled with the +viminfo feature}
1507
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001508 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1509v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1510 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1511 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1512 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1513 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1514 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1515< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1516 don't expect it to be empty.
1517 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1518 commands.
1519 Read-only.
1520
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001521 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1522v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1523 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001524 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1525 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001526 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1527< Read-only.
1528
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001529 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001530v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001531 See |profiling|.
1532
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1534v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1535 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1536 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1537 Read-only.
1538
1539 *v:register* *register-variable*
1540v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1541 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1542
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001543 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1544v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1545 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1546 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1547 typed command.
1548 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1549 hit-enter prompt.
1550
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001551 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1552v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1553 Read-only.
1554
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001555
1556v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1557 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1558 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1559 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1560 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1561 function. |function-search-undo|.
1562 Read-write.
1563
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001564 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1565v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1566 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1567 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1568 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1569 executed. Read-only.
1570 Example: >
1571 :!mv foo bar
1572 :if v:shell_error
1573 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1574 :endif
1575< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1576
1577 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1578v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1579
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001580 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1581v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1582 the swap file found. Read-only.
1583
1584 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1585v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1586 for handling an existing swap file:
1587 'o' Open read-only
1588 'e' Edit anyway
1589 'r' Recover
1590 'd' Delete swapfile
1591 'q' Quit
1592 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001593 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001594 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1595 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1596
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001597 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001598v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001599 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001600 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001601 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001602 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001603
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1605v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001606 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001607 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1608 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1609 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1610 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1611 terminal.
1612 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1613 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1614 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1615 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1616 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1617
1618 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1619v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1620 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1621 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1622 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1623
1624 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1625v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001626 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001627 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1628 Example: >
1629 :try
1630 : throw "oops"
1631 :catch /.*/
1632 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1633 :endtry
1634< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1635
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001636 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001637v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001638 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001639 |filter()|. Read-only.
1640
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641 *v:version* *version-variable*
1642v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1643 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1644 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1645 compatibility.
1646 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1647 if has("patch123")
1648< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1649 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1650 completely different.
1651
1652 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1653v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1654
1655==============================================================================
16564. Builtin Functions *functions*
1657
1658See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1659
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001660(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001661
1662USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1663
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001664abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001665acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001666add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001667append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001668append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001669argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001670argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001671argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001672argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001673asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001674atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001675atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001676browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1677 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001678browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001679bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001680buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1681bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001682bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1683bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1684bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1685byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001687call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1688 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001689ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1690changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001691char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001692cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001693clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001694col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001695complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001696complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001697complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001698confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1699 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001700copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001701cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001702cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001703count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1704 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001705cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1706 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001707cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1708 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1709cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001710deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1712did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001713diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1714diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001715empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001716escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001717eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001718eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001719executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1720exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001721extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001722 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001723exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001724expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001725feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001726filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001727filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001728filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1729 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001730finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001731 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001732findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001733 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001734float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1735floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001736fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001737fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001738fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001739foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1740foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001741foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001742foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001743foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001744foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001745function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001746garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001747get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001748get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001749getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1750 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001751getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001752getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1753getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001754getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1755getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001756getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001757getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001758getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1759getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001760getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001761getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001762getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001763getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1764getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001765getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001766getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001767getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001768getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001769getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001770getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001771getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001772gettabvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in tab {nr}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001773gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1774 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001775getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1776getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001777getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001778glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1779globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1780 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001781has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001782has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001783haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001784hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1785 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001786histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1787histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1788histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1789histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1790hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1791hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1792hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001793iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1794indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001795index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1796 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001797input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1798 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001799inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001800inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1802inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001803inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001804insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001805isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001806islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001807items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001808join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001809keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001810len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1811libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001812libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1813line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1814line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001815lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001816localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001817log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001818log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001819map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001820maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1821 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1822mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1823 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001824match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001825 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001826matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1827 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001828matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001829matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001830matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001831 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001832matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1833 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001834matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1835 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001836max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1837min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1838mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001839 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001840mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001841mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001842nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1843nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001844pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001845pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001846prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001847printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1848pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001849range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1850 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001851readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001852 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001853reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1854reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001855remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1856 String send expression
1857remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1858remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1859 Number check for reply string
1860remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1861remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1862 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001863remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001864remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001865rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1866repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1867resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001868reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001869round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001870search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1871 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001872searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001873 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001874searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001875 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001876searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001877 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001878searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001879 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001880server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1881 Number send reply string
1882serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1883setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1884setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1885setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001886setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1887 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001888setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001889setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001890setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001891setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001892settabvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001893settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1894 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001895setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001896shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1897 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001898 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001899simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001900sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001901sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001902sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001903soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001904spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001905spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1906 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001907split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001908 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001909sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr}
1910str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1911str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001912strchars( {expr}) Number character length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001913strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001914stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1915 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001916string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001917strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1918strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1919 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001920strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1921 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001922strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001923strwidth( {expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001924submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001925substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1926 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001927synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001928synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1929 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1930synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001931synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001932system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001933tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1934tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1935tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1936 Number number of current window in tab page
1937taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001938tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001939tempname() String name for a temporary file
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001940tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr}
1941tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001942tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1943toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001944tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1945 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001946trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001947type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02001948undofile( {name}) String undo file name for {name}
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02001949undotree() List undo file tree
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001950values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001951virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1952visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1953winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1954wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1955winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1956winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001957winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001958winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001959winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001960winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001961winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001962writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001963 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001964
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001965abs({expr}) *abs()*
1966 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1967 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1968 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1969 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1970 Examples: >
1971 echo abs(1.456)
1972< 1.456 >
1973 echo abs(-5.456)
1974< 5.456 >
1975 echo abs(-4)
1976< 4
1977 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
1978
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001979
1980acos({expr}) *acos()*
1981 Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02001982 |Float| in the range of [0, pi].
1983 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001984 [-1, 1].
1985 Examples: >
1986 :echo acos(0)
1987< 1.570796 >
1988 :echo acos(-0.5)
1989< 2.094395
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02001990 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001991
1992
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001993add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001994 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1995 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001996 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1997 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001998< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001999 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002000 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002001
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002002
2003append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002004 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
2005 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002006 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
2007 the current buffer.
2008 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002009 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002010 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002011 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002012 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002013<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002014 *argc()*
2015argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
2016 current window. See |arglist|.
2017
2018 *argidx()*
2019argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
2020 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
2021
2022 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002023argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002024 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
2025 Example: >
2026 :let i = 0
2027 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002028 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002029 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
2030 : let i = i + 1
2031 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002032< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2033 returned.
2034
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002035asin({expr}) *asin()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002036 Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002037 in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002038 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002039 [-1, 1].
2040 Examples: >
2041 :echo asin(0.8)
2042< 0.927295 >
2043 :echo asin(-0.5)
2044< -0.523599
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002045 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002046
2047
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002048atan({expr}) *atan()*
2049 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2050 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2051 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2052 Examples: >
2053 :echo atan(100)
2054< 1.560797 >
2055 :echo atan(-4.01)
2056< -1.326405
2057 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2058
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002059
2060atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()*
2061 Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002062 radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi].
2063 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002064 Examples: >
2065 :echo atan2(-1, 1)
2066< -0.785398 >
2067 :echo atan2(1, -1)
2068< 2.356194
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002069 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002070
2071
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002072 *browse()*
2073browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2074 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2075 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2076 The input fields are:
2077 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2078 {title} title for the requester
2079 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2080 {default} default file name
2081 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2082 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2083
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002084 *browsedir()*
2085browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2086 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2087 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2088 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2089 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2090 to be used.
2091 The input fields are:
2092 {title} title for the requester
2093 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2094 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2095 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2096
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002097bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2098 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2099 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002100 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002101 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002102 exactly. The name can be:
2103 - Relative to the current directory.
2104 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002105 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002106 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002107 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2108 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2109 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2110 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002111 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2112 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2113 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002114 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2115 file name.
2116 *buffer_exists()*
2117 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2118
2119buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2120 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2121 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002122 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002123
2124bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2125 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2126 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002127 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002128
2129bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2130 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2131 ":ls" command.
2132 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2133 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2134 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002135 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002136 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2137 match an empty string is returned.
2138 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2139 alternate buffer.
2140 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002141 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2142 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2143 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002144 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2145 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2146 buffers are searched for.
2147 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2148 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2149 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2150< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2151 string is returned. >
2152 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2153 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2154 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2155 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2156< *buffer_name()*
2157 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2158
2159 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002160bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2161 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002162 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002163 above.
2164 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2165 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2166 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002167 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2168 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2169< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2170 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2171 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2172 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2173 *buffer_number()*
2174 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2175 *last_buffer_nr()*
2176 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2177
2178bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2179 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2180 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002181 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002182 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2183
2184 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2185
2186< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2187 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002188 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002189
2190
2191byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2192 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2193 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2194 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2195 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2196 one.
2197 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2198 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2199 feature}
2200
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002201byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2202 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2203 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2204 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2205 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2206 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2207 Example : >
2208 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2209< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2210 same: >
2211 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2212 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2213< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2214 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2215 is returned.
2216
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002217call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002218 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002219 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002220 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002221 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2222 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002223 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2224 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002225
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002226ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2227 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2228 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2229 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2230 Examples: >
2231 echo ceil(1.456)
2232< 2.0 >
2233 echo ceil(-5.456)
2234< -5.0 >
2235 echo ceil(4.0)
2236< 4.0
2237 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2238
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002239changenr() *changenr()*
2240 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2241 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2242 with the |:undo| command.
2243 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2244 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2245 one less than the number of the undone change.
2246
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002247char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2248 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2249 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2250 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2251< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002252 char2nr("á") returns 225
2253 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002254< |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002255
2256cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2257 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2258 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2259 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2260 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2261 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2262 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002263 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002264
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002265clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2266 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2267 |:match| commands.
2268
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002269 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002270col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002271 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2272 . the cursor position
2273 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2274 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2275 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2276 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002277 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2278 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002279 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002280 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002281 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002282 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002283 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2284 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2285 Examples: >
2286 col(".") column of cursor
2287 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2288 col("'t") column of mark t
2289 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002290< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002291 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2292 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002293 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2294 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2295 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2296 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2297 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2298 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2299 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2300<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002301
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002302complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2303 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2304 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002305 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2306 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002307 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2308 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2309 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2310 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2311 match.
2312 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2313 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2314 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002315 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002316 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2317 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2318 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2319 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002320 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002321
2322 func! ListMonths()
2323 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2324 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2325 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2326 return ''
2327 endfunc
2328< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2329 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2330
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002331complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2332 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2333 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2334 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2335 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2336 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002337 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002338 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002339
2340complete_check() *complete_check()*
2341 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2342 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2343 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2344 zero otherwise.
2345 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2346 'completefunc' option.
2347
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002348 *confirm()*
2349confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2350 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2351 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2352 choice this is 1.
2353 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2354 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002355
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002356 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2357 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2358 used (and translated).
2359 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2360 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002361
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002362 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2363 by '\n', e.g. >
2364 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2365< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2366 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2367 not need to be the first letter: >
2368 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2369< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2370 the default shortcut key.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002371
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002372 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2373 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2374 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2375 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002376
2377 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2378 is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32
2379 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question",
2380 "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is
2381 relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2382
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002383 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2384 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2385
2386 An example: >
2387 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2388 :if choice == 0
2389 : echo "make up your mind!"
2390 :elseif choice == 3
2391 : echo "tasteful"
2392 :else
2393 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2394 :endif
2395< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2396 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002397 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002398 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2399 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2400 the horizontal layout is always used.
2401
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002402 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002403copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002404 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002405 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2406 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002407 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2408 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002409 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002410
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002411cos({expr}) *cos()*
2412 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2413 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2414 Examples: >
2415 :echo cos(100)
2416< 0.862319 >
2417 :echo cos(-4.01)
2418< -0.646043
2419 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2420
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002421
2422cosh({expr}) *cosh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002423 Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002424 [1, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002425 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002426 Examples: >
2427 :echo cosh(0.5)
2428< 1.127626 >
2429 :echo cosh(-0.5)
2430< -1.127626
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002431 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002432
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002433
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002434count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002435 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002436 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002437 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002438 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002439 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2440
2441
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002442 *cscope_connection()*
2443cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2444 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2445 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2446 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2447 if there are no cscope connections;
2448 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2449
2450 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2451 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2452
2453 {num} Description of existence check
2454 ----- ------------------------------
2455 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2456 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2457 {dbpath}.
2458 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2459 {dbpath}.
2460 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2461 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2462 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2463 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2464
2465 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2466
2467 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2468
2469 # pid database name prepend path
2470 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2471<
2472 Invocation Return Val ~
2473 ---------- ---------- >
2474 cscope_connection() 1
2475 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2476 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2477 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2478 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2479 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2480 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2481 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2482<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002483cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2484cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002485 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2486 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002487 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002488 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2489 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002490 Does not change the jumplist.
2491 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2492 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2493 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002494 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002495 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2496 line.
2497 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002498 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2499 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002500 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002501 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002502
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002503
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002504deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002505 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002506 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002507 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2508 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002509 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002510 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002511 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2512 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2513 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2514 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2515 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2516 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002517 *E724*
2518 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002519 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2520 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002521 Also see |copy()|.
2522
2523delete({fname}) *delete()*
2524 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002525 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2526 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002527 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002528
2529 *did_filetype()*
2530did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2531 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2532 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2533 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2534 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2535 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2536 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2537 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2538 file.
2539
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002540diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2541 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2542 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2543 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2544 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2545 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2546 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2547 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2548
2549diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2550 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2551 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2552 diff change zero is returned.
2553 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2554 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2555 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2556 line.
2557 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2558 syntax information about the highlighting.
2559
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002560empty({expr}) *empty()*
2561 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002562 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002563 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002564 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002565 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002566
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002567escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2568 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2569 backslash. Example: >
2570 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2571< results in: >
2572 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002573< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002574
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002575 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002576eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2577 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002578 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2579 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2580 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002581
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002582eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2583 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2584 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2585 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2586 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2587
2588executable({expr}) *executable()*
2589 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2590 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002591 arguments.
2592 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2593 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2594 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2595 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002596 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2597 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002598 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002599 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002600 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2601 extension.
2602 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2603 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002604 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2605 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2606 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002607 The result is a Number:
2608 1 exists
2609 0 does not exist
2610 -1 not implemented on this system
2611
2612 *exists()*
2613exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2614 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2615 which contains one of these:
2616 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2617 not if it really works)
2618 +option-name Vim option that works.
2619 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2620 done by comparing with an empty
2621 string)
2622 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2623 or user defined function (see
2624 |user-functions|).
2625 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002626 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002627 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2628 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002629 that evaluating an index may cause an
2630 error message for an invalid
2631 expression. E.g.: >
2632 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2633 :echo exists("l[5]")
2634< 0 >
2635 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2636< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2637 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002638 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2639 command or command modifier |:command|.
2640 Returns:
2641 1 for match with start of a command
2642 2 full match with a command
2643 3 matches several user commands
2644 To check for a supported command
2645 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002646 :2match The |:2match| command.
2647 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002648 #event autocommand defined for this event
2649 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2650 pattern (the pattern is taken
2651 literally and compared to the
2652 autocommand patterns character by
2653 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002654 #group autocommand group exists
2655 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2656 event.
2657 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002658 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002659 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002660 ##event autocommand for this event is
2661 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002662 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2663
2664 Examples: >
2665 exists("&shortname")
2666 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2667 exists("*strftime")
2668 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2669 exists("bufcount")
2670 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002671 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002672 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002673 exists("#filetypeindent")
2674 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2675 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002676 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002677< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2678 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002679 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2680 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2681 the future, thus don't count on it!
2682 Working example: >
2683 exists(":make")
2684< NOT working example: >
2685 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002686
2687< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2688 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002689 exists(bufcount)
2690< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002691 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002692
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002693exp({expr}) *exp()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002694 Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002695 [0, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002696 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002697 Examples: >
2698 :echo exp(2)
2699< 7.389056 >
2700 :echo exp(-1)
2701< 0.367879
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002702 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002703
2704
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002705expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2706 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2707 The result is a String.
2708
2709 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2710 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2711 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2712
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002713 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002714 for a non-existing file is not included.
2715
2716 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2717 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2718 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2719
2720 % current file name
2721 # alternate file name
2722 #n alternate file name n
2723 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2724 <afile> autocmd file name
2725 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2726 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2727 <sfile> sourced script file name
2728 <cword> word under the cursor
2729 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2730 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2731 message |server2client()|
2732 Modifiers:
2733 :p expand to full path
2734 :h head (last path component removed)
2735 :t tail (last path component only)
2736 :r root (one extension removed)
2737 :e extension only
2738
2739 Example: >
2740 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2741< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2742 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2743 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2744< Use this: >
2745 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2746< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2747 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2748 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2749 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2750 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2751<
2752 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2753 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2754 to modify normal file names.
2755
2756 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2757 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2758 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2759 '/' added.
2760
2761 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2762 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2763 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2764 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002765 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2766 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2767 files in the current directory and below: >
2768 :echo expand("**/README")
2769<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002770 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2771 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002772 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002773 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002774 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002775 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2776 "$FOOBAR".
2777
2778 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2779 getting the raw output of an external command.
2780
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002781extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002782 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2783 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002784
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002785 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002786 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2787 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2788 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2789 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002790 Examples: >
2791 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2792 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002793< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2794 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2795 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2796 (where N is the original length of the List).
2797 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002798 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002799 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002800<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002801 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002802 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2803 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2804 used to decide what to do:
2805 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2806 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002807 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002808 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2809
2810 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2811 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2812 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2813 Returns {expr1}.
2814
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002815
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002816feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2817 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002818 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002819 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002820 being executed these characters come after them.
2821 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2822 {string}.
2823 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2824 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002825 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002826 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2827 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2828 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002829 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2830 'n' Do not remap keys.
2831 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2832 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2833 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002834 Return value is always 0.
2835
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002836filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2837 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2838 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2839 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2840 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002841 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2842 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002843 *file_readable()*
2844 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2845
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002846
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002847filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2848 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2849 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002850 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002851 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2852
2853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002854filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002855 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002856 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002857 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002858 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002859 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002860 Examples: >
2861 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2862< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2863 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2864< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2865 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002866< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002867
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002868 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2869 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2870 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2871
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002872 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2873 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002874 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002875
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002876< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002877 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2878 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002879
2880
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002881finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002882 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2883 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2884 for the syntax of {path}.
2885 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2886 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2887 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002888 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2889 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002890 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002891 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002892 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002893 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2894
2895findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2896 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002897 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2898 Example: >
2899 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002900< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2901 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002902
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002903float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2904 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2905 decimal point.
2906 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2907 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2908 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2909 in -0x80000000.
2910 Examples: >
2911 echo float2nr(3.95)
2912< 3 >
2913 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2914< -23 >
2915 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2916< 2147483647 >
2917 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2918< -2147483647 >
2919 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2920< 0
2921 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2922
2923
2924floor({expr}) *floor()*
2925 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2926 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2927 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2928 Examples: >
2929 echo floor(1.856)
2930< 1.0 >
2931 echo floor(-5.456)
2932< -6.0 >
2933 echo floor(4.0)
2934< 4.0
2935 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2936
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002937
2938fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()*
2939 Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the
2940 division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2}
2941 for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the
2942 result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than
2943 the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002944 returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|.
2945 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002946 Examples: >
2947 :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22)
2948< 0.13 >
2949 :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22)
2950< -0.13
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002951 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002952
2953
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002954fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002955 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002956 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2957 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002958 For most systems the characters escaped are
2959 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2960 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002961 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2962 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002963 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002964 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002965 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2966< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002967 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002968
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002969fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2970 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2971 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2972 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2973 Example: >
2974 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2975< results in: >
2976 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002977< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002978 |expand()| first then.
2979
2980foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2981 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2982 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2983 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2984
2985foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2986 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2987 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2988 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2989
2990foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2991 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002992 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002993 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2994 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2995 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2996 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2997 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2998 previous line is usually available.
2999
3000 *foldtext()*
3001foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
3002 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
3003 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
3004 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
3005 The returned string looks like this: >
3006 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003007< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003008 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
3009 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
3010 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
3011 options is removed.
3012 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3013
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00003014foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
3015 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
3016 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
3017 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
3018 returned.
3019 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
3020 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
3021 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
3022 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3023
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003024 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003025foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003026 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
3027 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
3028 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
3029 |remote_foreground()| instead.
3030 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3031 Win32 console version}
3032
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003033
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003034function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003035 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003036 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
3037
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003038
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003039garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003040 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003041 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
3042 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
3043 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
3044 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
3045 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003046 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
3047 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
3048 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003049 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
3050 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
3051 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003052
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003053get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003054 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003055 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
3056 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003057get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003058 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003059 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
3060 {default} is omitted.
3061
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003062 *getbufline()*
3063getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003064 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
3065 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
3066 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003067
3068 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3069
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003070 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
3071 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003072
3073 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003074 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003075
3076 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
3077 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003078 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003079 returned.
3080
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003081 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003082 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003083
3084 Example: >
3085 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003086
3087getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
3088 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
3089 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
3090 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003091 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
3092 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003093 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
3094 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
3095 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003096 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3097 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
3098 returned, there is no error message.
3099 Examples: >
3100 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
3101 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
3102<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003103getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003104 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003105 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3106 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003107 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003108 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003109 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3110
3111 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3112 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3113 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3114 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3115 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003116 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3117 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3118 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3119 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003120
3121 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003122 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3123 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003124
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003125 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3126 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3127 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3128 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3129 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003130 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003131 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3132 exe v:mouse_lnum
3133 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3134 endif
3135<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003136 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3137 user that a character has to be typed.
3138 There is no mapping for the character.
3139 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3140 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3141 sequence. Examples: >
3142 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3143 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3144< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3145 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3146 :function FindChar()
3147 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3148 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3149 : normal l
3150 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3151 : break
3152 : endif
3153 : endwhile
3154 :endfunction
3155
3156getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3157 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3158 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3159 These values are added together:
3160 2 shift
3161 4 control
3162 8 alt (meta)
3163 16 mouse double click
3164 32 mouse triple click
3165 64 mouse quadruple click
3166 128 Macintosh only: command
3167 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003168 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003169 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003170
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003171getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3172 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3173 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3174 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3175 Example: >
3176 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003177< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003178
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003179getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003180 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3181 byte count. The first column is 1.
3182 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3183 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003184 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3185
3186getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3187 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3188 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003189 : normal Ex command
3190 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3191 / forward search command
3192 ? backward search command
3193 @ |input()| command
3194 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003195 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3196 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3197 otherwise.
3198 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003199
3200 *getcwd()*
3201getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3202 working directory.
3203
3204getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3205 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3206 given file {fname}.
3207 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3208 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003209 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3210 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003211
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003212getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3213 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3214 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3215 |hl-Normal|.
3216 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3217 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3218 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3219 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003220 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003221 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3222 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003223 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3224 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003225
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003226getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3227 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3228 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3229 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3230 empty string is returned.
3231 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3232 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3233 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3234 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3235 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3236 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3237< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3238 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003239
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003240getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3241 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3242 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3243 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3244 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3245 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3246
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003247getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3248 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3249 file of the given file {fname}.
3250 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3251 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3252 results:
3253 Normal file "file"
3254 Directory "dir"
3255 Symbolic link "link"
3256 Block device "bdev"
3257 Character device "cdev"
3258 Socket "socket"
3259 FIFO "fifo"
3260 All other "other"
3261 Example: >
3262 getftype("/home")
3263< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3264 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3265 "file" are returned.
3266
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003267 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003268getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3269 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3270 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003271 getline(1)
3272< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3273 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3274 To get the line under the cursor: >
3275 getline(".")
3276< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3277 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3278
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003279 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3280 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003281 including line {end}.
3282 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3283 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003284 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003285 Example: >
3286 :let start = line('.')
3287 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3288 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3289
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003290< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3291
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003292getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3293 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3294 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3295 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003296 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003297 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003298
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003299getmatches() *getmatches()*
3300 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3301 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3302 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3303 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3304 Example: >
3305 :echo getmatches()
3306< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3307 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3308 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3309 :let m = getmatches()
3310 :call clearmatches()
3311 :echo getmatches()
3312< [] >
3313 :call setmatches(m)
3314 :echo getmatches()
3315< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3316 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3317 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3318 :unlet m
3319<
3320
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003321getqflist() *getqflist()*
3322 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3323 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3324 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3325 bufname() to get the name
3326 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3327 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003328 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3329 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003330 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003331 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003332 text description of the error
3333 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3334 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3335
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003336 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003337 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3338 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003339
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003340 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3341 do something with them: >
3342 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3343 :for d in getqflist()
3344 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3345 :endfor
3346
3347
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003348getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003349 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003350 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003351 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3352< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003353 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003354 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3355 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3356 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003357 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3358
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003359
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003360getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3361 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3362 The value will be one of:
3363 "v" for |characterwise| text
3364 "V" for |linewise| text
3365 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3366 0 for an empty or unknown register
3367 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3368 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3369
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003370gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname}) *gettabvar()*
3371 Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page
3372 {tabnr}. |t:var|
3373 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
3374 Note that the name without "t:" must be used.
3375
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003376gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003377 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3378 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3379 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3380 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003381 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3382 use |getwinvar()|.
3383 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3384 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3385 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3386 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003387 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3388 variables is returned.
3389 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003390 Examples: >
3391 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3392 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003393<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003394 *getwinposx()*
3395getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3396 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3397 -1 if the information is not available.
3398
3399 *getwinposy()*
3400getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003401 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003402 information is not available.
3403
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003404getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3405 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003406 Examples: >
3407 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3408 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3409<
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003410glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()*
3411 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003412 use of special characters.
3413 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003414 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3415 characters.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003416 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3417 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3418 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3419 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003420 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3421 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3422
3423 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3424 any external command. Example: >
3425 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3426 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3427< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003428 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003429
3430 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3431 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3432
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003433globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003434 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3435 the results. Example: >
3436 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3437< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3438 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003439 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003440 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3441 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3442 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3443 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3444 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003445 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3446 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3447 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3448 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003449
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003450 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3451 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3452 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3453 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003454< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3455 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3456
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003457 *has()*
3458has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3459 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3460 string. See |feature-list| below.
3461 Also see |exists()|.
3462
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003463
3464has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003465 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3466 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003467
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003468haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3469 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003470 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003471
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003472hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003473 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3474 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3475 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3476 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003477 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003478 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3479 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003480 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3481 buffer are checked for a match.
3482 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3483 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3484 n Normal mode
3485 v Visual mode
3486 o Operator-pending mode
3487 i Insert mode
3488 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3489 c Command-line mode
3490 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3491
3492 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003493 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003494 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3495 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3496 :endif
3497< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3498 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3499
3500histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3501 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3502 one of: *hist-names*
3503 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3504 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003505 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003506 "input" or "@" input line history
3507 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3508 shifted to become the newest entry.
3509 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3510 otherwise 0 is returned.
3511
3512 Example: >
3513 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3514 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3515< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3516
3517histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003518 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003519 for the possible values of {history}.
3520
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003521 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3522 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3523 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003524 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003525 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3526 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3527 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003528
3529 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3530 otherwise 0 is returned.
3531
3532 Examples:
3533 Clear expression register history: >
3534 :call histdel("expr")
3535<
3536 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3537 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3538<
3539 The following three are equivalent: >
3540 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3541 :call histdel("search", -1)
3542 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3543<
3544 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3545 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3546 :call histdel("search", -1)
3547 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3548
3549histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3550 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3551 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3552 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3553 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3554 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3555
3556 Examples:
3557 Redo the second last search from history. >
3558 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3559
3560< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3561 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3562 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3563<
3564histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3565 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3566 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3567 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3568
3569 Example: >
3570 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3571<
3572hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3573 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3574 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3575 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3576 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3577 item.
3578 *highlight_exists()*
3579 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3580
3581 *hlID()*
3582hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3583 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3584 zero is returned.
3585 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003586 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003587 "Comment" group: >
3588 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3589< *highlightID()*
3590 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3591
3592hostname() *hostname()*
3593 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003594 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003595 256 characters long are truncated.
3596
3597iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3598 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3599 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003600 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3601 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3602 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003603 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3604 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3605 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3606 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3607 can be done.
3608 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3609 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3610 UTF-8 and use: >
3611 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3612< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3613 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3614 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3615 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3616
3617 *indent()*
3618indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3619 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3620 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3621 |getline()|.
3622 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3623
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003624
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003625index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003626 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003627 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3628 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3629 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3630 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003631 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3632 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003633 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3634 case must match.
3635 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3636 Example: >
3637 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003638 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003639
3640
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003641input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003642 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003643 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3644 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3645 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003646 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3647 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003648 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003649 for lines typed for input().
3650 Example: >
3651 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3652 : echo "Cheers!"
3653 :endif
3654<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003655 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3656 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3657 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003658 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3659
3660< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3661 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003662 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003663 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003664 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003665 more information. Example: >
3666 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3667<
3668 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3669 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003670 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3671 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3672 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3673 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3674 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3675 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3676 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3677
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003678 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003679 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3680 :function GetFoo()
3681 : call inputsave()
3682 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3683 : call inputrestore()
3684 :endfunction
3685
3686inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003687 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3688 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003689 Example: >
3690 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3691 :if n != ""
3692 : let &sw = n
3693 :endif
3694< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3695 omitted an empty string is returned.
3696 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3697 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003698 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003699
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003700inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003701 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3702 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3703 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003704 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003705 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003706 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3707 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3708 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003709 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003710 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003711 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3712 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003713 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3714 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3715
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003716inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003717 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003718 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3719 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3720 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3721
3722inputsave() *inputsave()*
3723 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3724 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3725 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3726 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3727 many inputrestore() calls.
3728 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3729
3730inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3731 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3732 two exceptions:
3733 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3734 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3735 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3736 |history| stack.
3737 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3738 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003739 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003740
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003741insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003742 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003743 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003744 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003745 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3746 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003747 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003748 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3749 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3750 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003751< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003752 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003753 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003754
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003755isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3756 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3757 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3758 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3759 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3760
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003761islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003762 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3763 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003764 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3765 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003766 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3767 :lockvar 1 alist
3768 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3769 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3770
3771< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003772 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003773
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003774items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003775 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3776 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3777 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3778 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003779
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003780
3781join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3782 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3783 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3784 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3785 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3786 add it there too: >
3787 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003788< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003789 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3790 The opposite function is |split()|.
3791
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003792keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003793 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003794 arbitrary order.
3795
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003796 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003797len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3798 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3799 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003800 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003801 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003802 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3803 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003804 Otherwise an error is given.
3805
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003806 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3807libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3808 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3809 with single argument {argument}.
3810 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3811 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3812 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3813 limited.
3814 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3815 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3816 to Vim.
3817 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3818 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3819 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3820 null-terminated string.
3821 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3822
3823 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3824 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3825 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3826 very probably crash.
3827
3828 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3829 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3830 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3831 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3832 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3833 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3834 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3835 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3836 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3837 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3838
3839 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003840 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003841 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3842 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3843 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3844 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3845 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3846 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003847 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003848 feature is present}
3849 Examples: >
3850 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003851<
3852 *libcallnr()*
3853libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003854 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003855 int instead of a string.
3856 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3857 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003858 Examples: >
3859 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003860 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3861 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3862<
3863 *line()*
3864line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3865 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3866 . the cursor position
3867 $ the last line in the current buffer
3868 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3869 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003870 w0 first line visible in current window
3871 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003872 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3873 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3874 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3875 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003876 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3877 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003878 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3879 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003880 Examples: >
3881 line(".") line number of the cursor
3882 line("'t") line number of mark t
3883 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3884< *last-position-jump*
3885 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3886 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003887 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003888
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003889line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3890 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3891 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3892 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3893 line returns 1.
3894 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3895 below the last line: >
3896 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3897< This is the file size plus one.
3898 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3899 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3900 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3901
3902lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3903 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3904 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3905 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3906 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3907 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3908 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3909
3910localtime() *localtime()*
3911 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3912 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3913
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003914
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003915log({expr}) *log()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02003916 Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|.
3917 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003918 (0, inf].
3919 Examples: >
3920 :echo log(10)
3921< 2.302585 >
3922 :echo log(exp(5))
3923< 5.0
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02003924 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003925
3926
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003927log10({expr}) *log10()*
3928 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3929 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3930 Examples: >
3931 :echo log10(1000)
3932< 3.0 >
3933 :echo log10(0.01)
3934< -2.0
3935 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3936
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003937map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003938 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003939 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3940 {string}.
3941 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00003942 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
3943 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003944 Example: >
3945 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003946< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003947
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003948 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003949 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003950 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3951 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003952
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003953 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3954 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003955 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003956
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003957< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003958 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3959 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003960
3961
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003962maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003963 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3964 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003965 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003966 "n" Normal
3967 "v" Visual
3968 "o" Operator-pending
3969 "i" Insert
3970 "c" Cmd-line
3971 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3972 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003973 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003974 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3975 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003976 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3977 command. The returned String has special characters
3978 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3979 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3980 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003981 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3982 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3983 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3984
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003985
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003986mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003987 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3988 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3989 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003990 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3991 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003992 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3993 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3994
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003995 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003996 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3997 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3998 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3999 mapcheck("b") no no no
4000
4001 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
4002 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
4003 mapping for {name} exactly.
4004 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
4005 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
4006 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
4007 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
4008 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4009 then the global mappings.
4010 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
4011 without being ambiguous. Example: >
4012 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
4013 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
4014 :endif
4015< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
4016 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
4017
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004018match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004019 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
4020 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004021 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004022 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004023 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
4024 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004025 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004026 If there is no match -1 is returned.
4027 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004028 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004029 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004030< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004031 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004032 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004033 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
4034< *strcasestr()*
4035 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
4036 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
4037 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
4038<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004039 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004040 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004041 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004042 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004043 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
4044< result is again "4". >
4045 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
4046< result is again "4". >
4047 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
4048< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004049 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004050 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
4051 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
4052 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
4053 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004054 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
4055 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004056 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
4057 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004058
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004059 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004060 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004061 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
4062 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
4063< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004064 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
4065 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004066
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004067 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
4068 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004069 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004070 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
4071
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004072 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
4073matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
4074 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
4075 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
4076 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
4077 match using |matchdelete()|.
4078
4079 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004080 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004081 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
4082 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
4083 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
4084 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
4085 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
4086 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
4087 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
4088 always overrule syntax highlighting.
4089
4090 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
4091 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
4092 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
4093 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
4094 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
4095 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
4096 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
4097
4098 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
4099 the |:match| commands.
4100
4101 Example: >
4102 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
4103 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
4104< Deletion of the pattern: >
4105 :call matchdelete(m)
4106
4107< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004108 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004109 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004110
4111matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004112 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004113 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
4114 Return a |List| with two elements:
4115 The name of the highlight group used
4116 The pattern used.
4117 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
4118 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004119 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
4120 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
4121 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004122
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004123matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4124 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004125 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004126 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4127 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004128
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004129matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004130 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4131 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004132 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4133< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004134 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4135 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4136 do it with matchend(): >
4137 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4138 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4139< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4140
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004141 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004142 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4143< results in "7". >
4144 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4145< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004146 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004147
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004148matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004149 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004150 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4151 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004152 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4153 empty string is used. Example: >
4154 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4155< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004156 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4157
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004158matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004159 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004160 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4161< results in "ing".
4162 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004163 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004164 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4165< results in "ing". >
4166 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4167< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004168 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004169 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004170
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004171 *max()*
4172max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4173 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4174 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004175 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004176
4177 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004178min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004179 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4180 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004181 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004182
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004183 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004184mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4185 Create directory {name}.
4186 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4187 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4188 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4189 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004190 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004191 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4192 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4193 with 0755.
4194 Example: >
4195 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4196< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004197 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4198 :if exists("*mkdir")
4199<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004200 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004201mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004202 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4203 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4204 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4205 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004206
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004207 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004208 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004209 v Visual by character
4210 V Visual by line
4211 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4212 s Select by character
4213 S Select by line
4214 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4215 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004216 R Replace |R|
4217 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004218 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004219 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4220 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004221 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004222 rm The -- more -- prompt
4223 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4224 ! Shell or external command is executing
4225 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4226 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4227 "c" or "n".
4228 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004229
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004230mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4231 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
4232 convert to Vim data structures.
4233 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4234 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4235 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4236 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4237 converted to strings.
4238 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4239 Examples: >
4240 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4241 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4242 :echo mzeval("l")
4243 :echo mzeval("h")
4244<
4245 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4246
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004247nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4248 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4249 that is not blank. Example: >
4250 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4251< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4252 below it, zero is returned.
4253 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4254
4255nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4256 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4257 value {expr}. Examples: >
4258 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4259 nr2char(32) returns " "
4260< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4261 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4262< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4263 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4264 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004265 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004266
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004267 *getpid()*
4268getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004269 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4270 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004271
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004272 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004273getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4274 see |line()|.
4275 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4276 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4277 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4278 is the buffer number of the mark.
4279 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4280 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004281 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4282 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004283 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004284 character.
4285 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4286 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4287 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004288 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004289< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004290
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004291pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4292 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4293 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4294 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4295 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4296 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4297< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4298 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4299
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004300pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4301 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4302 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4303 Examples: >
4304 :echo pow(3, 3)
4305< 27.0 >
4306 :echo pow(2, 16)
4307< 65536.0 >
4308 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4309< 2.0
4310 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4311
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004312prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4313 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4314 that is not blank. Example: >
4315 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4316< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4317 above it, zero is returned.
4318 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4319
4320
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004321printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4322 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4323 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004324 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004325< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004326 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004327
4328 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004329 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004330 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004331 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4332 %c single byte
4333 %d decimal number
4334 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4335 %x hex number
4336 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4337 %X hex number using upper case letters
4338 %o octal number
4339 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4340 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4341 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4342 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4343 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4344 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004345
4346 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4347 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4348 the result.
4349
4350 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004351 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004352
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004353 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004354
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004355 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004356 Zero or more of the following flags:
4357
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004358 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4359 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4360 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4361 of the number is increased to force the first
4362 character of the output string to a zero (except
4363 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4364 precision of zero).
4365 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4366 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4367 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004368
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004369 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4370 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4371 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4372 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4373 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004374
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004375 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4376 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4377 The converted value is padded on the right with
4378 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4379 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004380
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004381 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4382 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004383
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004384 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004385 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004386 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004387
4388 field-width
4389 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004390 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4391 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4392 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4393 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004394
4395 .precision
4396 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4397 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4398 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4399 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4400 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004401 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004402 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4403 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004404
4405 type
4406 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4407 be applied, see below.
4408
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004409 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4410 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004411 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004412 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4413 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4414 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004415 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004416< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004417 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004418
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004419 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004420
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004421 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4422 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004423 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4424 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4425 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004426 conversions.
4427 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4428 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4429 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4430 zeros.
4431 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4432 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4433 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4434 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4435
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004436 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004437 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4438 resulting character is written.
4439
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004440 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004441 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4442 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4443 specified are used.
4444
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004445 *printf-f* *E807*
4446 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4447 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4448 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4449 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4450 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4451 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4452 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4453 Example: >
4454 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4455< 12.12
4456 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4457 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4458
4459 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4460 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4461 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4462 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4463 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4464
4465 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4466 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4467 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4468 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4469 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4470 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4471 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4472 results in 1.0e7.
4473
4474 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004475 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4476 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004477
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004478 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4479 accepted and automatically converted.
4480 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4481 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4482 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004483
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004484 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004485 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4486 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004487 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004488
4489
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004490pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4491 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4492 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004493 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4494 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004495
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004496 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004497range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004498 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004499 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4500 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4501 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4502 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4503 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004504 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4505 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4506 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004507 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004508 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004509 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4510 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004511 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004512 range(0) " []
4513 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004514<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004515 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004516readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004517 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4518 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004519 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4520 NL appears somewhere).
4521 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4522 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4523 added.
4524 - No CR characters are removed.
4525 Otherwise:
4526 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4527 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
4528 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004529 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4530 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4531 lines of a file: >
4532 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4533 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4534 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004535< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4536 are returned, or as many as there are.
4537 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004538 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4539 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4540 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004541 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4542 the result is an empty list.
4543 Also see |writefile()|.
4544
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004545reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4546 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4547 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4548 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4549 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4550 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4551 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004552 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004553 and {end}.
4554 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4555 reltime().
4556 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4557
4558reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4559 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4560 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4561 microseconds. Example: >
4562 let start = reltime()
4563 call MyFunction()
4564 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4565< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4566 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004567 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4568 can use split() to remove it. >
4569 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4570< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004571 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4572
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004573 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4574remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004575 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004576 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004577 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4578 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4579 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004580 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4581 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4582 remote_read() is stored there.
4583 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4584 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4585 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4586 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4587 and the result will be the empty string.
4588 Examples: >
4589 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4590 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4591<
4592
4593remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4594 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4595 This works like: >
4596 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4597< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4598 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4599 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004600 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4601 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004602 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4603 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4604 Win32 console version}
4605
4606
4607remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4608 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4609 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004610 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004611 name of a variable.
4612 Returns zero if none are available.
4613 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4614 See also |clientserver|.
4615 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4616 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4617 Examples: >
4618 :let repl = ""
4619 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4620
4621remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4622 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4623 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4624 See also |clientserver|.
4625 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4626 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4627 Example: >
4628 :echo remote_read(id)
4629<
4630 *remote_send()* *E241*
4631remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004632 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004633 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4634 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004635 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4636 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4637 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004638 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4639 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4640 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4641 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4642 up the display.
4643 Examples: >
4644 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4645 \ remote_read(serverid)
4646
4647 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4648 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4649 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4650 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004651<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004652remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004653 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004654 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004655 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004656 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004657 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4658 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4659 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004660 Example: >
4661 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004662 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004663remove({dict}, {key})
4664 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4665 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4666< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4667
4668 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004669
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004670rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4671 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4672 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4673 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4674 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004675 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004676 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4677
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004678repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4679 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4680 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004681 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004682< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004683 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004684 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004685 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4686< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004687
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004688
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004689resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4690 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4691 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4692 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4693 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4694 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4695 stopped after 100 iterations.
4696 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4697 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4698 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4699 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4700 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4701
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004702 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004703reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004704 {list}.
4705 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4706 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4707
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004708round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004709 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004710 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4711 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4712 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4713 Examples: >
4714 echo round(0.456)
4715< 0.0 >
4716 echo round(4.5)
4717< 5.0 >
4718 echo round(-4.5)
4719< -5.0
4720 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4721
4722
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004723search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004724 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004725 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004726
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004727 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4728 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004729 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004730 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004731 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004732 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4733 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004734 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4735 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4736 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4737
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004738 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4739 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4740 flag.
4741
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004742 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4743
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004744 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4745 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4746 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4747 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4748 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4749< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4750 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004751 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4752
4753 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004754 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004755 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4756 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4757 giving the argument.
4758 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004759
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004760 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4761 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004762 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4763 *search()-sub-match*
4764 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4765 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4766 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004767 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004768
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004769 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4770 flag is used.
4771
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004772 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4773 :let n = 1
4774 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4775 : exe "argument " . n
4776 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4777 : " first search to find match at start of file
4778 : normal G$
4779 : let flags = "w"
4780 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004781 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004782 : let flags = "W"
4783 : endwhile
4784 : update " write the file if modified
4785 : let n = n + 1
4786 :endwhile
4787<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004788 Example for using some flags: >
4789 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4790< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4791 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4792 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4793 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4794 line:
4795 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4796 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4797 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4798 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4799 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4800
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004801
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004802searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4803 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004804
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004805 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4806 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4807 first match in the function.
4808
4809 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4810 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4811 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4812
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004813 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4814 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4815 Example: >
4816 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4817 echo getline('.')
4818 endif
4819<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004820 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004821searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4822 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004823 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4824 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4825 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004826 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4827 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4828 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4829 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4830 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4831 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004832
4833 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4834 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4835 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4836 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4837 typical use is: >
4838 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4839< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4840
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004841 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4842 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004843 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004844 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4845 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004846 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004847 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4848 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004849
4850 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4851 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4852 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4853 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4854 or a string.
4855 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4856 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4857 and -1 returned.
4858
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004859 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004860
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004861 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4862 patterns are used like it's on.
4863
4864 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4865 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4866 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4867 if 1
4868 if 2
4869 endif 2
4870 endif 1
4871< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4872 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4873 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004874 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004875 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4876 "endif 2".
4877 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4878 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4879 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4880 the matching start.
4881
4882 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4883
4884 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4885 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4886
4887< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4888 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4889 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4890 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4891 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4892 match.
4893 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4894
4895 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4896
4897< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4898 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4899 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4900
4901 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4902 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4903<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004904 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004905searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4906 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004907 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004908 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4909 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004910 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02004911 returns [0, 0]. >
4912
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004913 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4914<
4915 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4916
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004917searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004918 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004919 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4920 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4921 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4922 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004923 Example: >
4924 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4925
4926< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4927 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4928 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4929< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4930 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4931
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004932server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4933 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4934 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4935 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4936 Note:
4937 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004938 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004939 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4940 See also |clientserver|.
4941 Example: >
4942 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4943<
4944serverlist() *serverlist()*
4945 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4946 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4947 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4948 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4949 Example: >
4950 :echo serverlist()
4951<
4952setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4953 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4954 {val}.
4955 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4956 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4957 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4958 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4959 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4960 Examples: >
4961 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4962 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4963< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4964
4965setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4966 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004967 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004968 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4969 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004970 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4971 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4972 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4973 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4974 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004975 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4976 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4977 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4978 line.
4979
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004980setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
4981 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004982 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004983 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004984 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004985 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4986 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004987 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004988< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004989 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4990 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4991< This is equivalent to: >
4992 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4993 : call setline(n, l)
4994 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004995< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4996
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004997setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4998 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4999 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005000 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
5001 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005002 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
5003 Also see |location-list|.
5004
5005setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
5006 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005007 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005008 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005009
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005010 *setpos()*
5011setpos({expr}, {list})
5012 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
5013 . the cursor
5014 'x mark x
5015
5016 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
5017 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
5018
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005019 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005020 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005021 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
5022 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
5023 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005024 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005025
5026 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005027 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
5028 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005029
5030 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
5031 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005032 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005033 character.
5034
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00005035 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
5036 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
5037
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005038 Also see |getpos()|
5039
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005040 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
5041 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
5042
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005043
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005044setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005045 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
5046 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
5047 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
5048 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005049
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005050 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005051 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005052 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005053 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005054 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005055 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005056 col column number
5057 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005058 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005059 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005060 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005061 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005062
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005063 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
5064 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
5065 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005066 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
5067 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
5068 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005069 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
5070 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02005071 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
5072 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005073 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
5074 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005075
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005076 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
5077 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
5078 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
5079 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
5080 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
5081 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
5082
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005083 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
5084
5085 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
5086 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
5087 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
5088
5089
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005090 *setreg()*
5091setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
5092 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
5093 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
5094 then the value is appended.
5095 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
5096 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
5097 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
5098 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
5099 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
5100 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
5101 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005102 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005103
5104 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
5105 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
5106 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
5107 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
5108
5109 Examples: >
5110 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
5111 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
5112 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
5113
5114< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
5115 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005116 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005117 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
5118 ....
5119 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
5120
5121< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5122 nothing: >
5123 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5124
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005125settabvar({tabnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabvar()*
5126 Set tab-local variable {varname} to {val} in tab page {tabnr}.
5127 |t:var|
5128 Note that the variable name without "t:" must be used.
5129 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
5130 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5131 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5132 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5133
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005134settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5135 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5136 {val}.
5137 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5138 use |setwinvar()|.
5139 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005140 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5141 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5142 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5143 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005144 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5145 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5146 Examples: >
5147 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5148 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5149< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5150
5151setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5152 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005153 Examples: >
5154 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5155 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005156
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005157shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005158 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005159 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005160 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005161 quotes within {string}.
5162 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5163 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005164 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5165 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005166 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5167 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005168 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005169 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5170 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5171 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5172 even when inside single quotes.
5173 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5174 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5175 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005176 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5177 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5178< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5179 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5180 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005181
5182
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005183simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5184 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5185 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5186 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5187 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5188 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5189 not removed either.
5190 Example: >
5191 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5192< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5193 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5194 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5195 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5196 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5197
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005198
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005199sin({expr}) *sin()*
5200 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5201 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5202 Examples: >
5203 :echo sin(100)
5204< -0.506366 >
5205 :echo sin(-4.01)
5206< 0.763301
5207 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5208
5209
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005210sinh({expr}) *sinh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005211 Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005212 [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005213 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005214 Examples: >
5215 :echo sinh(0.5)
5216< 0.521095 >
5217 :echo sinh(-0.9)
5218< -1.026517
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005219 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005220
5221
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005222sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005223 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5224 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5225 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5226< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005227 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005228 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005229 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005230 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5231 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005232 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5233 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5234 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5235 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005236 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5237 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5238 endfunc
5239 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005240< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5241 ignores overflow: >
5242 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5243 return a:i1 - a:i2
5244 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005245<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005246 *soundfold()*
5247soundfold({word})
5248 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005249 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005250 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5251 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005252 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5253 the method can be quite slow.
5254
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005255 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005256spellbadword([{sentence}])
5257 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5258 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5259 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5260 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5261
5262 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5263 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5264 result is an empty string.
5265
5266 The return value is a list with two items:
5267 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5268 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005269 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005270 "rare" rare word
5271 "local" word only valid in another region
5272 "caps" word should start with Capital
5273 Example: >
5274 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5275< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5276
5277 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5278 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5279 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005280
5281 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005282spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005283 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005284 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5285 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5286
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005287 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5288 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5289 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5290
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005291 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5292 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005293 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5294 replace a line.
5295
5296 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005297 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5298 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005299
5300 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005301 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5302 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005303
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005304
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005305split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005306 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5307 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5308 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005309 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005310 removing the matched characters.
5311 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5312 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005313 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5314 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005315 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005316 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005317< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005318 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005319< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5320 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5321< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005322 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5323 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5324< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005325
5326
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005327sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5328 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5329 |Float|.
5330 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5331 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5332 Examples: >
5333 :echo sqrt(100)
5334< 10.0 >
5335 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5336< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005337 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005338 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5339
5340
5341str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5342 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5343 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5344 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5345 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5346 write "1.0e40".
5347 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5348 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5349 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5350 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5351 |substitute()|: >
5352 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5353< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5354
5355
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005356str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5357 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5358 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5359 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5360 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5361 with the default String to Number conversion.
5362 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5363 different base the result will be zero.
5364 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005365
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005366
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005367strchars({expr}) *strchars()*
5368 The result is a Number, which is the number of characters
5369 String {expr} occupies. Composing characters are counted
5370 separately.
5371 Also see |strlen()| and |strwidth()|.
5372
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005373strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5374 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5375 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5376 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5377 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5378 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5379 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5380 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5381 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5382 Examples: >
5383 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5384 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5385 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5386 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5387 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5388 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005389< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5390 :if exists("*strftime")
5391
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005392stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5393 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5394 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005395 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5396 This can be used to find a second match: >
5397 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
5398 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
5399< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005400 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005401 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005402 See also |strridx()|.
5403 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005404 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5405 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5406 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005407< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005408 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5409 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5410
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005411 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005412string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005413 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5414 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005415 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005416 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005417 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005418 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005419 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005420 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005421 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005422 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005423 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005424
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005425 *strlen()*
5426strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005427 {expr} in bytes.
5428 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5429 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005430
5431 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005432<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005433 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5434 For other types an error is given.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005435 Also see |len()|, |strchars()| and |strwidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005436
5437strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5438 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005439 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005440 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5441 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5442 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5443 end of the {src}. >
5444 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5445 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5446 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005447 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005448< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5449 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005450 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005451<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005452strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5453 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5454 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5455 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5456 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5457 match: >
5458 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5459 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5460< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005461 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5462 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005463 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005464 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005465 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005466< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005467 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5468 function strrchr().
5469
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005470strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5471 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5472 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5473 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5474 echo strtrans(@a)
5475< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5476 starting a new line.
5477
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005478strwidth({expr}) *strwidth()*
5479 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5480 String {expr} occupies. A Tab character is counted as one
5481 cell (on the screen it depends on the position).
5482 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5483 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
5484 Also see |strlen()| and |strchars()|.
5485
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005486submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
5487 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
5488 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
5489 the whole matched text is returned.
5490 Example: >
5491 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5492< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5493 A line break is included as a newline character.
5494
5495substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5496 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
5497 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
5498 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
5499 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
5500 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005501 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005502 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5503 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
5504 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005505 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005506 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
5507 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5508 unmodified.
5509 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5510 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5511 Example: >
5512 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5513< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5514 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5515< results in "TESTING".
5516
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005517synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005518 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005519 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005520 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5521 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005522
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005523 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005524 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5525
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005526 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005527 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005528 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5529 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5530 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5531 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5532 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5533
5534 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5535 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5536<
5537synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5538 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5539 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5540 about a syntax item.
5541 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005542 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005543 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5544 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5545 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5546 {what} result
5547 "name" the name of the syntax item
5548 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5549 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5550 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005551 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005552 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5553 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005554 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005555 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5556 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5557 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005558 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005559 "bold" "1" if bold
5560 "italic" "1" if italic
5561 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5562 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005563 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005564 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005565 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005566
5567 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5568 cursor): >
5569 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5570<
5571synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5572 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5573 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5574 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5575 ":highlight link" are followed.
5576
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005577synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5578 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5579 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5580 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005581 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5582 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5583 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5584 transparent item.
5585 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5586 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5587 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5588 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5589 endfor
Bram Moolenaar0bc380a2010-07-10 13:52:13 +02005590< When the position specified with {lnum} and {col} is invalid
5591 nothing is returned. The position just after the last
5592 character in a line and the first column in an empty line are
5593 valid positions.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005594
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005595system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5596 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5597 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5598 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5599 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005600 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005601 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5602 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5603 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5604 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005605 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005606
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005607 The result is a String. Example: >
5608 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005609
5610< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5611 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5612 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5613 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5614 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5615 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5616 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5617 concatenated commands.
5618
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005619 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5620 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5621
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005622 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5623 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005624
5625 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5626 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5627 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005628 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5629 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5630
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005631
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005632tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005633 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005634 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5635 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5636 omitted the current tab page is used.
5637 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5638 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5639 tablist = []
5640 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5641 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5642 endfor
5643< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5644
5645
5646tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005647 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5648 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5649 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5650 page is returned (the tab page count).
5651 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5652
5653
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005654tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
5655 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
5656 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5657 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5658 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5659 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5660 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5661 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5662 Useful examples: >
5663 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5664 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5665< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5666
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005667 *tagfiles()*
5668tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5669 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5670
5671
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005672taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5673 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005674 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5675 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005676 name Name of the tag.
5677 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005678 defined. It is either relative to the
5679 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005680 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5681 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005682 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005683 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005684 kind values. Only available when
5685 using a tags file generated by
5686 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005687 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005688 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005689 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5690 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5691 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5692 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5693 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5694 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005695
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005696 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5697 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005698
5699 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5700
5701 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5702 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5703 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5704
5705 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5706 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5707 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5708
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005709tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5710 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005711 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005712 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5713 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5714 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005715< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005716 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5717 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5718
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005719
5720tan({expr}) *tan()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005721 Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005722 in the range [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005723 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005724 Examples: >
5725 :echo tan(10)
5726< 0.648361 >
5727 :echo tan(-4.01)
5728< -1.181502
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005729 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005730
5731
5732tanh({expr}) *tanh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005733 Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a |Float| in the
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005734 range [-1, 1].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005735 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005736 Examples: >
5737 :echo tanh(0.5)
5738< 0.462117 >
5739 :echo tanh(-1)
5740< -0.761594
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005741 {only available when compiled with |+float|}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005742
5743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005744tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5745 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5746 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5747 the string).
5748
5749toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5750 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5751 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5752 the string).
5753
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005754tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5755 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5756 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5757 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5758 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5759 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5760 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5761
5762 Examples: >
5763 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5764< returns "Hello THere" >
5765 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5766< returns "{blob}"
5767
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005768trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005769 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005770 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5771 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5772 Examples: >
5773 echo trunc(1.456)
5774< 1.0 >
5775 echo trunc(-5.456)
5776< -5.0 >
5777 echo trunc(4.0)
5778< 4.0
5779 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5780
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005781 *type()*
5782type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005783 Number: 0
5784 String: 1
5785 Funcref: 2
5786 List: 3
5787 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005788 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005789 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005790 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5791 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5792 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5793 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005794 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005795 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005796
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02005797undofile({name}) *undofile()*
5798 Return the name of the undo file that would be used for a file
5799 with name {name} when writing. This uses the 'undodir'
5800 option, finding directories that exist. It does not check if
Bram Moolenaar860cae12010-06-05 23:22:07 +02005801 the undo file exists.
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02005802 {name} is always expanded to the full path, since that is what
5803 is used internally.
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02005804 Useful in combination with |:wundo| and |:rundo|.
5805 When compiled without the +persistent_undo option this always
5806 returns an empty string.
5807
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02005808undotree() *undotree()*
5809 Return the current state of the undo tree in a dictionary with
5810 the following items:
5811 "seq_last" The highest undo sequence number used.
5812 "seq_cur" The sequence number of the current position in
5813 the undo tree. This differs from "seq_last"
5814 when some changes were undone.
5815 "time_cur" Time last used for |:earlier| and related
5816 commands. Use |strftime()| to convert to
5817 something readable.
5818 "save_last" Number of the last file write. Zero when no
5819 write yet.
Bram Moolenaar730cde92010-06-27 05:18:54 +02005820 "save_cur" Number of the current position in the undo
5821 tree.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02005822 "synced" Non-zero when the last undo block was synced.
5823 This happens when waiting from input from the
5824 user. See |undo-blocks|.
5825 "entries" A list of dictionaries with information about
5826 undo blocks.
5827
5828 The first item in the "entries" list is the oldest undo item.
5829 Each List item is a Dictionary with these items:
5830 "seq" Undo sequence number. Same as what appears in
5831 |:undolist|.
5832 "time" Timestamp when the change happened. Use
5833 |strftime()| to convert to something readable.
5834 "newhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
5835 that was added. This marks the last change
5836 and where further changes will be added.
5837 "curhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
5838 that was undone. This marks the current
5839 position in the undo tree, the block that will
5840 be used by a redo command. When nothing was
5841 undone after the last change this item will
5842 not appear anywhere.
5843 "save" Only appears on the last block before a file
5844 write. The number is the write count. The
5845 first write has number 1, the last one the
5846 "save_last" mentioned above.
5847 "alt" Alternate entry. This is again a List of undo
5848 blocks. Each item may again have an "alt"
5849 item.
5850
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005851values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005852 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005853 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005854
5855
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005856virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5857 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5858 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5859 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5860 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5861 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5862 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5863 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005864 For the byte position use |col()|.
5865 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5866 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005867 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005868 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005869 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005870 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5871 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5872 The accepted positions are:
5873 . the cursor position
5874 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5875 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5876 plus one)
5877 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5878 returned)
5879 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5880 Examples: >
5881 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5882 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005883 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5884< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005885 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5886 all lines: >
5887 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5888
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005889
5890visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5891 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005892 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5893 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5894 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5895 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5896 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005897 Example: >
5898 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5899< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5900 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5901 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005902 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
5903 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005904 *non-zero-arg*
5905 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
5906 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005907 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005908 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
5909 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
5910 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005911
5912 *winbufnr()*
5913winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005914 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005915 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5916 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5917 Example: >
5918 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5919<
5920 *wincol()*
5921wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5922 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5923 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5924
5925winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5926 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5927 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5928 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5929 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5930 Examples: >
5931 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5932<
5933 *winline()*
5934winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005935 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005936 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005937 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5938 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005939
5940 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005941winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5942 window. The top window has number 1.
5943 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005944 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005945 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5946 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005947 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
5948 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005949 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5950 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005951 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005952
5953 *winrestcmd()*
5954winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5955 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005956 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5957 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005958 Example: >
5959 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5960 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5961 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005962<
5963 *winrestview()*
5964winrestview({dict})
5965 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5966 the view of the current window.
5967 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5968 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5969
5970 *winsaveview()*
5971winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5972 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5973 restore the view.
5974 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5975 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5976 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005977 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5978 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005979 The return value includes:
5980 lnum cursor line number
5981 col cursor column
5982 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5983 curswant column for vertical movement
5984 topline first line in the window
5985 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5986 leftcol first column displayed
5987 skipcol columns skipped
5988 Note that no option values are saved.
5989
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005990
5991winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5992 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5993 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5994 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5995 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5996 Examples: >
5997 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5998 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5999 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
6000 :endif
6001<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006002 *writefile()*
6003writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006004 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006005 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
6006 Number.
6007 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
6008 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
6009 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
6010 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
6011 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
6012 to writefile().
6013 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
6014 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
6015 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
6016 fails.
6017 Also see |readfile()|.
6018 To copy a file byte for byte: >
6019 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
6020 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
6021<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006022
6023 *feature-list*
6024There are three types of features:
60251. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
6026 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
6027 :if has("cindent")
60282. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
6029 Example: >
6030 :if has("gui_running")
6031< *has-patch*
60323. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
6033 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
6034 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
6035 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006036< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
6037 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006038
6039all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
6040amiga Amiga version of Vim.
6041arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
6042arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00006043autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006044balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00006045balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006046beos BeOS version of Vim.
6047browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
6048 work.
6049builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
6050byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
6051cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
6052clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
6053clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
6054cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
6055cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
6056cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
6057comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
6058cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
6059cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
6060compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
6061debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
6062dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
6063dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
6064diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
6065digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
6066dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
6067dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
6068dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
6069ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
6070emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
6071eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
6072 true, of course!
6073ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
6074extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
6075 |'hlsearch'|
6076farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
6077file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006078filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
6079 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006080find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
6081 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006082float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006083fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
6084 Windows this is not present).
6085folding Compiled with |folding| support.
6086footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
6087fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
6088gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
6089gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
6090gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006091gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
6092gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006093gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006094gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
6095gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
6096gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
6097gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
6098gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
6099gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
6100hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
6101iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
6102insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
6103 Insert mode.
6104jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
6105keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
6106langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
6107libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
6108linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
6109 support.
6110lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
6111listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
6112 and the argument list |arglist|.
6113localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
Bram Moolenaar0ba04292010-07-14 23:23:17 +02006114lua Compiled with Lua interface |Lua|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006115mac Macintosh version of Vim.
6116macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
6117menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
6118mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
6119modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
6120mouse Compiled with support mouse.
6121mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
6122mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
6123mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
6124mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
6125mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006126mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006127mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00006128multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
6129multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006130multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
6131multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00006132mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006133netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaarb26e6322010-05-22 21:34:09 +02006134netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and connected.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006135ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
6136os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
6137osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
6138path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
6139perl Compiled with Perl interface.
Bram Moolenaar55debbe2010-05-23 23:34:36 +02006140persistent_undo Compiled with support for persistent undo history.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006141postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
6142printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006143profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006144python Compiled with Python interface.
6145qnx QNX version of Vim.
6146quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00006147reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006148rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
6149ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
6150scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
6151showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
6152signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
6153smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00006154sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00006155startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006156statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
6157 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
6158sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00006159spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
6160syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006161syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
6162 current buffer.
6163system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
6164tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
6165 |tag-binary-search|.
6166tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
6167 |tag-old-static|.
6168tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
6169 files |tag-any-white|.
6170tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
6171terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
6172termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
6173textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
6174tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
6175 or terminfo file.
6176title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
6177toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
6178unix Unix version of Vim.
6179user_commands User-defined commands.
6180viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
6181vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
6182vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
6183virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
6184visual Compiled with Visual mode.
6185visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
6186 |blockwise-operators|.
6187vms VMS version of Vim.
6188vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
6189wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
6190wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
6191windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
6192winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
6193win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
6194win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
6195win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
6196win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
6197win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
6198writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
6199xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
6200xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
6201xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
6202xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
6203xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
6204xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
6205 xterm screen.
6206x11 Compiled with X11 support.
6207
6208 *string-match*
6209Matching a pattern in a String
6210
6211A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
6212the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
6213everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
6214like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
6215line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
6216with ".". Example: >
6217 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
6218 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
6219 aa
6220 xx
6221 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
6222 a
6223 x
6224
6225Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
6226"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
6227"\n".
6228
6229==============================================================================
62305. Defining functions *user-functions*
6231
6232New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
6233functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
6234commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
6235
6236The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
6237builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
6238avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
6239the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
6240
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006241It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6242|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006243
6244 *local-function*
6245A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6246can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6247and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006248function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006249instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6250
6251 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6252:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6253
6254:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006255 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6256 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006257 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006258
6259:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6260 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6261 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006262<
6263 *:function-verbose*
6264When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6265last defined. Example: >
6266
6267 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6268 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6269 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6270<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006271See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006272
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006273 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006274:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006275 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6276 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6277 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006278
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006279 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6280 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006281 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006282< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006283 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006284 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006285 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6286 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6287 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006288 *E127* *E122*
6289 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6290 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6291 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6292 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006293
6294 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6295
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006296 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6297 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6298 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6299 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6300 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6301 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6302 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006303
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006304 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6305 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006306
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006307 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006308 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006309 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6310 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006311
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006312 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006313 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006314 will not be changed by the function. This also
6315 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6316 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006317
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006318 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6319:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6320 by its own, without other commands.
6321
6322 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6323:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006324 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6325 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006326 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006327< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006328 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6329 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006330 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6331:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6332 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6333 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6334 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6335 the number 0 is returned.
6336 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6337 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6338
6339 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6340 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6341 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6342 are executed first. This process applies to all
6343 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6344 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6345
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006346 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006347An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006348be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006349 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006350Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6351arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6352may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6353as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006354can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6355that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006356 *E742*
6357The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006358However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006359Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6360it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6361|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006362
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006363When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6364to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6365may be larger.
6366
6367It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6368still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6369until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6370inside a function body.
6371
6372 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006373Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6374will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6375accessed with "g:".
6376
6377Example: >
6378 :function Table(title, ...)
6379 : echohl Title
6380 : echo a:title
6381 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006382 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6383 : for s in a:000
6384 : echon ' ' . s
6385 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006386 :endfunction
6387
6388This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006389 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6390 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006391
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006392To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6393 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006394 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006395 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006396 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006397 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006398 :endfunction
6399
6400This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006401 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006402 :if success == "ok"
6403 : echo div
6404 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006405<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006406 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006407:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6408 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6409 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006410 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006411 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6412 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6413 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6414 function.
6415 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6416 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6417 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6418 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006419 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006420 this works:
6421 *function-range-example* >
6422 :function Mynumber(arg)
6423 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6424 :endfunction
6425 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6426<
6427 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6428 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6429 the range.
6430
6431 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6432
6433 :function Cont() range
6434 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6435 :endfunction
6436 :4,8call Cont()
6437<
6438 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6439 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6440
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006441 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6442 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6443 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6444< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6445
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006446 *E132*
6447The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6448option.
6449
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006450
6451AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006452 *autoload-functions*
6453When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006454only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6455the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6456
6457
6458Using an autocommand ~
6459
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006460This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6461
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006462The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6463You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006464That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006465again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6466
6467Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6468function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006469
6470 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6471
6472The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6473"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6474
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006475
6476Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006477 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006478This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6479
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006480Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6481exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6482like this: >
6483
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006484 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006485
6486When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6487"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6488"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6489then define the function like this: >
6490
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006491 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006492 echo "Done!"
6493 endfunction
6494
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006495The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006496exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6497called.
6498
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006499It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6500a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006501
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006502 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006503
6504Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6505
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006506This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6507
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006508 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006509
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006510However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6511for an unknown variable.
6512
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006513When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6514be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6515
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006516 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6517 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006518
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006519Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6520defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6521function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006522And you will get an error message every time.
6523
6524Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006525other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006526Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006527
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006528Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6529|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6530
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006531==============================================================================
65326. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6533
6534Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6535This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6536{} like this: >
6537 my_{adjective}_variable
6538
6539When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6540that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6541name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6542"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6543"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6544
6545One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006546value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006547 echo my_{&background}_message
6548
6549would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6550on the current value of 'background'.
6551
6552You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6553 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6554..or even nest them: >
6555 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6556where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6557
6558However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006559variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006560 :let foo='a + b'
6561 :echo c{foo}d
6562.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6563
6564 *curly-braces-function-names*
6565You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6566Example: >
6567 :let func_end='whizz'
6568 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6569
6570This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6571
6572==============================================================================
65737. Commands *expression-commands*
6574
6575:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6576 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6577 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6578 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6579 is created.
6580
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006581:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6582 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6583 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6584 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6585 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006586 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6587 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6588 can do that like this: >
6589 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6590<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006591 *E711* *E719*
6592:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006593 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6594 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006595 correct number of items.
6596 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6597 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6598 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6599 end of the list, items will be added.
6600
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006601 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006602:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6603:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6604:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6605 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6606 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6607
6608
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006609:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6610 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6611 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006612:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6613 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6614 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6615 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006616
6617:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6618 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6619 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6620 must be the name of a writable register (see
6621 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6622 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6623 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6624 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6625 characterwise.
6626 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6627 :let @/ = ""
6628< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6629 that would match everywhere.
6630
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006631:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006632 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006633 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6634
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006635:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006636 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006637 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6638 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006639 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6640 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006641 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006642 Example: >
6643 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006644
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006645:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6646 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6647 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6648
6649:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6650:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6651 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6652 {expr1}.
6653
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006654:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006655:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6656:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6657:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006658 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6659 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6660
6661:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006662:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6663:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6664:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006665 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6666 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6667
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006668:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006669 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006670 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6671 {name2}, etc.
6672 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006673 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006674 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6675 command as mentioned above.
6676 Example: >
6677 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006678< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6679 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6680 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6681 :let x = [0, 1]
6682 :let i = 0
6683 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6684 :echo x
6685< The result is [0, 2].
6686
6687:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6688:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6689:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6690 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006691 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006692
6693:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006694 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006695 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6696 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6697 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006698 Example: >
6699 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6700<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006701:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6702:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6703:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6704 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006705 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006706 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006707:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006708 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6709 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006710 g: global variables
6711 b: local buffer variables
6712 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006713 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006714 s: script-local variables
6715 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006716 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006717
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00006718:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6719 variable is indicated before the value:
6720 <nothing> String
6721 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006722 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006723
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006724
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006725:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006726 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6727 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006728 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006729 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6730 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006731 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006732 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6733 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006734< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006735 :unlet dict['two']
6736 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006737< This is especially useful to clean up used global
6738 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6739 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6740 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6741 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006742
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006743:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6744 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6745 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6746 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6747 :lockvar v
6748 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6749 :unlet v
6750< *E741*
6751 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6752 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6753
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006754 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6755 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6756 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006757 cannot add or remove items, but can
6758 still change their values.
6759 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006760 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6761 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006762 items, but can still change the
6763 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006764 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6765 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6766 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6767 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6768 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006769 *E743*
6770 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6771 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6772 loops.
6773
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006774 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6775 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006776 locked when used through the other variable.
6777 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006778 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6779 :let cl = l
6780 :lockvar l
6781 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6782< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6783 See |deepcopy()|.
6784
6785
6786:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6787 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6788 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6789
6790
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006791:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6792:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6793 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6794
6795 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6796 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6797 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6798 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6799 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6800 part was not executed either.
6801
6802 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6803 versions: >
6804 :if version >= 500
6805 : version-5-specific-commands
6806 :endif
6807< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6808 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6809 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6810 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6811 avoid problems: >
6812 :if version >= 600
6813 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6814 :endif
6815<
6816 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6817 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6818
6819 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6820:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6821 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6822 executed.
6823
6824 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6825:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6826 is no extra ":endif".
6827
6828:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006829 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006830:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6831 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6832 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6833 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006834 Example: >
6835 :let lnum = 1
6836 :while lnum <= line("$")
6837 :call FixLine(lnum)
6838 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6839 :endwhile
6840<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006841 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006842 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006843
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006844:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006845:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6846 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006847 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006848 value of each item.
6849 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006850 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006851 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6852 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006853 :for item in copy(mylist)
6854< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6855 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006856 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006857 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6858 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6859 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006860 for item in mylist
6861 call remove(mylist, 0)
6862 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006863< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6864 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6865 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006866 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6867 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006868 to allow multiple item types: >
6869 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
6870 echo item
6871 unlet item " E706 without this
6872 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006873
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006874:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6875:endfo[r]
6876 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6877 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6878 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6879 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6880 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6881 :endfor
6882<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006883 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006884:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6885 to the start of the loop.
6886 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6887 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6888 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6889 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6890 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6891 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006892
6893 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006894:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6895 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6896 ":endfor".
6897 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6898 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6899 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6900 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6901 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6902 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006903
6904:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6905:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6906 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6907 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6908 or autocommand invocations.
6909
6910 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6911 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6912 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6913 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6914 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6915 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6916 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6917 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6918 Example: >
6919 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6920 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6921<
6922 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6923 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6924 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6925 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6926 processing is not terminated.
6927
6928 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6929 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6930 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6931 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6932 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6933 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6934 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6935 the error number.
6936 Examples: >
6937 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6938 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6939<
6940 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006941:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006942 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6943 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6944 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6945 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6946 commands are skipped.
6947 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6948 Examples: >
6949 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6950 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6951 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6952 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6953 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6954 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6955 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6956 :catch " same as /.*/
6957<
6958 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6959 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6960 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6961 {pattern}.
6962 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6963 an error message because it may vary in different
6964 locales.
6965
6966 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6967:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6968 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6969 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6970 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6971 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6972 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6973
6974 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6975:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6976 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6977 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6978 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6979 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6980 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6981 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6982 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6983 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6984 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6985 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6986 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6987 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6988 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6989 is terminated.
6990 Example: >
6991 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6992<
6993
6994 *:ec* *:echo*
6995:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6996 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6997 Also see |:comment|.
6998 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6999 cursor to the first column.
7000 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7001 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7002 Example: >
7003 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007004< *:echo-redraw*
7005 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
7006 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
7007 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
7008 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
7009 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
7010 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
7011 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007012 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
7013<
7014 *:echon*
7015:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
7016 |:comment|.
7017 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7018 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7019 Example: >
7020 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
7021<
7022 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
7023 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
7024 command: >
7025 :!echo % --> filename
7026< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
7027 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
7028< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
7029 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
7030 :echo % --> nothing
7031< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
7032 :echo "%" --> %
7033< This just echoes the '%' character. >
7034 :echo expand("%") --> filename
7035< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
7036
7037 *:echoh* *:echohl*
7038:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
7039 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
7040 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
7041 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
7042< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
7043 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
7044
7045 *:echom* *:echomsg*
7046:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
7047 message in the |message-history|.
7048 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
7049 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
7050 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007051 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
7052 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
7053 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
7054 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
7055 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007056 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7057 Example: >
7058 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007059< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
7060 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007061 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
7062:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
7063 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
7064 script or function the line number will be added.
7065 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007066 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007067 the message is raised as an error exception instead
7068 (see |try-echoerr|).
7069 Example: >
7070 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
7071< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
7072 And to get a beep: >
7073 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
7074<
7075 *:exe* *:execute*
7076:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007077 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
7078 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
7079 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
7080 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
7081 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
7082 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007083 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7084 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007085 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
7086 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007087<
7088 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
7089 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
7090 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
7091
7092< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
7093 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
7094 command: >
7095 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
7096< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
7097
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007098 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
7099 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007100 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
7101 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007102 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007103 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007104<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007105 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007106 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
7107 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007108 :execute 'while i > 5'
7109 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
7110<
7111 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
7112 completely in the executed string: >
7113 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
7114<
7115
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007116 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007117 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
7118 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
7119 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
7120 comment. Example: >
7121 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
7122
7123==============================================================================
71248. Exception handling *exception-handling*
7125
7126The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
7127explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
7128
7129Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
7130|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
7131exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
7132
7133
7134TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
7135
7136Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
7137use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
7138a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
7139 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
7140|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
7141a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
7142be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
7143which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
7144clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
7145
7146 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007147 : ...
7148 : ... TRY BLOCK
7149 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007150 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007151 : ...
7152 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7153 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007154 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007155 : ...
7156 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7157 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007158 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007159 : ...
7160 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
7161 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007162 :endtry
7163
7164The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
7165appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
7166from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
7167 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
7168is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
7169script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
7170 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
7171lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
7172patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
7173after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
7174executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
7175":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
7176(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
7177continues in the following line as usual.
7178 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
7179":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
7180that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
7181finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
7182the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
7183the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
7184see |try-nesting|.
7185 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007186remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007187not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
7188try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
7189a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
7190execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
7191exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7192 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007193thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007194clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
7195catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
7196following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
7197clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7198
7199The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
7200a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
7201try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
7202from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
7203sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
7204":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
7205":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
7206from the finally clause.
7207 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
7208try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
7209clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
7210":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
7211clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
7212":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
7213this pending exception or command is discarded.
7214
7215For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
7216
7217
7218NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
7219
7220Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
7221conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
7222clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
7223catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
7224of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
7225checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
7226try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007227otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007228nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
7229one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
7230the inner try conditional.
7231
7232When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
7233finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
7234An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
7235thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
7236implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
7237as usual.
7238
7239For examples see |throw-catch|.
7240
7241
7242EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7243
7244Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7245'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7246script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7247finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7248a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7249(see |debug-scripts|).
7250
7251
7252THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7253
7254You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7255and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7256 :throw 4711
7257 :throw "string"
7258< *throw-expression*
7259You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7260first, and the result is thrown: >
7261 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7262 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7263
7264An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7265command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7266The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7267 Example: >
7268
7269 :function! Foo(arg)
7270 : try
7271 : throw a:arg
7272 : catch /foo/
7273 : endtry
7274 : return 1
7275 :endfunction
7276 :
7277 :function! Bar()
7278 : echo "in Bar"
7279 : return 4710
7280 :endfunction
7281 :
7282 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7283
7284This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7285executed. >
7286 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7287however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7288
7289Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007290abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007291exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7292 Example: >
7293
7294 :if Foo("arrgh")
7295 : echo "then"
7296 :else
7297 : echo "else"
7298 :endif
7299
7300Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7301
7302 *catch-order*
7303Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7304commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7305command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7306gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7307 Example: >
7308
7309 :function! Foo(value)
7310 : try
7311 : throw a:value
7312 : catch /^\d\+$/
7313 : echo "Number thrown"
7314 : catch /.*/
7315 : echo "String thrown"
7316 : endtry
7317 :endfunction
7318 :
7319 :call Foo(0x1267)
7320 :call Foo('string')
7321
7322The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7323An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7324specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7325specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7326
7327 : catch /.*/
7328 : echo "String thrown"
7329 : catch /^\d\+$/
7330 : echo "Number thrown"
7331
7332The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7333never taken.
7334
7335 *throw-variables*
7336If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7337in the variable |v:exception|: >
7338
7339 : catch /^\d\+$/
7340 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7341
7342You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7343|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7344exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7345 Example: >
7346
7347 :function! Caught()
7348 : if v:exception != ""
7349 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7350 : else
7351 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7352 : endif
7353 :endfunction
7354 :
7355 :function! Foo()
7356 : try
7357 : try
7358 : try
7359 : throw 4711
7360 : finally
7361 : call Caught()
7362 : endtry
7363 : catch /.*/
7364 : call Caught()
7365 : throw "oops"
7366 : endtry
7367 : catch /.*/
7368 : call Caught()
7369 : finally
7370 : call Caught()
7371 : endtry
7372 :endfunction
7373 :
7374 :call Foo()
7375
7376This displays >
7377
7378 Nothing caught
7379 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7380 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7381 Nothing caught
7382
7383A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7384number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7385
7386 :function! LineNumber()
7387 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7388 :endfunction
7389 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7390<
7391 *try-nested*
7392An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7393a surrounding try conditional: >
7394
7395 :try
7396 : try
7397 : throw "foo"
7398 : catch /foobar/
7399 : echo "foobar"
7400 : finally
7401 : echo "inner finally"
7402 : endtry
7403 :catch /foo/
7404 : echo "foo"
7405 :endtry
7406
7407The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7408clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7409conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7410
7411 *throw-from-catch*
7412You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7413catch clause: >
7414
7415 :function! Foo()
7416 : throw "foo"
7417 :endfunction
7418 :
7419 :function! Bar()
7420 : try
7421 : call Foo()
7422 : catch /foo/
7423 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7424 : throw "bar"
7425 : endtry
7426 :endfunction
7427 :
7428 :try
7429 : call Bar()
7430 :catch /.*/
7431 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7432 :endtry
7433
7434This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7435
7436 *rethrow*
7437There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7438"v:exception" instead: >
7439
7440 :function! Bar()
7441 : try
7442 : call Foo()
7443 : catch /.*/
7444 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7445 : throw v:exception
7446 : endtry
7447 :endfunction
7448< *try-echoerr*
7449Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7450exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7451Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7452denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7453the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7454
7455 :try
7456 : try
7457 : asdf
7458 : catch /.*/
7459 : echoerr v:exception
7460 : endtry
7461 :catch /.*/
7462 : echo v:exception
7463 :endtry
7464
7465This code displays
7466
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007467 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007468
7469
7470CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7471
7472Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7473user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007474an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007475a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7476catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7477a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7478normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7479(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007480to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007481clause has been executed.)
7482Example: >
7483
7484 :try
7485 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7486 : set ts=17
7487 :
7488 : " Do the hard work here.
7489 :
7490 :finally
7491 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7492 : unlet s:saved_ts
7493 :endtry
7494
7495This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7496changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7497that function or script part.
7498
7499 *break-finally*
7500Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7501a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7502 Example: >
7503
7504 :let first = 1
7505 :while 1
7506 : try
7507 : if first
7508 : echo "first"
7509 : let first = 0
7510 : continue
7511 : else
7512 : throw "second"
7513 : endif
7514 : catch /.*/
7515 : echo v:exception
7516 : break
7517 : finally
7518 : echo "cleanup"
7519 : endtry
7520 : echo "still in while"
7521 :endwhile
7522 :echo "end"
7523
7524This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7525
7526 :function! Foo()
7527 : try
7528 : return 4711
7529 : finally
7530 : echo "cleanup\n"
7531 : endtry
7532 : echo "Foo still active"
7533 :endfunction
7534 :
7535 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7536
7537This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007538extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007539return value.)
7540
7541 *except-from-finally*
7542Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7543a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7544cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7545exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7546 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7547working correctly: >
7548
7549 :try
7550 : try
7551 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7552 : while 1
7553 : endwhile
7554 : finally
7555 : unlet novar
7556 : endtry
7557 :catch /novar/
7558 :endtry
7559 :echo "Script still running"
7560 :sleep 1
7561
7562If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7563think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7564|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7565
7566
7567CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7568
7569If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7570watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7571presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7572exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7573the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7574the error exception is.
7575 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7576
7577 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7578or >
7579 Vim:{errmsg}
7580
7581{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007582the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007583when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7584a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7585a space.
7586
7587Examples:
7588
7589The command >
7590 :unlet novar
7591normally produces the error message >
7592 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7593which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7594 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7595
7596The command >
7597 :dwim
7598normally produces the error message >
7599 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7600which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7601 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7602
7603You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7604 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7605or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7606 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7607
7608Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7609 :function nofunc
7610and >
7611 :delfunction nofunc
7612both produce the error message >
7613 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7614which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7615 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7616or >
7617 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7618respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7619command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7620 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7621
7622Some commands like >
7623 :let x = novar
7624produce multiple error messages, here: >
7625 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7626 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7627Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7628one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7629 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7630
7631You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7632 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7633
7634You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7635 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7636
7637You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7638 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7639<
7640 *catch-text*
7641NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7642 :catch /No such variable/
7643only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7644a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7645cite the message text in a comment: >
7646 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7647
7648
7649IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7650
7651You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7652
7653 :try
7654 : write
7655 :catch
7656 :endtry
7657
7658But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7659catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7660be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7661
7662 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7663
7664There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7665writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7666then hide the error from the user.
7667 It is much better to use >
7668
7669 :try
7670 : write
7671 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7672 :endtry
7673
7674which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7675intentionally.
7676
7677For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7678even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7679command: >
7680 :silent! nunmap k
7681This works also when a try conditional is active.
7682
7683
7684CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7685
7686When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007687the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007688script is not terminated, then.
7689 Example: >
7690
7691 :function! TASK1()
7692 : sleep 10
7693 :endfunction
7694
7695 :function! TASK2()
7696 : sleep 20
7697 :endfunction
7698
7699 :while 1
7700 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7701 : try
7702 : if command == ""
7703 : continue
7704 : elseif command == "END"
7705 : break
7706 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7707 : call TASK1()
7708 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7709 : call TASK2()
7710 : else
7711 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7712 : continue
7713 : endif
7714 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7715 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7716 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7717 : endtry
7718 :endwhile
7719
7720You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007721a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007722
7723For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7724your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7725command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7726
7727
7728CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7729
7730The commands >
7731
7732 :catch /.*/
7733 :catch //
7734 :catch
7735
7736catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7737explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7738a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7739 Example: >
7740
7741 :try
7742 :
7743 : " do the hard work here
7744 :
7745 :catch /MyException/
7746 :
7747 : " handle known problem
7748 :
7749 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7750 : echo "Script interrupted"
7751 :catch /.*/
7752 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7753 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7754 :endtry
7755 :" end of script
7756
7757Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7758strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7759specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7760 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7761by pressing CTRL-C: >
7762
7763 :while 1
7764 : try
7765 : sleep 1
7766 : catch
7767 : endtry
7768 :endwhile
7769
7770
7771EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7772
7773Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7774
7775 :autocmd User x try
7776 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7777 :autocmd User x catch
7778 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7779 :autocmd User x endtry
7780 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7781 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7782 :
7783 :try
7784 : doautocmd User x
7785 :catch
7786 : echo v:exception
7787 :endtry
7788
7789This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7790
7791 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7792For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7793command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7794of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7795abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7796 Example: >
7797
7798 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7799 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7800 :
7801 :try
7802 : write
7803 :catch
7804 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7805 :endtry
7806
7807Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7808you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7809autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7810script displays: >
7811
7812 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7813<
7814 *except-autocmd-Post*
7815For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7816command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7817an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7818is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7819 Example: >
7820
7821 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7822 :
7823 :try
7824 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7825 :catch
7826 : echo v:exception
7827 :endtry
7828
7829This just displays: >
7830
7831 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7832
7833If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7834fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7835 Example: >
7836
7837 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7838 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7839 :
7840 :try
7841 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7842 :catch
7843 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7844 :endtry
7845<
7846You can also use ":silent!": >
7847
7848 :let x = "ok"
7849 :let v:errmsg = ""
7850 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7851 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7852 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7853 :try
7854 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7855 :catch
7856 :endtry
7857 :echo x
7858
7859This displays "after fail".
7860
7861If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7862autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7863
7864 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7865 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7866 :
7867 :try
7868 : write
7869 :catch
7870 : echo v:exception
7871 :endtry
7872<
7873 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7874For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7875autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7876of the command.
7877 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007878had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007879some way. >
7880
7881 :if !exists("cnt")
7882 : let cnt = 0
7883 :
7884 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7885 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7886 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7887 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7888 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7889 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7890 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7891 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7892 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7893 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7894 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7895 :endif
7896 :
7897 :try
7898 : write
7899 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7900 : if &modified
7901 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7902 : else
7903 : echo "Error after writing"
7904 : endif
7905 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7906 : echo "Error on writing"
7907 :endtry
7908
7909When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
7910first >
7911 File successfully written!
7912then >
7913 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
7914then >
7915 Error after writing
7916etc.
7917
7918 *except-autocmd-ill*
7919You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
7920The following code is ill-formed: >
7921
7922 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7923 :
7924 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7925 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7926 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7927 :
7928 :write
7929
7930
7931EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7932
7933Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7934pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7935similar things in Vim.
7936 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7937class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7938string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7939 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7940it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7941for an error when writing "myfile".
7942 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7943base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7944parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7945 Example: >
7946
7947 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7948 : if a:a < 0
7949 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7950 : endif
7951 :endfunction
7952 :
7953 :function! Add(a, b)
7954 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7955 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7956 : let c = a:a + a:b
7957 : if c < 0
7958 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7959 : endif
7960 : return c
7961 :endfunction
7962 :
7963 :function! Div(a, b)
7964 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7965 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7966 : if (a:b == 0)
7967 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7968 : endif
7969 : return a:a / a:b
7970 :endfunction
7971 :
7972 :function! Write(file)
7973 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007974 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007975 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7976 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7977 : endtry
7978 :endfunction
7979 :
7980 :try
7981 :
7982 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7983 :
7984 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7985 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7986 : echo "Range error in" function
7987 :
7988 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7989 : echo "Math error"
7990 :
7991 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7992 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7993 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7994 : if file !~ '^/'
7995 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7996 : endif
7997 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7998 :
7999 :catch /^EXCEPT/
8000 : echo "Unspecified error"
8001 :
8002 :endtry
8003
8004The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
8005a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
8006exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
8007 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
8008failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
8009
8010
8011PECULIARITIES
8012 *except-compat*
8013The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
8014exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
8015and/or a catch clause.
8016
8017In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
8018continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
8019after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
8020functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
8021or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
8022(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
8023
8024This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
8025immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008026conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
8027be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008028termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
8029catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
8030by specifying a finally clause.)
8031
8032When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
8033behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
8034scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
8035
8036However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
8037commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
8038conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
8039script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
8040error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
8041messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008042|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
8043not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008044where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
8045error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
8046scripts.
8047
8048 *except-syntax-err*
8049Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
8050the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
8051clauses, however, is executed.
8052 Example: >
8053
8054 :try
8055 : try
8056 : throw 4711
8057 : catch /\(/
8058 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
8059 : catch
8060 : echo "inner catch-all"
8061 : finally
8062 : echo "inner finally"
8063 : endtry
8064 :catch
8065 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
8066 : finally
8067 : echo "outer finally"
8068 :endtry
8069
8070This displays: >
8071 inner finally
8072 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
8073 outer finally
8074The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
8075
8076 *except-single-line*
8077The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
8078a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
8079"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
8080 Example: >
8081 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
8082raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
8083argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
8084error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
8085displayed.
8086
8087 *except-several-errors*
8088When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
8089usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
8090 Example: >
8091 echo novar
8092causes >
8093 E121: Undefined variable: novar
8094 E15: Invalid expression: novar
8095The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8096 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
8097< *except-syntax-error*
8098But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
8099the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
8100 Example: >
8101 unlet novar #
8102causes >
8103 E108: No such variable: "novar"
8104 E488: Trailing characters
8105The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8106 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
8107This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
8108not intended by the user. Example: >
8109 try
8110 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
8111 catch /.*/
8112 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
8113 endtry
8114This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
8115a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
8116
8117==============================================================================
81189. Examples *eval-examples*
8119
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008120Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008121>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01008122 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008123 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008124 : let n = a:nr
8125 : let r = ""
8126 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008127 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
8128 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008129 : endwhile
8130 : return r
8131 :endfunc
8132
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008133 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
8134 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
8135 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008136 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008137 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
8138 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
8139 : endfor
8140 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008141 :endfunc
8142
8143Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008144 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
8145result: "100000" >
8146 :echo String2Bin("32")
8147result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008148
8149
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008150Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008151
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008152This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
8153
8154 :func SortBuffer()
8155 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
8156 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
8157 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008158 :endfunction
8159
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008160As a one-liner: >
8161 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008162
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008163
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008164scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008165 *sscanf*
8166There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
8167line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
8168how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
8169"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
8170 :" Set up the match bit
8171 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
8172 :"get the part matching the whole expression
8173 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
8174 :"get each item out of the match
8175 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
8176 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
8177 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
8178
8179The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
8180"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
8181
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008182
8183getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
8184 *scriptnames-dictionary*
8185The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
8186have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
8187(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
8188code can be used: >
8189 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
8190 let scriptnames_output = ''
8191 redir => scriptnames_output
8192 silent scriptnames
8193 redir END
8194
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008195 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008196 " "scripts" dictionary.
8197 let scripts = {}
8198 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
8199 " Only do non-blank lines.
8200 if line =~ '\S'
8201 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008202 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008203 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008204 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008205 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008206 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008207 endif
8208 endfor
8209 unlet scriptnames_output
8210
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008211==============================================================================
821210. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
8213
8214When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
8215evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
8216to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
8217recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
8218and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
8219only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
8220recognized.
8221
8222Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
8223missing: >
8224
8225 :if 1
8226 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
8227 :else
8228 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
8229 :endif
8230
8231==============================================================================
823211. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
8233
8234The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
8235options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
8236these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008237these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00008238a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008239The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008240
8241These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8242 - changing the buffer text
8243 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8244 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008245 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008246 - executing a shell command
8247 - reading or writing a file
8248 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008249 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008250This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8251
8252 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008253:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008254 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8255 'foldexpr'.
8256
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008257 *sandbox-option*
8258A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008259have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008260restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8261location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008262- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008263- while executing in the sandbox
8264- value coming from a modeline
8265
8266Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8267option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8268
8269==============================================================================
827012. Textlock *textlock*
8271
8272In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8273to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8274is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008275actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008276happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8277
8278This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8279 - changing the buffer text
8280 - jumping to another buffer or window
8281 - editing another file
8282 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8283 - etc.
8284
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008285
8286 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: