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Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Aug 23
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000039There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000053Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
54 value. |Dictionary|
55 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
56
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000057The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
58are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000059
60Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
61the Number. Examples: >
62 Number 123 --> String "123"
63 Number 0 --> String "0"
64 Number -1 --> String "-1"
65
66Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
67to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
68the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
69 String "456" --> Number 456
70 String "6bar" --> Number 6
71 String "foo" --> Number 0
72 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
73 String "0100" --> Number 64
74 String "-8" --> Number -8
75 String "+8" --> Number 0
76
77To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
78 :echo "0100" + 0
79
80For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
81
82Note that in the command >
83 :if "foo"
84"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
85use strlen(): >
86 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000087< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
88List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 *E706*
91You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
92to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000093equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000095 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000096 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000991.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000100 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000101A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000102in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
103around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000104
105 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
106 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000108A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
109have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000110
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000111A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
112Dictionary entry. Example: >
113 :function dict.init() dict
114 : let self.val = 0
115 :endfunction
116
117The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
118function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
119
120A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
121 :call Fn()
122 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000123
124The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000126
127You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
128arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000129 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130
131
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001321.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000133 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000134A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
135can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
136position in the sequence.
137
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138
139List creation ~
140 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000142Examples: >
143 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
144 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147nested List: >
148 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000149
150An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
151
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152
153List index ~
154 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000155An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000156after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
157 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000160When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
164the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000165 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
166
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000167To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000168is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169 :echo get(mylist, idx)
170 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
171
172
173List concatenation ~
174
175Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
176 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000177 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178
179To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
180it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
181
182
183Sublist ~
184
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000185A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
186separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000187 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000188
189Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
190similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
191available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000192 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
193 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
194 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000195
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000196The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
197is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
198 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
199 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
200
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000201NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
202using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
203mylist[s : e].
204
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000206List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000207 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
209variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
210change "bb": >
211 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
212 :let bb = aa
213 :call add(aa, 4)
214 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000215< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216
217Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
218works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000219a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
221 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
224 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000229To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231
232The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234the same value. >
235 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
236 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000240< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000241
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000242Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
243same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000244exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
245different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
246variables. Example: >
247 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000248< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250< 0
251
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
253can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
254
255 :let a = 5
256 :let b = "5"
257 echo a == b
258< 1 >
259 echo [a] == [b]
260< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262
263List unpack ~
264
265To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
266square brackets, like list items: >
267 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
268
269When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
270this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
271and a variable name: >
272 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
273
274This works like: >
275 :let var1 = mylist[0]
276 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000277 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278
279Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
280empty list then.
281
282
283List modification ~
284 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286 :let list[4] = "four"
287 :let listlist[0][3] = item
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000290modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000291 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
292
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
294examples: >
295 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
296 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
297 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000299 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
300 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000301 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000303 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000307 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
308 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
311For loop ~
312
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000313The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
314to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315 :for item in mylist
316 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000317 :endfor
318
319This works like: >
320 :let index = 0
321 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000322 : let item = mylist[index]
323 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000324 : let index = index + 1
325 :endwhile
326
327Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000328results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000329the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000331If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000332function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000333
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
335requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
336 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
337 : call Doit(lnum, col)
338 :endfor
339
340This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
341must remain the same to avoid an error.
342
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
345 : call Doit(i, j)
346 : if !empty(rest)
347 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
348 : endif
349 :endfor
350
351
352List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000354Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000355 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000357 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
358 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
359 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
361 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
363 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000364 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
365 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000366 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
367 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000368
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000369Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
370example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
371 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
372
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003741.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000377entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
378ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000379
380
381Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
385only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000386 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
387 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000388< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000389A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
390String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000391entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
392Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000394A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000395nested Dictionary: >
396 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
397
398An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
399
400
401Accessing entries ~
402
403The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
404 :let val = mydict["one"]
405 :let mydict["four"] = 4
406
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000407You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000408
409For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
410form can be used |expr-entry|: >
411 :let val = mydict.one
412 :let mydict.four = 4
413
414Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
415key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000416 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000417
418
419Dictionary to List conversion ~
420
421You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
422turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
423
424Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
425 :for key in keys(mydict)
426 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
427 :endfor
428
429The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
430 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
431
432To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
433 :for v in values(mydict)
434 : echo "value: " . v
435 :endfor
436
437If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000438a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000439 :for entry in items(mydict)
440 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
441 :endfor
442
443
444Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000445 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
447Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
448Dictionary: >
449 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
450 :let adict = onedict
451 :let adict['a'] = 11
452 :echo onedict['a']
453 11
454
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000455Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
456more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000457
458
459Dictionary modification ~
460 *dict-modification*
461To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
462use |:let| this way: >
463 :let dict[4] = "four"
464 :let dict['one'] = item
465
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000466Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
467Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
468 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
469 :unlet dict.aaa
470 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000471
472Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000473 :call extend(adict, bdict)
474This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
475in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000476Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
477expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
478adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000481 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000482This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483
484
485Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000487When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
488special way with a dictionary. Example: >
489 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000492 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
493 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000494
495This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
496Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
497the function was invoked from.
498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
500Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
501
502 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
504assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000505 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
506 :function mydict.len() dict
507 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000509 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000511The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
512that references this function. The function can only be used through a
513|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
514remaining that refers to it.
515
516It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000517
518
519Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000520 *E715*
521Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
523 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
524 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
525 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
526 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
527 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
528 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
529 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000530
531
5321.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000533 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000534If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
535function.
536
537When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
538start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
539stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
540
541When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
542start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
543stored in the session file |session-file|.
544
545variable name can be stored where ~
546my_var_6 not
547My_Var_6 session file
548MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
549
550
551It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
552|curly-braces-names|.
553
554==============================================================================
5552. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
556
557Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
558
559|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
560
561|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
562
563|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
564
565|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
566 expr5 != expr5 not equal
567 expr5 > expr5 greater than
568 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
569 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
570 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
571 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
572 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
573
574 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
575 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
576 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
577 matching case
578
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000579 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
580 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
581
582|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000583 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
584 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
585
586|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
587 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
588 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
589
590|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
591 - expr7 unary minus
592 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000595|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
596 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
597 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
598 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
599
600|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000601 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000602 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000603 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605 &option option value
606 (expr1) nested expression
607 variable internal variable
608 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
609 $VAR environment variable
610 @r contents of register 'r'
611 function(expr1, ...) function call
612 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
613
614
615".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
616Example: >
617 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
618
619All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
620
621
622expr1 *expr1* *E109*
623-----
624
625expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
626
627The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
628non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
629otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
630Example: >
631 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
632
633Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
634other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
637
638To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
639 :echo lnum == 1
640 :\ ? "top"
641 :\ : lnum == 1000
642 :\ ? "last"
643 :\ : lnum
644
645
646expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
647---------------
648
649 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
650The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
651are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
652
653 input output ~
654n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
655zero zero zero zero
656zero non-zero non-zero zero
657non-zero zero non-zero zero
658non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
659
660The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
661
662 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
663
664Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
665
666 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
667
668Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
669arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
670
671 let a = 1
672 echo a || b
673
674This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
675so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
676
677 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
678
679This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
680only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
681
682
683expr4 *expr4*
684-----
685
686expr5 {cmp} expr5
687
688Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
689if it evaluates to true.
690
691 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
692 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
693 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
694 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
695 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
696 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000697 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000698 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
699equal == ==# ==?
700not equal != !=# !=?
701greater than > ># >?
702greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
703smaller than < <# <?
704smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
705regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
706regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000707same instance is
708different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709
710Examples:
711"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
712"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
713"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
714
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000715 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000716A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
717can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
718case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
719
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000720 *E735* *E736*
721A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
722equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
723recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
724
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000725 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000726A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
727can be used. Case is never ignored.
728
729When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
730referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
731original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
732"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
733different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
734is false.
735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
737and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
738because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
739
740When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
741results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
742necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
743
744When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
745'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
746
747When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
748'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
749
750The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
751argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
752This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
753matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
754portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
755single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
756Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
757(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
758can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
759 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
761
762
763expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
764---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
766expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
767expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000769For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
770is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
771
772expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
773expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
774expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
777
778Note the difference between "+" and ".":
779 "123" + "456" = 579
780 "123" . "456" = "123456"
781
782When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
783When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000785None of these work for Funcrefs.
786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000787
788expr7 *expr7*
789-----
790! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
791- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
792+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
793
794For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
795For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
796For '+' the number is unchanged.
797
798A String will be converted to a Number first.
799
800These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
801 !-1 == 0
802 !!8 == 1
803 --9 == 9
804
805
806expr8 *expr8*
807-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000808expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000810If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
811expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000814Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
815text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
816cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
818
819If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
821compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
825error. Example: >
826 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
827
828Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
829or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
830
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000831
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000832expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
835from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
837encodings.
838
839If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
840string minus one is used.
841
842A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
843the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
844
845If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
846expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
847
848Examples: >
849 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
850 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
851 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
852 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000855indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
856above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
857 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
858 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
859 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000864expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000865
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000866If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
867will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
869The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
870but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
871
872There must not be white space before or after the dot.
873
874Examples: >
875 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
876 :echo dict.one
877 :echo dict .2
878
879Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
880always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
881
882
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000883expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
884
885When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
886
887
888
889 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000890number
891------
892number number constant *expr-number*
893
894Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
895
896
897string *expr-string* *E114*
898------
899"string" string constant *expr-quote*
900
901Note that double quotes are used.
902
903A string constant accepts these special characters:
904\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
905\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
906\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
907\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
908\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
909\X.. same as \x..
910\X. same as \x.
911\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
912 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
913\U.... same as \u....
914\b backspace <BS>
915\e escape <Esc>
916\f formfeed <FF>
917\n newline <NL>
918\r return <CR>
919\t tab <Tab>
920\\ backslash
921\" double quote
922\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
923
924Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
925
926
927literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
928---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000929'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000930
931Note that single quotes are used.
932
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000934meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000935
936Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
937to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
938 if a =~ "\\s*"
939 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000940
941
942option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
943------
944&option option value, local value if possible
945&g:option global option value
946&l:option local option value
947
948Examples: >
949 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
950 if &insertmode
951
952Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
953and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
954anyway.
955
956
957register *expr-register*
958--------
959@r contents of register 'r'
960
961The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
962Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000963register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
964registers.
965
966When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
967evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000968
969
970nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
971-------
972(expr1) nested expression
973
974
975environment variable *expr-env*
976--------------------
977$VAR environment variable
978
979The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
980result is an empty string.
981 *expr-env-expand*
982Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
983expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
984are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
985the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
986fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
987does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
988 :echo $version
989 :echo expand("$version")
990The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
991variable (if your shell supports it).
992
993
994internal variable *expr-variable*
995-----------------
996variable internal variable
997See below |internal-variables|.
998
999
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001000function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001-------------
1002function(expr1, ...) function call
1003See below |functions|.
1004
1005
1006==============================================================================
10073. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1008 *E461*
1009An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1010cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1011|curly-braces-names|.
1012
1013An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001014An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1015|:unlet|.
1016Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1017been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001018
1019There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1020specified by what is prepended:
1021
1022 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1023|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1024|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1025|global-variable| g: Global.
1026|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1027|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1028|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1029|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1030
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001031The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1032all script-local variables: >
1033 :for k in keys(s:)
1034 : unlet s:[k]
1035 :endfor
1036<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1038A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1039Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1040This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1041|:bdelete|.
1042
1043One local buffer variable is predefined:
1044 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1045b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1046 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1047 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1048 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1049 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1050 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1051 : call My_Update()
1052 :endif
1053<
1054 *window-variable* *w:var*
1055A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1056is deleted when the window is closed.
1057
1058 *global-variable* *g:var*
1059Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1060access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1061place if you like.
1062
1063 *local-variable* *l:var*
1064Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1065But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1066
1067 *script-variable* *s:var*
1068In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1069accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1070
1071They can be used in:
1072- commands executed while the script is sourced
1073- functions defined in the script
1074- autocommands defined in the script
1075- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1076 defined in the script (recursively)
1077- user defined commands defined in the script
1078Thus not in:
1079- other scripts sourced from this one
1080- mappings
1081- etc.
1082
1083script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1084Take this example:
1085
1086 let s:counter = 0
1087 function MyCounter()
1088 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1089 echo s:counter
1090 endfunction
1091 command Tick call MyCounter()
1092
1093You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1094that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1095"Tick" was defined is used.
1096
1097Another example that does the same: >
1098
1099 let s:counter = 0
1100 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1101
1102When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001103script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104defined.
1105
1106The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1107function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1108
1109 let s:counter = 0
1110 function StartCounting(incr)
1111 if a:incr
1112 function MyCounter()
1113 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1114 endfunction
1115 else
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1118 endfunction
1119 endif
1120 endfunction
1121
1122This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1123when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1124called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1125
1126When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1127They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1128maintain a counter: >
1129
1130 if !exists("s:counter")
1131 let s:counter = 1
1132 echo "script executed for the first time"
1133 else
1134 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1135 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1136 endif
1137
1138Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1139variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1140
1141
1142Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1143
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001144 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1145v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1146 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1147 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1148
1149 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1150v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1151 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1154v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001158v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1159 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1160 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1161 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001162 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1163 highlighted text is used.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1167v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1171v:charconvert_from
1172 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1173 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1174
1175 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1176v:charconvert_to
1177 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1178 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1179
1180 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1181v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1182 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1183 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1184 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1185 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1186 possible to append this variable directly after the
1187 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1188 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1189 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1190 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1191 in 'printexpr'.
1192
1193 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1194v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1195 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1196 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1197 can be used.
1198
1199 *v:count* *count-variable*
1200v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1201 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1202 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1203< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1204 get when typing ':' after a count.
1205 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1206
1207 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1208v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1209 used.
1210
1211 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1212v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1213 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1214 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1215 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1216 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1217 command.
1218 See |multi-lang|.
1219
1220 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1221v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1222 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1223 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1224 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1225 Example: >
1226 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1227<
1228 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1229v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1230 Example: >
1231 :let v:errmsg = ""
1232 :silent! next
1233 :if v:errmsg != ""
1234 : ... handle error
1235< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1236
1237 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1238v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1239 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1240 Example: >
1241 :try
1242 : throw "oops"
1243 :catch /.*/
1244 : echo "caught" v:exception
1245 :endtry
1246< Output: "caught oops".
1247
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001248 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1249v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1250 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1251 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1252 deleted file no longer exists
1253 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1254 changed and buffer is modified
1255 changed file contents has changed
1256 mode mode of file changed
1257 time only file timestamp changed
1258
1259 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1260v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1261 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1262 do with the affected buffer:
1263 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1264 the file was deleted).
1265 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1266 was no autocommand. Except that when
1267 only the timestamp changed nothing
1268 will happen.
1269 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1270 everything that needs to be done.
1271 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1272 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1275v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1276 option used for ~
1277 'charconvert' file to be converted
1278 'diffexpr' original file
1279 'patchexpr' original file
1280 'printexpr' file to be printed
1281
1282 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1283v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1284 evaluating:
1285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1287 'diffexpr' output of diff
1288 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1289 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1290 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1291 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1292 file and different from v:fname_in.
1293
1294 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1295v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1296 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1297
1298 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1299v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1300 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1301
1302 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1303v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1304 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001305 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001306
1307 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1308v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001309 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001310
1311 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1312v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001313 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001314
1315 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1316v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001317 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001318
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001319 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1320v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1321 events. Values:
1322 i Insert mode
1323 r Replace mode
1324 v Virtual Replace mode
1325
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001326 *v:key* *key-variable*
1327v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1328 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1329 Read-only.
1330
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001331 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1332v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1333 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1334 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1335 The value is system dependent.
1336 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1337 command.
1338 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1339 in a different language than what is used for character
1340 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1341
1342 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1343v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1344 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1345 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command. See |multi-lang|.
1348
1349 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001350v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1351 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1352 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353
1354 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1355v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1356 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1357 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1358 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1359< Read-only.
1360
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001361 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1362v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1363 See |profiling|.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1366v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1367 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1368 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1369 Read-only.
1370
1371 *v:register* *register-variable*
1372v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1373 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1374
1375 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1376v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1377 Read-only.
1378
1379 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1380v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1381 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1382 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1383 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1384 executed. Read-only.
1385 Example: >
1386 :!mv foo bar
1387 :if v:shell_error
1388 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1389 :endif
1390< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1391
1392 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1393v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1394
1395 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1396v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1397 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1398 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1399 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1400 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1401 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1402 terminal.
1403 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1404 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1405 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1406 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1407 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1408
1409 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1410v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1411 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1412 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1413 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1414
1415 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1416v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1417 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1418 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1419 Example: >
1420 :try
1421 : throw "oops"
1422 :catch /.*/
1423 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1424 :endtry
1425< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1426
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001427 *v:val* *val-variable*
1428v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1429 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1430 |filter()|. Read-only.
1431
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001432 *v:version* *version-variable*
1433v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1434 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1435 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1436 compatibility.
1437 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1438 if has("patch123")
1439< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1440 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1441 completely different.
1442
1443 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1444v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1445
1446==============================================================================
14474. Builtin Functions *functions*
1448
1449See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1450
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001451(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
1453USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1454
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001455add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001456append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001457append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001458argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001459argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001460argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1461browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1462 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001463browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001464bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001465buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1466bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001467bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1468bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1469bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1470byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001471byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001472call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1473 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001474char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001475cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001476col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001477complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1478complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001479confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1480 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001481copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001482count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1483 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1485 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001486cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1487deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001488delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1489did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001490diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1491diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001492empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001493escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001494eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001495eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1497exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1498expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1499filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001500filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1501 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001502finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1503 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001504findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001505 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001506filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1507fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001508foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1509foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001511foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001512foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001513function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001514get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001515get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001516getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1517 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001518getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1519getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1521getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1522getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1523getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001524getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1525getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001526getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001527getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001528getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001529getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1530getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001531getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001532getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001533getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001534getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1535getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1536getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1537glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1538globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1539has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001540has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001541hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1542histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1543histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1544histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1545histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1546hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1547hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1548hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001549iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1550indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001551index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1552 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553input( {prompt} [, {text}]) String get input from the user
1554inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1556inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001559isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001560islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001561items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001562join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001563keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001564len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1565libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001566libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1567line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1568line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001569lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001570localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001571map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001572maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1573mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001574match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001576matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001578matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1579 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001580matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1581 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001582max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1583min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001584mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1585 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001586mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001587nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1588nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1589prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001590printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001591range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1592 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001593readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1594 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001595remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1596 String send expression
1597remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1598remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1599 Number check for reply string
1600remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1601remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1602 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001603remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001604remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001605rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1606repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1607resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001608reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001609search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001610searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001611 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001612server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1613 Number send reply string
1614serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1615setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1616setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1617setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001618setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001619setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001620setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001621simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001622sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001623soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001624spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
1625spellsuggest({word} [, {max}]) List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001626split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1627 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001628strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001629stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1630 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001631string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001632strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1633strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1634 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001635strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1636 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001637strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001638submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001639substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1640 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001641synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001642synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1643 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1644synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001645system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001646taglist({expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001647tempname() String name for a temporary file
1648tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1649toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001650tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1651 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001652type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001653values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001654virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1655visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1656winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1657wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1658winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1659winline() Number window line of the cursor
1660winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001661winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001662winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001663writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1664 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001665
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001666add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1667 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001668 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001669 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1670 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1671< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001672 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001673 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001674
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001675
1676append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001677 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001678 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001679 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1680 the current buffer.
1681 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001682 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1683 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001684 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001685 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001687 *argc()*
1688argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1689 current window. See |arglist|.
1690
1691 *argidx()*
1692argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1693 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1694
1695 *argv()*
1696argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1697 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1698 Example: >
1699 :let i = 0
1700 :while i < argc()
1701 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1702 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1703 : let i = i + 1
1704 :endwhile
1705<
1706 *browse()*
1707browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1708 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1709 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1710 The input fields are:
1711 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1712 {title} title for the requester
1713 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1714 {default} default file name
1715 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1716 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1717
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001718 *browsedir()*
1719browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1720 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1721 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1722 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1723 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1724 to be used.
1725 The input fields are:
1726 {title} title for the requester
1727 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1728 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1729 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1730
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001731bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1732 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1733 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001734 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001735 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001736 exactly. The name can be:
1737 - Relative to the current directory.
1738 - A full path.
1739 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1740 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001741 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1742 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1743 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1744 long name to be able to find them.
1745 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1746 file name.
1747 *buffer_exists()*
1748 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1749
1750buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1751 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1752 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001753 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001754
1755bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1756 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1757 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001758 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001759
1760bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1761 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1762 ":ls" command.
1763 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1764 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1765 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1766 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1767 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1768 match an empty string is returned.
1769 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1770 alternate buffer.
1771 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1772 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1773 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1774 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1775 buffers are searched for.
1776 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1777 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1778 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1779< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1780 string is returned. >
1781 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1782 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1783 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1784 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1785< *buffer_name()*
1786 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1787
1788 *bufnr()*
1789bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1790 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1791 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1792 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1793 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1794< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1795 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1796 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1797 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1798 *buffer_number()*
1799 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1800 *last_buffer_nr()*
1801 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1802
1803bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1804 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1805 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1806 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1807 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1808
1809 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1810
1811< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1812 |:wincmd|.
1813
1814
1815byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1816 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1817 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1818 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1819 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1820 one.
1821 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1822 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1823 feature}
1824
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001825byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1826 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1827 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1828 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1829 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1830 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1831 Example : >
1832 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1833< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1834 same: >
1835 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1836 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1837< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1838 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1839 is returned.
1840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001841call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001842 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1843 arguments.
1844 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1845 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1846 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001847 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1848 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001849
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001850char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1851 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1852 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1853 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1854< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1855 char2nr("á") returns 225
1856 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001857< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001858
1859cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1860 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1861 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1862 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1863 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1864 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1865 feature, -1 is returned.
1866
1867 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001868col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001869 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1870 . the cursor position
1871 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1872 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1873 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1874 returned)
1875 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1876 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1877 Examples: >
1878 col(".") column of cursor
1879 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1880 col("'t") column of mark t
1881 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1882< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1883 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1884 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1885 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1886 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1887 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1888 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1889 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1890<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001891
1892complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
1893 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
1894 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
1895 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
1896 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
1897 the list.
1898
1899complete_check() *complete_check()*
1900 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
1901 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
1902 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
1903 zero otherwise.
1904 Only to be used by the function specified with the
1905 'completefunc' option.
1906
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001907 *confirm()*
1908confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1909 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1910 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1911 choice this is 1.
1912 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1913 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1914 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1915 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1916 used (and translated).
1917 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1918 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1919 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1920 by '\n', e.g. >
1921 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1922< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1923 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1924 not need to be the first letter: >
1925 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1926< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1927 the default shortcut key.
1928 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1929 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1930 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1931 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1932 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1933 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1934 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1935 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1936 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1937 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1938 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1939
1940 An example: >
1941 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1942 :if choice == 0
1943 : echo "make up your mind!"
1944 :elseif choice == 3
1945 : echo "tasteful"
1946 :else
1947 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1948 :endif
1949< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1950 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1951 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1952 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1953 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1954 the horizontal layout is always used.
1955
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001956 *copy()*
1957copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1958 different from using {expr} directly.
1959 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1960 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1961 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1962 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1963 |deepcopy()|.
1964
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001965count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001966 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001967 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1968 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1969 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001970 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1971
1972
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001973 *cscope_connection()*
1974cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1975 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1976 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1977 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1978 if there are no cscope connections;
1979 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1980
1981 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1982 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1983
1984 {num} Description of existence check
1985 ----- ------------------------------
1986 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
1987 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
1988 {dbpath}.
1989 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
1990 {dbpath}.
1991 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
1992 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1993 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
1994 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1995
1996 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
1997
1998 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
1999
2000 # pid database name prepend path
2001 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2002<
2003 Invocation Return Val ~
2004 ---------- ---------- >
2005 cscope_connection() 1
2006 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2007 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2008 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2009 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2010 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2011 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2012 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2013<
2014cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
2015 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002016 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002017 Does not change the jumplist.
2018 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2019 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2020 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002021 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002022 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2023 line.
2024 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2025
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002026
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002027deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002028 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2029 different from using {expr} directly.
2030 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
2031 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2032 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
2033 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2034 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002035 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2036 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2037 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2038 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2039 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002040 *E724*
2041 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002042 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2043 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002044 Also see |copy()|.
2045
2046delete({fname}) *delete()*
2047 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002048 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2049 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002050 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002051
2052 *did_filetype()*
2053did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2054 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2055 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2056 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2057 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2058 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2059 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2060 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2061 file.
2062
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002063diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2064 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2065 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2066 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2067 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2068 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2069 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2070 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2071
2072diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2073 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2074 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2075 diff change zero is returned.
2076 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2077 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2078 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2079 line.
2080 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2081 syntax information about the highlighting.
2082
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002083empty({expr}) *empty()*
2084 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002085 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002086 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2087 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2088 with zero.
2089
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002090escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2091 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2092 backslash. Example: >
2093 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2094< results in: >
2095 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002096
2097< *eval()*
2098eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2099 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2100 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2101 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2102
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002103eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2104 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2105 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2106 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2107 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2108
2109executable({expr}) *executable()*
2110 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2111 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002112 arguments.
2113 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2114 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2115 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2116 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2117 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2118 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2119 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2120 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2121 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2122 extension.
2123 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2124 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002125 The result is a Number:
2126 1 exists
2127 0 does not exist
2128 -1 not implemented on this system
2129
2130 *exists()*
2131exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2132 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2133 which contains one of these:
2134 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2135 not if it really works)
2136 +option-name Vim option that works.
2137 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2138 done by comparing with an empty
2139 string)
2140 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2141 or user defined function (see
2142 |user-functions|).
2143 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002144 |internal-variables|). Also works
2145 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2146 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2147 this may cause functions to be
2148 invoked cause an error message for an
2149 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002150 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2151 command or command modifier |:command|.
2152 Returns:
2153 1 for match with start of a command
2154 2 full match with a command
2155 3 matches several user commands
2156 To check for a supported command
2157 always check the return value to be 2.
2158 #event autocommand defined for this event
2159 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2160 pattern (the pattern is taken
2161 literally and compared to the
2162 autocommand patterns character by
2163 character)
2164 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2165
2166 Examples: >
2167 exists("&shortname")
2168 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2169 exists("*strftime")
2170 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2171 exists("bufcount")
2172 exists(":Make")
2173 exists("#CursorHold");
2174 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2175< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2176 name.
2177 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2178 variable itself! For example: >
2179 exists(bufcount)
2180< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2181 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2182 exists.
2183
2184expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2185 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2186 The result is a String.
2187
2188 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2189 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2190 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2191
2192 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2193 for a non-existing file is not included.
2194
2195 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2196 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2197 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2198
2199 % current file name
2200 # alternate file name
2201 #n alternate file name n
2202 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2203 <afile> autocmd file name
2204 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2205 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2206 <sfile> sourced script file name
2207 <cword> word under the cursor
2208 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2209 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2210 message |server2client()|
2211 Modifiers:
2212 :p expand to full path
2213 :h head (last path component removed)
2214 :t tail (last path component only)
2215 :r root (one extension removed)
2216 :e extension only
2217
2218 Example: >
2219 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2220< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2221 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2222 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2223< Use this: >
2224 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2225< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2226 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2227 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2228 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2229 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2230<
2231 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2232 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2233 to modify normal file names.
2234
2235 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2236 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2237 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2238 '/' added.
2239
2240 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2241 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2242 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2243 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002244 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2245 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2246 files in the current directory and below: >
2247 :echo expand("**/README")
2248<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002249 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2250 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2251 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2252 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2253 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2254 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2255 "$FOOBAR".
2256
2257 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2258 getting the raw output of an external command.
2259
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002260extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2261 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2262
2263 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2264 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2265 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2266 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2267 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002268 Examples: >
2269 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2270 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002271< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2272 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002273 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002274<
2275 If they are Dictionaries:
2276 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2277 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2278 used to decide what to do:
2279 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2280 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002281 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002282 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2283
2284 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2285 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2286 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2287 Returns {expr1}.
2288
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002289
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002290filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2291 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2292 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2293 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2294 expression, which is used as a String.
2295 *file_readable()*
2296 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2297
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002298
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002299filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2300 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2301 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2302 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2303 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2304 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2305 Examples: >
2306 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2307< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2308 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2309< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2310 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002311< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2312
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002313 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2314 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2315 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2316
2317 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2318 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002319 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002320
2321< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002322
2323
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002324finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2325 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2326 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2327 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2328 {name} in {path}.
2329 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2330 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2331 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2332 Example: >
2333 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2334< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2335 the file "tags.vim".
2336 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2337
2338findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2339 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2340
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002341filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2342 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2343 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2344 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2345 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2346
2347fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2348 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2349 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2350 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2351 Example: >
2352 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2353< results in: >
2354 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2355< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2356 |expand()| first then.
2357
2358foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2359 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2360 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2361 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2362
2363foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2364 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2365 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2366 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2367
2368foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2369 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2370 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2371 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2372 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2373 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2374 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2375 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2376 previous line is usually available.
2377
2378 *foldtext()*
2379foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2380 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2381 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2382 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2383 The returned string looks like this: >
2384 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2385< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2386 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2387 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2388 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2389 options is removed.
2390 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2391
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002392foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2393 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2394 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2395 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2396 returned.
2397 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2398 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2399 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2400 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2401
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002402 *foreground()*
2403foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2404 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2405 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2406 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2407 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2408 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2409 Win32 console version}
2410
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002411
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002412function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002413 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2414 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2415
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002416
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002417garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
2418 Cleanup unused Lists and Dictionaries that have circular
2419 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2420 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2421 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2422 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2423 freed when they become unused.
2424 This is useful if you have deleted a very big List and/or
2425 Dictionary with circular references in a script that runs for
2426 a long time.
2427
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002428get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002429 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2430 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2431 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002432get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2433 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2434 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2435 {default} is omitted.
2436
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002437 *getbufline()*
2438getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002439 Return a List with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2440 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a List
2441 with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002442
2443 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2444
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002445 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2446 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002447
2448 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2449 lines in the buffer, an empty List is returned.
2450
2451 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2452 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002453 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002454 returned.
2455
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002456 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002457 non-existing buffers, an empty List is returned.
2458
2459 Example: >
2460 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002461
2462getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2463 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2464 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2465 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002466 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2467 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2468 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002469 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2470 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2471 returned, there is no error message.
2472 Examples: >
2473 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2474 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2475<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002476getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2477 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2478 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2479 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2480 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2481 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2482 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2483 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2484 not consumed. If a normal character is
2485 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2486 non-zero value is returned.
2487 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2488 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2489 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2490 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2491 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2492 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2493 user that a character has to be typed.
2494 There is no mapping for the character.
2495 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2496 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2497 sequence. Examples: >
2498 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2499 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2500< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2501 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2502 :function FindChar()
2503 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2504 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2505 : normal l
2506 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2507 : break
2508 : endif
2509 : endwhile
2510 :endfunction
2511
2512getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2513 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2514 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2515 These values are added together:
2516 2 shift
2517 4 control
2518 8 alt (meta)
2519 16 mouse double click
2520 32 mouse triple click
2521 64 mouse quadruple click
2522 128 Macintosh only: command
2523 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2524 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2525 with no modifier.
2526
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002527getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2528 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2529 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2530 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2531 Example: >
2532 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
2533< Also see |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
2534
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002535getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002536 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2537 byte count. The first column is 1.
2538 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2539 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
2540 Also see |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2541
2542 *getcwd()*
2543getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2544 working directory.
2545
2546getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2547 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2548 given file {fname}.
2549 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2550 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2551
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002552getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2553 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2554 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2555 |hl-Normal|.
2556 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2557 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2558 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2559 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2560 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2561 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2562 for a valid name does not work.
2563 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2564 function just after the GUI has started.
2565
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002566getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2567 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2568 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2569 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2570 empty string is returned.
2571 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2572 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2573 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2574 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2575 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2576 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2577< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2578 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002579
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002580getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2581 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2582 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2583 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2584 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2585 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2586
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002587getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2588 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2589 file of the given file {fname}.
2590 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2591 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2592 results:
2593 Normal file "file"
2594 Directory "dir"
2595 Symbolic link "link"
2596 Block device "bdev"
2597 Character device "cdev"
2598 Socket "socket"
2599 FIFO "fifo"
2600 All other "other"
2601 Example: >
2602 getftype("/home")
2603< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2604 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2605 "file" are returned.
2606
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002607 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002608getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2609 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2610 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002611 getline(1)
2612< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2613 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2614 To get the line under the cursor: >
2615 getline(".")
2616< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2617 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2618
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002619 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2620 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2621 including line {end}.
2622 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2623 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002624 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002625 Example: >
2626 :let start = line('.')
2627 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2628 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2629
2630
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002631getqflist() *getqflist()*
2632 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2633 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2634 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2635 bufname() to get the name
2636 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2637 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002638 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2639 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002640 nr error number
2641 text description of the error
2642 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2643 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2644
2645 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2646 do something with them: >
2647 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2648 :for d in getqflist()
2649 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2650 :endfor
2651
2652
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002653getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002654 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002655 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002656 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2657< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002658 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002659 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2660 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2661 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002662 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2663
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002664
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002665getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2666 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2667 The value will be one of:
2668 "v" for |characterwise| text
2669 "V" for |linewise| text
2670 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2671 0 for an empty or unknown register
2672 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2673 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2674
2675 *getwinposx()*
2676getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2677 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2678 -1 if the information is not available.
2679
2680 *getwinposy()*
2681getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2682 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2683 information is not available.
2684
2685getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2686 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002687 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2688 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002689 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2690 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2691 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002692 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2693 Examples: >
2694 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2695 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2696<
2697 *glob()*
2698glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2699 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2700 characters.
2701 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2702 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2703
2704 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2705 any external command. Example: >
2706 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2707 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2708< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2709 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2710
2711 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2712 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2713
2714globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2715 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2716 the results. Example: >
2717 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2718< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2719 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2720 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2721 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2722 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2723 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2724 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2725 error message.
2726 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2727 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2728
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002729 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2730 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2731 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2732 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2733<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002734 *has()*
2735has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2736 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2737 string. See |feature-list| below.
2738 Also see |exists()|.
2739
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002740
2741has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2742 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2743 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2744
2745
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002746hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2747 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2748 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2749 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2750 {mode}.
2751 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2752 buffer are checked for a match.
2753 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2754 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2755 n Normal mode
2756 v Visual mode
2757 o Operator-pending mode
2758 i Insert mode
2759 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2760 c Command-line mode
2761 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2762
2763 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2764 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2765 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2766 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2767 :endif
2768< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2769 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2770
2771histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2772 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2773 one of: *hist-names*
2774 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2775 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2776 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2777 "input" or "@" input line history
2778 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2779 shifted to become the newest entry.
2780 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2781 otherwise 0 is returned.
2782
2783 Example: >
2784 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2785 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2786< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2787
2788histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002789 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002790 for the possible values of {history}.
2791
2792 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2793 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2794 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2795 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2796 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2797 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2798 if it exists.
2799
2800 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2801 otherwise 0 is returned.
2802
2803 Examples:
2804 Clear expression register history: >
2805 :call histdel("expr")
2806<
2807 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2808 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2809<
2810 The following three are equivalent: >
2811 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2812 :call histdel("search", -1)
2813 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2814<
2815 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2816 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2817 :call histdel("search", -1)
2818 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2819
2820histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2821 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2822 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2823 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2824 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2825 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2826
2827 Examples:
2828 Redo the second last search from history. >
2829 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2830
2831< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2832 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2833 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2834<
2835histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2836 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2837 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2838 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2839
2840 Example: >
2841 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2842<
2843hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2844 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2845 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2846 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2847 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2848 item.
2849 *highlight_exists()*
2850 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2851
2852 *hlID()*
2853hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2854 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2855 zero is returned.
2856 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2857 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2858 "Comment" group: >
2859 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2860< *highlightID()*
2861 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2862
2863hostname() *hostname()*
2864 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002865 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002866 256 characters long are truncated.
2867
2868iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2869 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2870 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2871 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2872 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2873 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2874 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2875 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2876 can be done.
2877 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2878 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2879 UTF-8 and use: >
2880 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2881< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2882 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2883 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2884 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2885
2886 *indent()*
2887indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2888 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2889 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2890 |getline()|.
2891 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2892
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002893
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002894index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002895 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2896 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002897 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2898 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002899 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2900 case must match.
2901 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2902 Example: >
2903 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002904 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002905
2906
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002907input({prompt} [, {text}]) *input()*
2908 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2909 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2910 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
2911 prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with
2912 |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just
2913 like a command-line, with the same editing commands and
2914 mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for
2915 input().
2916 If the optional {text} is present, this is used for the
2917 default reply, as if the user typed this.
2918 NOTE: This must not be used in a startup file, for the
2919 versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
2920 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2921 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2922 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2923 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2924 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2925 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2926 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2927
2928 Example: >
2929 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2930 : echo "Cheers!"
2931 :endif
2932< Example with default text: >
2933 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2934< Example with a mapping: >
2935 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2936 :function GetFoo()
2937 : call inputsave()
2938 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2939 : call inputrestore()
2940 :endfunction
2941
2942inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2943 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2944 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2945 Example: >
2946 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2947 :if n != ""
2948 : let &sw = n
2949 :endif
2950< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2951 omitted an empty string is returned.
2952 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2953 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
2954
2955inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
2956 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
2957 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
2958 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
2959 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
2960
2961inputsave() *inputsave()*
2962 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
2963 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
2964 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
2965 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
2966 many inputrestore() calls.
2967 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
2968
2969inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
2970 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
2971 two exceptions:
2972 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
2973 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
2974 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
2975 |history| stack.
2976 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
2977 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
2978
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002979insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
2980 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
2981 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
2982 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
2983 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
2984 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002985 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002986 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
2987 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
2988 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002989< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002990 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
2991 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
2992
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002993isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
2994 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
2995 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
2996 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
2997 is any expression, which is used as a String.
2998
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00002999islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3000 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3001 name of a locked variable.
3002 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
3003 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
3004 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3005 :lockvar 1 alist
3006 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3007 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3008
3009< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3010 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3011
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003012items({dict}) *items()*
3013 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3014 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
3015 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
3016
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003017
3018join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3019 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3020 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3021 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3022 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3023 add it there too: >
3024 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3025< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
3026 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3027 The opposite function is |split()|.
3028
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003029keys({dict}) *keys()*
3030 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
3031 arbitrary order.
3032
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003033 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003034len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3035 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3036 used, as with |strlen()|.
3037 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
3038 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003039 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
3040 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003041 Otherwise an error is given.
3042
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003043 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3044libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3045 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3046 with single argument {argument}.
3047 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3048 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3049 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3050 limited.
3051 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3052 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3053 to Vim.
3054 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3055 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3056 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3057 null-terminated string.
3058 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3059
3060 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3061 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3062 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3063 very probably crash.
3064
3065 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3066 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3067 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3068 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3069 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3070 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3071 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3072 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3073 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3074 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3075
3076 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3077 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3078 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3079 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3080 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3081 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3082 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3083 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3084 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3085 feature is present}
3086 Examples: >
3087 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3088 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3089<
3090 *libcallnr()*
3091libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3092 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3093 int instead of a string.
3094 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3095 feature is present}
3096 Example (not very useful...): >
3097 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3098 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3099<
3100 *line()*
3101line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3102 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3103 . the cursor position
3104 $ the last line in the current buffer
3105 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3106 returned)
3107 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3108 Examples: >
3109 line(".") line number of the cursor
3110 line("'t") line number of mark t
3111 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3112< *last-position-jump*
3113 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3114 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3115 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003116
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003117line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3118 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3119 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3120 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3121 line returns 1.
3122 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3123 below the last line: >
3124 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3125< This is the file size plus one.
3126 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3127 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3128 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3129
3130lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3131 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3132 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3133 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3134 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3135 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3136 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3137
3138localtime() *localtime()*
3139 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3140 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3141
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003142
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003143map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3144 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3145 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3146 {string}.
3147 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3148 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3149 Example: >
3150 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003151< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003152
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003153 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003154 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003155 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3156 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003157
3158 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3159 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003160 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003161
3162< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003163
3164
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003165maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3166 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3167 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3168 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3169 "n" Normal
3170 "v" Visual
3171 "o" Operator-pending
3172 "i" Insert
3173 "c" Cmd-line
3174 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3175 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3176 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3177 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3178 command. The returned String has special characters
3179 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3180 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3181 then the global mappings.
3182
3183mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3184 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3185 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3186 {name}.
3187 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3188 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3189
3190 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3191 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3192 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3193 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3194 mapcheck("b") no no no
3195
3196 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3197 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3198 mapping for {name} exactly.
3199 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3200 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3201 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3202 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3203 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3204 then the global mappings.
3205 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3206 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3207 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3208 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3209 :endif
3210< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3211 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3212
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003213match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003214 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3215 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3216 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3217 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3218 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3219 {pat} matches.
3220 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003221 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3222 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003223 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3224 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3225< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003226 *strpbrk()*
3227 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3228 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3229< *strcasestr()*
3230 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3231 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3232 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3233<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003234 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003235 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3236 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003237 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003238< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3239
3240 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3241 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003242 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003243 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003244 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3245< result is again "4". >
3246 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3247< result is again "4". >
3248 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3249< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003250 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3251 the index is counted from the end.
3252 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3253 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3254
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003255 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3256 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3257 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3258 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3259
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003260matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003261 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3262 the match. Example: >
3263 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3264< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003265 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3266 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3267 do it with matchend(): >
3268 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3269 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3270< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3271
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003272 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3273 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3274< results in "7". >
3275 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3276< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003277 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003278
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003279matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3280 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3281 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3282 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3283 in |:substitute|.
3284 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3285
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003286matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003287 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3288 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3289< results in "ing".
3290 When there is no match "" is returned.
3291 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3292 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3293< results in "ing". >
3294 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3295< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003296 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3297 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003298
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003299 *max()*
3300max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3301 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3302 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3303 An empty List results in zero.
3304
3305 *min()*
3306min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3307 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3308 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3309 An empty List results in zero.
3310
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003311 *mkdir()* *E749*
3312mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3313 Create directory {name}.
3314 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3315 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3316 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3317 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3318 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3319 for others.
3320 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3321 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3322 :if exists("*mkdir")
3323<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003324 *mode()*
3325mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3326 n Normal
3327 v Visual by character
3328 V Visual by line
3329 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3330 s Select by character
3331 S Select by line
3332 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3333 i Insert
3334 R Replace
3335 c Command-line
3336 r Hit-enter prompt
3337 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3338 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3339
3340nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3341 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3342 that is not blank. Example: >
3343 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3344< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3345 below it, zero is returned.
3346 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3347
3348nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3349 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3350 value {expr}. Examples: >
3351 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3352 nr2char(32) returns " "
3353< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3354 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3355< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3356 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3357 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003358 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003359
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003360printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3361 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3362 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003363 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003364< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003365 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003366
3367 Often used items are:
3368 %s string
3369 %6s string right-aligned in 6 characters
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003370 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003371 %d decimal number
3372 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3373 %x hex number
3374 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3375 %X hex number using upper case letters
3376 %o octal number
3377 %% the % character
3378
3379 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3380 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3381 the result.
3382
3383 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003384 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003385
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003386 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003387
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003388 flags
3389 Zero or more of the following flags:
3390
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003391 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3392 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3393 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3394 of the number is increased to force the first
3395 character of the output string to a zero (except
3396 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3397 precision of zero).
3398 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3399 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3400 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003401
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003402 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3403 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3404 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3405 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3406 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003407
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003408 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3409 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3410 The converted value is padded on the right with
3411 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3412 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003413
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003414 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3415 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003416
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003417 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3418 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3419 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003420
3421 field-width
3422 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
3423 field width. If the converted value has fewer
3424 characters than the field width, it will be padded
3425 with spaces on the left (or right, if the
3426 left-adjustment flag has been given) to fill out the
3427 field width.
3428
3429 .precision
3430 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3431 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3432 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3433 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3434 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
3435 characters to be printed from a string for s
3436 conversions.
3437
3438 type
3439 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3440 be applied, see below.
3441
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003442 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3443 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3444 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3445 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3446 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3447 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003448 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003449< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003450 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003451
3452 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003453
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003454 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3455 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3456 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3457 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003458 conversions.
3459 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3460 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3461 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3462 zeros.
3463 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3464 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3465 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3466 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3467
3468 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3469 resulting character is written.
3470
3471 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3472 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3473 specified are used.
3474
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003475 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3476 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003477
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003478 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3479 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3480 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003481
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003482 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003483 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3484 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003485 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003486
3487
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003488prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3489 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3490 that is not blank. Example: >
3491 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3492< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3493 above it, zero is returned.
3494 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3495
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003496 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003497range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3498 Returns a List with Numbers:
3499 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3500 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3501 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3502 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3503 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003504 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3505 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3506 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003507 Examples: >
3508 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3509 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3510 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3511 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003512 range(0) " []
3513 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003514<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003515 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003516readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003517 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3518 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3519 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3520 NL appears somewhere).
3521 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3522 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3523 added.
3524 - No CR characters are removed.
3525 Otherwise:
3526 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3527 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3528 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003529 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3530 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3531 lines of a file: >
3532 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3533 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3534 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003535< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3536 are returned, or as many as there are.
3537 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003538 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3539 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3540 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003541 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3542 the result is an empty list.
3543 Also see |writefile()|.
3544
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003545 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3546remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3547 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3548 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3549 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3550 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3551 remote_read() is stored there.
3552 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3553 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3554 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3555 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3556 and the result will be the empty string.
3557 Examples: >
3558 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3559 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3560<
3561
3562remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3563 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3564 This works like: >
3565 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3566< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3567 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3568 to bring itself to the foreground.
3569 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3570 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3571 Win32 console version}
3572
3573
3574remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3575 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3576 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3577 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3578 name of a variable.
3579 Returns zero if none are available.
3580 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3581 See also |clientserver|.
3582 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3583 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3584 Examples: >
3585 :let repl = ""
3586 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3587
3588remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3589 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3590 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3591 See also |clientserver|.
3592 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3593 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3594 Example: >
3595 :echo remote_read(id)
3596<
3597 *remote_send()* *E241*
3598remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003599 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3600 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3601 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003602 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3603 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3604 remote_read() is stored there.
3605 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3606 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3607 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3608 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3609 up the display.
3610 Examples: >
3611 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3612 \ remote_read(serverid)
3613
3614 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3615 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3616 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3617 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003618<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003619remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3620 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3621 return it.
3622 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3623 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3624 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3625 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3626 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003627 Example: >
3628 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003629 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003630remove({dict}, {key})
3631 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3632 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3633< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3634
3635 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003636
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003637rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3638 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3639 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3640 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3641 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3642 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3643
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003644repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3645 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3646 result. Example: >
3647 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3648< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003649 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003650 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003651 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3652< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003653
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003654
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003655resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3656 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3657 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3658 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3659 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3660 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3661 stopped after 100 iterations.
3662 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3663 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3664 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3665 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3666 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3667
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003668 *reverse()*
3669reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3670 {list}.
3671 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3672 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3673
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003674search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3675 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003676 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003677 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3678 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003679 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003680 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3681 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003682 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3683 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003684 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3685
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003686 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3687 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3688 flag.
3689
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003690 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3691 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3692 flag is used).
3693 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3694 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003695
3696 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3697 :let n = 1
3698 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3699 : exe "argument " . n
3700 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3701 : " first search to find match at start of file
3702 : normal G$
3703 : let flags = "w"
3704 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3705 : s/foo/bar/g
3706 : let flags = "W"
3707 : endwhile
3708 : update " write the file if modified
3709 : let n = n + 1
3710 :endwhile
3711<
3712 *searchpair()*
3713searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3714 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3715 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3716 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3717 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3718 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3719 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3720 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3721
3722 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3723 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3724 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3725 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3726 typical use is: >
3727 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3728< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3729
3730 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3731 'n' do Not move the cursor
3732 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3733 outer pair
3734 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3735 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3736
3737 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3738 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3739 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3740 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3741 or a string.
3742 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3743 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3744 and -1 returned.
3745
3746 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3747 patterns are used like it's on.
3748
3749 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3750 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3751 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3752 if 1
3753 if 2
3754 endif 2
3755 endif 1
3756< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3757 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3758 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3759 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3760 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3761 "endif 2".
3762 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3763 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3764 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3765 the matching start.
3766
3767 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3768
3769 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3770 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3771
3772< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3773 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3774 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3775 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3776 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3777 match.
3778 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3779
3780 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3781
3782< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3783 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3784 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3785
3786 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3787 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3788<
3789server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3790 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3791 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3792 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3793 Note:
3794 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003795 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003796 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3797 See also |clientserver|.
3798 Example: >
3799 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3800<
3801serverlist() *serverlist()*
3802 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3803 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3804 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3805 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3806 Example: >
3807 :echo serverlist()
3808<
3809setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3810 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3811 {val}.
3812 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3813 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3814 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3815 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3816 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3817 Examples: >
3818 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3819 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3820< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3821
3822setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3823 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3824 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3825 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3826 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003827 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3828 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3829 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3830 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3831 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003832 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3833 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3834 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3835 line.
3836
3837setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003838 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3839 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003840 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3841 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003842 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3843 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003844 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003845< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3846 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3847 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3848< This is equivalent to: >
3849 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3850 : call setline(n, l)
3851 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003852< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3853
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003854
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003855setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003856 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3857 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3858 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3859 entries:
3860
3861 filename name of a file
3862 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003863 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003864 col column number
3865 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3866 when zero: "col" is byte index
3867 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003868 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003869 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003870
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003871 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3872 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3873 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003874 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3875 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3876 handled as an error line.
3877 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3878 be used.
3879
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003880 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3881 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3882 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3883 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3884 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3885 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3886
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003887 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3888
3889 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3890 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3891 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3892
3893
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003894 *setreg()*
3895setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3896 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3897 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3898 then the value is appended.
3899 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3900 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3901 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3902 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3903 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3904 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3905 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3906 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3907
3908 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3909 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3910 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3911 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3912
3913 Examples: >
3914 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3915 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3916 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3917
3918< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3919 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003920 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003921 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3922 ....
3923 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
3924
3925< You can also change the type of a register by appending
3926 nothing: >
3927 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
3928
3929setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
3930 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00003931 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003932 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
3933 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
3934 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
3935 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
3936 Examples: >
3937 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
3938 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
3939< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3940
3941simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
3942 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
3943 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
3944 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
3945 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
3946 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
3947 not removed either.
3948 Example: >
3949 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
3950< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
3951 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
3952 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
3953 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
3954 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
3955
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003956
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003957sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003958 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
3959 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3960 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
3961< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003962 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003963 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003964 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
3965 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
3966 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
3967 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
3968 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
3969 sorts before the second one. Example: >
3970 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
3971 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
3972 endfunc
3973 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003974<
3975
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003976 *soundfold()*
3977soundfold({word})
3978 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
3979 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00003980 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
3981 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003982 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
3983 the method can be quite slow.
3984
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003985 *spellbadword()*
3986spellbadword() Return the badly spelled word under or after the cursor.
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +00003987 The cursor is moved to the start of the bad word.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003988 When no bad word is found in the cursor line an empty String
3989 is returned and the cursor doesn't move.
3990
3991 *spellsuggest()*
3992spellsuggest({word} [, {max}])
3993 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
3994 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
3995 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
3996
3997 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
3998 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00003999 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4000 replace a line.
4001
4002 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
4003 returned. {word} itself is also included, most likely as the
4004 first entry, thus this can be used to check spelling.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004005
4006 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004007 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4008 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004009
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004010
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004011split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
4012 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
4013 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004014 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004015 removing the matched characters.
4016 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4017 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004018 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4019 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004020 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004021 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004022< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004023 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004024< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4025 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4026< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004027 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4028 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4029< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004030
4031
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004032strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4033 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4034 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4035 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4036 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4037 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4038 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4039 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4040 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4041 Examples: >
4042 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4043 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4044 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4045 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4046 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4047 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004048< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4049 :if exists("*strftime")
4050
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004051stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4052 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4053 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004054 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4055 This can be used to find a second match: >
4056 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4057 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4058< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004059 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004060 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004061 See also |strridx()|.
4062 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004063 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4064 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4065 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004066< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4067 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4068 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4069
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004070 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004071string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4072 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4073 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004074 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004075 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004076 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004077 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004078 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004079 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004080 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004081
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004082 *strlen()*
4083strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
4084 {expr} in bytes. If you want to count the number of
4085 multi-byte characters use something like this: >
4086
4087 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
4088
4089< Composing characters are not counted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004090 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4091 For other types an error is given.
4092 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004093
4094strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4095 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
4096 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
4097 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4098 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4099 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4100 end of the {src}. >
4101 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4102 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4103 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4104 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4105< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4106 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4107 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4108<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004109strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4110 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4111 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4112 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4113 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4114 match: >
4115 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4116 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4117< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004118 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4119 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004120 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004121 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004122 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004123< *strrchr()*
4124 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4125 function strrchr().
4126
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004127strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4128 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4129 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4130 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4131 echo strtrans(@a)
4132< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4133 starting a new line.
4134
4135submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4136 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4137 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4138 the whole matched text is returned.
4139 Example: >
4140 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4141< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4142 A line break is included as a newline character.
4143
4144substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4145 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4146 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4147 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4148 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4149 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4150 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4151 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4152 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4153 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4154 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4155 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4156 unmodified.
4157 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4158 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4159 Example: >
4160 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4161< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4162 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4163< results in "TESTING".
4164
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004165synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004166 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004167 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004168 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4169 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004170
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004171 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004172 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4173
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004174 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4175 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4176 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4177 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4178 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4179 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4180 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4181
4182 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4183 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4184<
4185synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4186 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4187 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4188 about a syntax item.
4189 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4190 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4191 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4192 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4193 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4194 {what} result
4195 "name" the name of the syntax item
4196 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4197 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4198 term: empty string)
4199 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4200 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4201 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4202 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4203 "bold" "1" if bold
4204 "italic" "1" if italic
4205 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4206 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4207 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004208 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004209
4210 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4211 cursor): >
4212 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4213<
4214synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4215 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4216 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4217 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4218 ":highlight link" are followed.
4219
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004220system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4221 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4222 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4223 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4224 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004225 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004226 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4227 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4228 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004229 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4230 The result is a String. Example: >
4231
4232 :let files = system("ls")
4233
4234< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4235 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4236 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4237 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4238 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4239 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4240 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4241 concatenated commands.
4242
4243 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4244 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4245 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4246 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4247
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004248
4249taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4250 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004251 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4252 entries:
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004253 name name of the tag.
4254 filename name of the file where the tag is
4255 defined.
4256 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4257 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004258 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004259 entry depends on the language specific
4260 kind values generated by the ctags
4261 tool.
4262 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4263 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004264 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4265 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4266 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4267 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4268 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4269 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4270 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004271
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004272 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4273 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004274
4275 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4276
4277 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4278 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4279 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4280
4281 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4282 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4283 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4284
4285
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004286tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4287 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4288 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4289 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4290 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4291 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4292< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4293 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4294 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4295 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4296 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4297 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4298
4299tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4300 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4301 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4302 the string).
4303
4304toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4305 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4306 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4307 the string).
4308
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004309tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4310 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4311 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4312 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4313 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4314 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4315 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4316
4317 Examples: >
4318 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4319< returns "Hello THere" >
4320 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4321< returns "{blob}"
4322
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004323 *type()*
4324type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004325 Number: 0
4326 String: 1
4327 Funcref: 2
4328 List: 3
4329 Dictionary: 4
4330 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004331 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4332 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4333 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4334 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004335 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004336
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004337values({dict}) *values()*
4338 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4339 arbitrary order.
4340
4341
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004342virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4343 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4344 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4345 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4346 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4347 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4348 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4349 set to 8, it returns 8.
4350 For the byte position use |col()|.
4351 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4352 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4353 The accepted positions are:
4354 . the cursor position
4355 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4356 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4357 plus one)
4358 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4359 returned)
4360 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4361 Examples: >
4362 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4363 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4364 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4365< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4366
4367visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4368 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4369 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4370 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4371 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4372 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4373 Example: >
4374 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4375< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4376 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4377 Visual mode that was used.
4378
4379 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4380 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4381 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4382 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4383
4384 *winbufnr()*
4385winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004386 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004387 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4388 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4389 Example: >
4390 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4391<
4392 *wincol()*
4393wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4394 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4395 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4396
4397winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4398 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4399 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4400 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4401 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4402 Examples: >
4403 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4404<
4405 *winline()*
4406winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4407 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4408 the window. The first line is one.
4409
4410 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004411winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4412 window. The top window has number 1.
4413 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4414 last window is returnd (the window count).
4415 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4416 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4417 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4418 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4419 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004420
4421 *winrestcmd()*
4422winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4423 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4424 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4425 Example: >
4426 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4427 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4428 :exe cmd
4429
4430winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4431 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4432 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4433 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4434 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4435 Examples: >
4436 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4437 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4438 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4439 :endif
4440<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004441 *writefile()*
4442writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4443 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4444 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4445 Number.
4446 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4447 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4448 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4449 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4450 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4451 to writefile().
4452 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4453 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4454 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4455 fails.
4456 Also see |readfile()|.
4457 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4458 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4459 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4460<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004461
4462 *feature-list*
4463There are three types of features:
44641. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4465 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4466 :if has("cindent")
44672. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4468 Example: >
4469 :if has("gui_running")
4470< *has-patch*
44713. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4472 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4473 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4474 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4475
4476all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4477amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4478arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4479arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4480autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4481balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004482balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004483beos BeOS version of Vim.
4484browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4485 work.
4486builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4487byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4488cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4489clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4490clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4491cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4492cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4493cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4494comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4495cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4496cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4497compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4498debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4499dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4500dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4501diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4502digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4503dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4504dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4505dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4506ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4507emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4508eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4509 true, of course!
4510ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4511extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4512 |'hlsearch'|
4513farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4514file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004515filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4516 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004517find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4518 |+find_in_path|.
4519fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4520 Windows this is not present).
4521folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4522footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4523fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4524gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4525gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4526gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004527gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4528gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004529gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004530gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4531gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4532gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4533gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4534gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4535gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4536hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4537iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4538insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4539 Insert mode.
4540jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4541keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4542langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4543libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4544linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4545 support.
4546lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4547listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4548 and the argument list |arglist|.
4549localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4550mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4551macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4552menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4553mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4554modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4555mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4556mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4557mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4558mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4559mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4560mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4561mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4562multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4563multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4564multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004565mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004566netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004567netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004568ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4569os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4570osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4571path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4572perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4573postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4574printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004575profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004576python Compiled with Python interface.
4577qnx QNX version of Vim.
4578quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4579rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4580ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4581scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4582showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4583signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4584smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004585sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004586statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4587 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4588sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004589spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4590syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004591syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4592 current buffer.
4593system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4594tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4595 |tag-binary-search|.
4596tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4597 |tag-old-static|.
4598tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4599 files |tag-any-white|.
4600tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4601terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4602termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4603textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4604tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4605 or terminfo file.
4606title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4607toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4608unix Unix version of Vim.
4609user_commands User-defined commands.
4610viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4611vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4612vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4613virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4614visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4615visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4616 |blockwise-operators|.
4617vms VMS version of Vim.
4618vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4619wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4620wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4621windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4622winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4623win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4624win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4625win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4626win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4627win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4628writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4629xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4630xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4631xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4632xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4633xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4634xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4635 xterm screen.
4636x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4637
4638 *string-match*
4639Matching a pattern in a String
4640
4641A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4642the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4643everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4644like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4645line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4646with ".". Example: >
4647 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4648 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4649 aa
4650 xx
4651 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4652 a
4653 x
4654
4655Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4656"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4657"\n".
4658
4659==============================================================================
46605. Defining functions *user-functions*
4661
4662New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4663functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4664commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4665
4666The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4667builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4668avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4669the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4670
4671It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|.
4672
4673 *local-function*
4674A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4675can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4676and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4677function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4678instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4679
4680 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4681:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4682
4683:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004684 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4685 Funcref: >
4686 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004687<
4688 *:function-verbose*
4689When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
4690last defined. Example: >
4691
4692 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
4693 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
4694 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
4695<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00004696See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004697
4698 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004699:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004700 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4701 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4702 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004703
4704 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4705 Funcref: >
4706 :function dict.init(arg)
4707< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4708 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4709 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4710 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4711 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4712 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004713 *E127* *E122*
4714 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4715 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4716 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4717 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004718
4719 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4720
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004721 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4722 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4723 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4724 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4725 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4726 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4727 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004728
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004729 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4730 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4731 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4732 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004733
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004734 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4735 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4736 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4737 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004738
4739 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4740:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4741 by its own, without other commands.
4742
4743 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4744:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004745 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4746 Funcref: >
4747 :delfunc dict.init
4748< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4749 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4750 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004751 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4752:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4753 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4754 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4755 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4756 the number 0 is returned.
4757 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4758 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4759
4760 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4761 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4762 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4763 are executed first. This process applies to all
4764 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4765 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4766
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004767 *function-argument* *a:var*
4768An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4769be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4770 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4771Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4772arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4773may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4774as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004775can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4776"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4777 *E742*
4778The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4779However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4780Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4781it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4782use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004783
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004784When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4785to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4786may be larger.
4787
4788It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4789still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4790until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4791inside a function body.
4792
4793 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004794Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4795will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4796accessed with "g:".
4797
4798Example: >
4799 :function Table(title, ...)
4800 : echohl Title
4801 : echo a:title
4802 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004803 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4804 : for s in a:000
4805 : echon ' ' . s
4806 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004807 :endfunction
4808
4809This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004810 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4811 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004812
4813To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4814 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4815 : if a:n2 == 0
4816 : return "fail"
4817 : endif
4818 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4819 : return "ok"
4820 :endfunction
4821
4822This function can then be called with: >
4823 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4824 :if success == "ok"
4825 : echo div
4826 :endif
4827
4828An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4829with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4830 :function Foo()
4831 : execute Bar()
4832 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4833 :endfunction
4834
4835 :function Bar()
4836 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4837 :endfunction
4838
4839The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4840the caller to set the names.
4841
4842 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4843:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4844 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4845 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4846 used.
4847 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4848 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4849 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4850 function.
4851 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4852 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4853 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4854 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4855 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4856 this works:
4857 *function-range-example* >
4858 :function Mynumber(arg)
4859 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4860 :endfunction
4861 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4862<
4863 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4864 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4865 the range.
4866
4867 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4868
4869 :function Cont() range
4870 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4871 :endfunction
4872 :4,8call Cont()
4873<
4874 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4875 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4876
4877 *E132*
4878The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4879option.
4880
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004881
4882AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004883 *autoload-functions*
4884When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004885only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4886the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4887
4888
4889Using an autocommand ~
4890
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004891This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
4892
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004893The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
4894You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
4895That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
4896again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
4897
4898Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
4899function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004900
4901 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
4902
4903The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
4904"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
4905
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004906
4907Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004908 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004909This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
4910
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004911Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
4912exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
4913like this: >
4914
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004915 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004916
4917When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
4918"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
4919"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
4920then define the function like this: >
4921
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004922 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004923 echo "Done!"
4924 endfunction
4925
4926The file name and the name used before the colon in the function must match
4927exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
4928called.
4929
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004930It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
4931a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004932
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004933 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004934
4935Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
4936
4937The name before the first colon must be at least two characters long,
4938otherwise it looks like a scope, such as "s:".
4939
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004940This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
4941
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004942 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004943
4944When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
4945be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
4946
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004947 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
4948 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004949
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00004950Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
4951defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
4952function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004953And you will get an error message every time.
4954
4955Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
4956other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
4957Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004958
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004959==============================================================================
49606. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
4961
4962Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
4963This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
4964{} like this: >
4965 my_{adjective}_variable
4966
4967When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
4968that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
4969name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
4970"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
4971"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
4972
4973One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
4974value. For example, the statement >
4975 echo my_{&background}_message
4976
4977would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
4978on the current value of 'background'.
4979
4980You can use multiple brace pairs: >
4981 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
4982..or even nest them: >
4983 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
4984where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
4985
4986However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004987variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004988 :let foo='a + b'
4989 :echo c{foo}d
4990.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
4991
4992 *curly-braces-function-names*
4993You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
4994Example: >
4995 :let func_end='whizz'
4996 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
4997
4998This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
4999
5000==============================================================================
50017. Commands *expression-commands*
5002
5003:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5004 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5005 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5006 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5007 is created.
5008
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005009:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5010 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5011 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5012 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5013 the index can be repeated.
5014 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5015
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005016 *E711* *E719*
5017:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005018 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
5019 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
5020 correct number of items.
5021 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5022 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5023 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5024 end of the list, items will be added.
5025
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005026 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005027:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5028:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5029:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5030 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5031 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5032
5033
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005034:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5035 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5036 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005037:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5038 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5039 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5040 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005041
5042:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5043 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5044 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5045 must be the name of a writable register (see
5046 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5047 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5048 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5049 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5050 characterwise.
5051 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5052 :let @/ = ""
5053< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5054 that would match everywhere.
5055
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005056:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5057 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5058 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5059
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005060:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5061 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005062 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5063 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005064 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5065 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
5066 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005067 Example: >
5068 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005069
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005070:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5071 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5072 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5073
5074:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5075:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5076 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5077 {expr1}.
5078
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005079:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005080:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5081:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5082:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005083 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5084 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5085
5086:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005087:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5088:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5089:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005090 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5091 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5092
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005093:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005094 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
5095 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5096 {name2}, etc.
5097 The number of names must match the number of items in
5098 the List.
5099 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5100 command as mentioned above.
5101 Example: >
5102 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005103< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5104 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5105 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5106 :let x = [0, 1]
5107 :let i = 0
5108 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5109 :echo x
5110< The result is [0, 2].
5111
5112:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5113:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5114:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5115 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5116 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005117
5118:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005119 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005120 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5121 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5122 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005123 Example: >
5124 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5125<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005126:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5127:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5128:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5129 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5130 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005131 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005132:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005133 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5134 here: *E738*
5135 g: global variables.
5136 b: local buffer variables.
5137 w: local window variables.
5138 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005139
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005140:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5141 variable is indicated before the value:
5142 <nothing> String
5143 # Number
5144 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005145
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005146
5147:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5148 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5149 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
5150 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005151 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5152 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005153 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
5154 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5155 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
5156< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
5157 :unlet dict['two']
5158 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005159
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005160:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5161 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5162 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5163 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5164 :lockvar v
5165 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5166 :unlet v
5167< *E741*
5168 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5169 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5170
5171 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
5172 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5173 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
5174 cannot add or remove items, but can
5175 still change their values.
5176 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
5177 the items. If an item is a List or
5178 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
5179 items, but can still change the
5180 values.
5181 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
5182 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
5183 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
5184 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
5185 *E743*
5186 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5187 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5188 loops.
5189
5190 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
5191 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
5192 when used through the other variable. Example: >
5193 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5194 :let cl = l
5195 :lockvar l
5196 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5197< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5198 See |deepcopy()|.
5199
5200
5201:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5202 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5203 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5204
5205
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005206:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5207:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5208 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5209
5210 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5211 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5212 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5213 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5214 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5215 part was not executed either.
5216
5217 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5218 versions: >
5219 :if version >= 500
5220 : version-5-specific-commands
5221 :endif
5222< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5223 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5224 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5225 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5226 avoid problems: >
5227 :if version >= 600
5228 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5229 :endif
5230<
5231 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5232 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5233
5234 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5235:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5236 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5237 executed.
5238
5239 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5240:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5241 is no extra ":endif".
5242
5243:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005244 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005245:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5246 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5247 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5248 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005249 Example: >
5250 :let lnum = 1
5251 :while lnum <= line("$")
5252 :call FixLine(lnum)
5253 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5254 :endwhile
5255<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005256 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005257 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005258
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005259:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005260:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5261 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005262 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005263 value of each item.
5264 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005265 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005266 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5267 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005268 :for item in copy(mylist)
5269< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5270 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5271 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5272 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5273 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5274 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5275 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005276 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5277 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005278< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5279 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5280 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005281 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5282 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5283 to allow multiple item types.
5284
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005285:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5286:endfo[r]
5287 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5288 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5289 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5290 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5291 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5292 :endfor
5293<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005294 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005295:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5296 to the start of the loop.
5297 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5298 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5299 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5300 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5301 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5302 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005303
5304 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005305:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5306 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5307 ":endfor".
5308 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5309 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5310 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5311 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5312 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5313 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005314
5315:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5316:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5317 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5318 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5319 or autocommand invocations.
5320
5321 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5322 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5323 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5324 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5325 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5326 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5327 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5328 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5329 Example: >
5330 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5331 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5332<
5333 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5334 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5335 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5336 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5337 processing is not terminated.
5338
5339 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5340 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5341 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5342 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5343 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5344 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5345 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5346 the error number.
5347 Examples: >
5348 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5349 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5350<
5351 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5352:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5353 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5354 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5355 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5356 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5357 commands are skipped.
5358 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5359 Examples: >
5360 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5361 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5362 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5363 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5364 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5365 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5366 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5367 :catch " same as /.*/
5368<
5369 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5370 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5371 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5372 {pattern}.
5373 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5374 an error message because it may vary in different
5375 locales.
5376
5377 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5378:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5379 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5380 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5381 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5382 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5383 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5384
5385 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5386:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5387 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5388 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5389 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5390 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5391 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5392 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5393 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5394 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5395 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5396 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5397 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5398 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5399 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5400 is terminated.
5401 Example: >
5402 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5403<
5404
5405 *:ec* *:echo*
5406:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5407 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5408 Also see |:comment|.
5409 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5410 cursor to the first column.
5411 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5412 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5413 Example: >
5414 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5415< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5416 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5417 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5418 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5419 command. Example: >
5420 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5421<
5422 *:echon*
5423:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5424 |:comment|.
5425 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5426 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5427 Example: >
5428 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5429<
5430 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5431 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5432 command: >
5433 :!echo % --> filename
5434< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5435 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5436< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5437 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5438 :echo % --> nothing
5439< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5440 :echo "%" --> %
5441< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5442 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5443< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5444
5445 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5446:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5447 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5448 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5449 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5450< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5451 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5452
5453 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5454:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5455 message in the |message-history|.
5456 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5457 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5458 displayed, not interpreted.
5459 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5460 Example: >
5461 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5462<
5463 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5464:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5465 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5466 script or function the line number will be added.
5467 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5468 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5469 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5470 (see |try-echoerr|).
5471 Example: >
5472 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5473< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5474 And to get a beep: >
5475 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5476<
5477 *:exe* *:execute*
5478:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5479 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5480 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5481 used as the processed command, command line editing
5482 keys are not recognized.
5483 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5484 Examples: >
5485 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5486 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5487<
5488 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5489 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5490 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5491
5492< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5493 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5494 command: >
5495 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5496< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5497
5498 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005499 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5500 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005501 :execute 'while i > 5'
5502 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5503<
5504 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5505 completely in the executed string: >
5506 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5507<
5508
5509 *:comment*
5510 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5511 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5512 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5513 comment. Example: >
5514 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5515
5516==============================================================================
55178. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5518
5519The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5520explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5521
5522Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5523|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5524exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5525
5526
5527TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5528
5529Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5530use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5531a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5532 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5533|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5534a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5535be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5536which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5537clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5538
5539 :try
5540 : ...
5541 : ... TRY BLOCK
5542 : ...
5543 :catch /{pattern}/
5544 : ...
5545 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5546 : ...
5547 :catch /{pattern}/
5548 : ...
5549 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5550 : ...
5551 :finally
5552 : ...
5553 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5554 : ...
5555 :endtry
5556
5557The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5558appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5559from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5560 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5561is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5562script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5563 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5564lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5565patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5566after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5567executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5568":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5569(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5570continues in the following line as usual.
5571 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5572":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5573that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5574finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5575the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5576the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5577see |try-nesting|.
5578 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5579remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5580not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5581try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5582a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5583execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5584exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5585 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5586thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5587clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5588catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5589following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5590clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5591
5592The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5593a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5594try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5595from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5596sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5597":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5598":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5599from the finally clause.
5600 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5601try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5602clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5603":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5604clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5605":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5606this pending exception or command is discarded.
5607
5608For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5609
5610
5611NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5612
5613Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5614conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5615clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5616catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5617of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5618checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5619try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5620otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5621nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5622one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5623the inner try conditional.
5624
5625When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5626finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5627An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5628thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5629implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5630as usual.
5631
5632For examples see |throw-catch|.
5633
5634
5635EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5636
5637Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5638'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5639script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5640finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5641a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5642(see |debug-scripts|).
5643
5644
5645THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5646
5647You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5648and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5649 :throw 4711
5650 :throw "string"
5651< *throw-expression*
5652You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5653first, and the result is thrown: >
5654 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5655 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5656
5657An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5658command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5659The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5660 Example: >
5661
5662 :function! Foo(arg)
5663 : try
5664 : throw a:arg
5665 : catch /foo/
5666 : endtry
5667 : return 1
5668 :endfunction
5669 :
5670 :function! Bar()
5671 : echo "in Bar"
5672 : return 4710
5673 :endfunction
5674 :
5675 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5676
5677This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5678executed. >
5679 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5680however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5681
5682Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5683abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5684exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5685 Example: >
5686
5687 :if Foo("arrgh")
5688 : echo "then"
5689 :else
5690 : echo "else"
5691 :endif
5692
5693Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5694
5695 *catch-order*
5696Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5697commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5698command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5699gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5700 Example: >
5701
5702 :function! Foo(value)
5703 : try
5704 : throw a:value
5705 : catch /^\d\+$/
5706 : echo "Number thrown"
5707 : catch /.*/
5708 : echo "String thrown"
5709 : endtry
5710 :endfunction
5711 :
5712 :call Foo(0x1267)
5713 :call Foo('string')
5714
5715The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5716An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5717specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5718specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5719
5720 : catch /.*/
5721 : echo "String thrown"
5722 : catch /^\d\+$/
5723 : echo "Number thrown"
5724
5725The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5726never taken.
5727
5728 *throw-variables*
5729If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5730in the variable |v:exception|: >
5731
5732 : catch /^\d\+$/
5733 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5734
5735You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5736|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5737exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5738 Example: >
5739
5740 :function! Caught()
5741 : if v:exception != ""
5742 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5743 : else
5744 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5745 : endif
5746 :endfunction
5747 :
5748 :function! Foo()
5749 : try
5750 : try
5751 : try
5752 : throw 4711
5753 : finally
5754 : call Caught()
5755 : endtry
5756 : catch /.*/
5757 : call Caught()
5758 : throw "oops"
5759 : endtry
5760 : catch /.*/
5761 : call Caught()
5762 : finally
5763 : call Caught()
5764 : endtry
5765 :endfunction
5766 :
5767 :call Foo()
5768
5769This displays >
5770
5771 Nothing caught
5772 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5773 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5774 Nothing caught
5775
5776A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5777number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5778
5779 :function! LineNumber()
5780 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5781 :endfunction
5782 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5783<
5784 *try-nested*
5785An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5786a surrounding try conditional: >
5787
5788 :try
5789 : try
5790 : throw "foo"
5791 : catch /foobar/
5792 : echo "foobar"
5793 : finally
5794 : echo "inner finally"
5795 : endtry
5796 :catch /foo/
5797 : echo "foo"
5798 :endtry
5799
5800The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5801clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5802conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5803
5804 *throw-from-catch*
5805You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5806catch clause: >
5807
5808 :function! Foo()
5809 : throw "foo"
5810 :endfunction
5811 :
5812 :function! Bar()
5813 : try
5814 : call Foo()
5815 : catch /foo/
5816 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5817 : throw "bar"
5818 : endtry
5819 :endfunction
5820 :
5821 :try
5822 : call Bar()
5823 :catch /.*/
5824 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5825 :endtry
5826
5827This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5828
5829 *rethrow*
5830There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5831"v:exception" instead: >
5832
5833 :function! Bar()
5834 : try
5835 : call Foo()
5836 : catch /.*/
5837 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5838 : throw v:exception
5839 : endtry
5840 :endfunction
5841< *try-echoerr*
5842Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5843exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5844Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5845denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5846the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5847
5848 :try
5849 : try
5850 : asdf
5851 : catch /.*/
5852 : echoerr v:exception
5853 : endtry
5854 :catch /.*/
5855 : echo v:exception
5856 :endtry
5857
5858This code displays
5859
5860 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5861
5862
5863CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5864
5865Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5866user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5867an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5868a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5869catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5870a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5871normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5872(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5873to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5874clause has been executed.)
5875Example: >
5876
5877 :try
5878 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5879 : set ts=17
5880 :
5881 : " Do the hard work here.
5882 :
5883 :finally
5884 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5885 : unlet s:saved_ts
5886 :endtry
5887
5888This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5889changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5890that function or script part.
5891
5892 *break-finally*
5893Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
5894a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
5895 Example: >
5896
5897 :let first = 1
5898 :while 1
5899 : try
5900 : if first
5901 : echo "first"
5902 : let first = 0
5903 : continue
5904 : else
5905 : throw "second"
5906 : endif
5907 : catch /.*/
5908 : echo v:exception
5909 : break
5910 : finally
5911 : echo "cleanup"
5912 : endtry
5913 : echo "still in while"
5914 :endwhile
5915 :echo "end"
5916
5917This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
5918
5919 :function! Foo()
5920 : try
5921 : return 4711
5922 : finally
5923 : echo "cleanup\n"
5924 : endtry
5925 : echo "Foo still active"
5926 :endfunction
5927 :
5928 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
5929
5930This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
5931extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
5932return value.)
5933
5934 *except-from-finally*
5935Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
5936a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
5937cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
5938exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
5939 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
5940working correctly: >
5941
5942 :try
5943 : try
5944 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
5945 : while 1
5946 : endwhile
5947 : finally
5948 : unlet novar
5949 : endtry
5950 :catch /novar/
5951 :endtry
5952 :echo "Script still running"
5953 :sleep 1
5954
5955If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
5956think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
5957|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
5958
5959
5960CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
5961
5962If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
5963watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
5964presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
5965exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
5966the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
5967the error exception is.
5968 Error exceptions have the following format: >
5969
5970 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
5971or >
5972 Vim:{errmsg}
5973
5974{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
5975the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
5976when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
5977a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
5978a space.
5979
5980Examples:
5981
5982The command >
5983 :unlet novar
5984normally produces the error message >
5985 E108: No such variable: "novar"
5986which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5987 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
5988
5989The command >
5990 :dwim
5991normally produces the error message >
5992 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5993which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5994 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5995
5996You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
5997 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
5998or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
5999 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6000
6001Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6002 :function nofunc
6003and >
6004 :delfunction nofunc
6005both produce the error message >
6006 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6007which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6008 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6009or >
6010 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6011respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6012command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6013 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6014
6015Some commands like >
6016 :let x = novar
6017produce multiple error messages, here: >
6018 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6019 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6020Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6021one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6022 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6023
6024You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6025 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6026
6027You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6028 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6029
6030You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6031 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6032<
6033 *catch-text*
6034NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6035 :catch /No such variable/
6036only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6037a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6038cite the message text in a comment: >
6039 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6040
6041
6042IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6043
6044You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6045
6046 :try
6047 : write
6048 :catch
6049 :endtry
6050
6051But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6052catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6053be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6054
6055 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6056
6057There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6058writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6059then hide the error from the user.
6060 It is much better to use >
6061
6062 :try
6063 : write
6064 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6065 :endtry
6066
6067which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6068intentionally.
6069
6070For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6071even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6072command: >
6073 :silent! nunmap k
6074This works also when a try conditional is active.
6075
6076
6077CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6078
6079When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6080the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6081script is not terminated, then.
6082 Example: >
6083
6084 :function! TASK1()
6085 : sleep 10
6086 :endfunction
6087
6088 :function! TASK2()
6089 : sleep 20
6090 :endfunction
6091
6092 :while 1
6093 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6094 : try
6095 : if command == ""
6096 : continue
6097 : elseif command == "END"
6098 : break
6099 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6100 : call TASK1()
6101 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6102 : call TASK2()
6103 : else
6104 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6105 : continue
6106 : endif
6107 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6108 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6109 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6110 : endtry
6111 :endwhile
6112
6113You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6114a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6115
6116For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6117your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6118command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6119
6120
6121CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6122
6123The commands >
6124
6125 :catch /.*/
6126 :catch //
6127 :catch
6128
6129catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6130explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6131a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6132 Example: >
6133
6134 :try
6135 :
6136 : " do the hard work here
6137 :
6138 :catch /MyException/
6139 :
6140 : " handle known problem
6141 :
6142 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6143 : echo "Script interrupted"
6144 :catch /.*/
6145 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6146 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6147 :endtry
6148 :" end of script
6149
6150Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6151strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6152specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6153 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6154by pressing CTRL-C: >
6155
6156 :while 1
6157 : try
6158 : sleep 1
6159 : catch
6160 : endtry
6161 :endwhile
6162
6163
6164EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6165
6166Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6167
6168 :autocmd User x try
6169 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6170 :autocmd User x catch
6171 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6172 :autocmd User x endtry
6173 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6174 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6175 :
6176 :try
6177 : doautocmd User x
6178 :catch
6179 : echo v:exception
6180 :endtry
6181
6182This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6183
6184 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6185For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6186command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6187of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6188abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6189 Example: >
6190
6191 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6192 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6193 :
6194 :try
6195 : write
6196 :catch
6197 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6198 :endtry
6199
6200Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6201you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6202autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6203script displays: >
6204
6205 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6206<
6207 *except-autocmd-Post*
6208For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6209command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6210an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6211is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6212 Example: >
6213
6214 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6215 :
6216 :try
6217 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6218 :catch
6219 : echo v:exception
6220 :endtry
6221
6222This just displays: >
6223
6224 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6225
6226If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6227fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6228 Example: >
6229
6230 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6231 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6232 :
6233 :try
6234 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6235 :catch
6236 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6237 :endtry
6238<
6239You can also use ":silent!": >
6240
6241 :let x = "ok"
6242 :let v:errmsg = ""
6243 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6244 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6245 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6246 :try
6247 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6248 :catch
6249 :endtry
6250 :echo x
6251
6252This displays "after fail".
6253
6254If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6255autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6256
6257 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6258 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6259 :
6260 :try
6261 : write
6262 :catch
6263 : echo v:exception
6264 :endtry
6265<
6266 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6267For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6268autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6269of the command.
6270 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6271had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6272some way. >
6273
6274 :if !exists("cnt")
6275 : let cnt = 0
6276 :
6277 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6278 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6279 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6280 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6281 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6282 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6283 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6284 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6285 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6286 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6287 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6288 :endif
6289 :
6290 :try
6291 : write
6292 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6293 : if &modified
6294 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6295 : else
6296 : echo "Error after writing"
6297 : endif
6298 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6299 : echo "Error on writing"
6300 :endtry
6301
6302When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6303first >
6304 File successfully written!
6305then >
6306 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6307then >
6308 Error after writing
6309etc.
6310
6311 *except-autocmd-ill*
6312You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6313The following code is ill-formed: >
6314
6315 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6316 :
6317 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6318 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6319 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6320 :
6321 :write
6322
6323
6324EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6325
6326Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6327pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6328similar things in Vim.
6329 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6330class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6331string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6332 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6333it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6334for an error when writing "myfile".
6335 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6336base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6337parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6338 Example: >
6339
6340 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6341 : if a:a < 0
6342 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6343 : endif
6344 :endfunction
6345 :
6346 :function! Add(a, b)
6347 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6348 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6349 : let c = a:a + a:b
6350 : if c < 0
6351 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6352 : endif
6353 : return c
6354 :endfunction
6355 :
6356 :function! Div(a, b)
6357 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6358 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6359 : if (a:b == 0)
6360 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6361 : endif
6362 : return a:a / a:b
6363 :endfunction
6364 :
6365 :function! Write(file)
6366 : try
6367 : execute "write" a:file
6368 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6369 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6370 : endtry
6371 :endfunction
6372 :
6373 :try
6374 :
6375 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6376 :
6377 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6378 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6379 : echo "Range error in" function
6380 :
6381 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6382 : echo "Math error"
6383 :
6384 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6385 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6386 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6387 : if file !~ '^/'
6388 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6389 : endif
6390 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6391 :
6392 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6393 : echo "Unspecified error"
6394 :
6395 :endtry
6396
6397The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6398a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6399exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6400 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6401failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6402
6403
6404PECULIARITIES
6405 *except-compat*
6406The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6407exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6408and/or a catch clause.
6409
6410In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6411continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6412after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6413functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6414or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6415(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6416
6417This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6418immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6419conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6420be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6421termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6422catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6423by specifying a finally clause.)
6424
6425When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6426behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6427scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6428
6429However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6430commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6431conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6432script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6433error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6434messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6435|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6436not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6437where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6438error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6439scripts.
6440
6441 *except-syntax-err*
6442Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6443the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6444clauses, however, is executed.
6445 Example: >
6446
6447 :try
6448 : try
6449 : throw 4711
6450 : catch /\(/
6451 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6452 : catch
6453 : echo "inner catch-all"
6454 : finally
6455 : echo "inner finally"
6456 : endtry
6457 :catch
6458 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6459 : finally
6460 : echo "outer finally"
6461 :endtry
6462
6463This displays: >
6464 inner finally
6465 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6466 outer finally
6467The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6468
6469 *except-single-line*
6470The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6471a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6472"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6473 Example: >
6474 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6475raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6476argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6477error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6478displayed.
6479
6480 *except-several-errors*
6481When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6482usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6483 Example: >
6484 echo novar
6485causes >
6486 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6487 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6488The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6489 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6490< *except-syntax-error*
6491But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6492the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6493 Example: >
6494 unlet novar #
6495causes >
6496 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6497 E488: Trailing characters
6498The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6499 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6500This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6501not intended by the user. Example: >
6502 try
6503 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6504 catch /.*/
6505 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6506 endtry
6507This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6508a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6509
6510==============================================================================
65119. Examples *eval-examples*
6512
6513Printing in Hex ~
6514>
6515 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6516 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6517 : let n = a:nr
6518 : let r = ""
6519 : while n
6520 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6521 : let n = n / 16
6522 : endwhile
6523 : return r
6524 :endfunc
6525
6526 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6527 :" character Hex string.
6528 :func String2Hex(str)
6529 : let out = ''
6530 : let ix = 0
6531 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6532 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6533 : let ix = ix + 1
6534 : endwhile
6535 : return out
6536 :endfunc
6537
6538Example of its use: >
6539 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6540result: "20" >
6541 :echo String2Hex("32")
6542result: "3332"
6543
6544
6545Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6546
6547Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6548":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6549platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6550function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6551with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6552>
6553 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6554 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6555 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6556 : return -1
6557 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6558 : return 1
6559 : else
6560 : return 0
6561 : endif
6562 :endfunction
6563
6564 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6565 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6566 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6567 : return
6568 : endif
6569 : let partition = a:start - 1
6570 : let middle = partition
6571 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6572 : let i = a:start
6573 : while (i <= a:end)
6574 : let str = getline(i)
6575 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6576 : if (result <= 0)
6577 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6578 : let partition = partition + 1
6579 : if (result == 0)
6580 : let middle = partition
6581 : endif
6582 : if (i != partition)
6583 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6584 : call setline(i, str2)
6585 : call setline(partition, str)
6586 : endif
6587 : endif
6588 : let i = i + 1
6589 : endwhile
6590
6591 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6592 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6593 : " the end of the partition.
6594 : if (middle != partition)
6595 : let str = getline(middle)
6596 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6597 : call setline(middle, str2)
6598 : call setline(partition, str)
6599 : endif
6600 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6601 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6602 :endfunc
6603
6604 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6605 :" function that will compare two lines.
6606 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6607 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6608 :endfunc
6609
6610 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6611 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6612<
6613 *sscanf*
6614There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6615line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6616how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6617"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6618 :" Set up the match bit
6619 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6620 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6621 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6622 :"get each item out of the match
6623 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6624 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6625 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6626
6627The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6628"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6629
6630==============================================================================
663110. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6632
6633When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6634evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6635to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6636recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6637and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6638only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6639recognized.
6640
6641Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6642missing: >
6643
6644 :if 1
6645 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6646 :else
6647 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6648 :endif
6649
6650==============================================================================
665111. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6652
6653The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6654options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6655these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6656these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6657a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006658The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006659
6660These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6661 - changing the buffer text
6662 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6663 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6664 - executing a shell command
6665 - reading or writing a file
6666 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006667This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6668
6669 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006670:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006671 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6672 'foldexpr'.
6673
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006674
6675 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: