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Bram Moolenaarad3b3662013-05-17 18:14:19 +02001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3. Last change: 2013 May 17
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +020042Number A 32 or 64 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020066the Number. Examples:
67 Number 123 --> String "123" ~
68 Number 0 --> String "0" ~
69 Number -1 --> String "-1" ~
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020073the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples:
74 String "456" --> Number 456 ~
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6 ~
76 String "foo" --> Number 0 ~
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241 ~
78 String "0100" --> Number 64 ~
79 String "-8" --> Number -8 ~
80 String "+8" --> Number 0 ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000081
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
Bram Moolenaar3a0d8092012-10-21 03:02:54 +020094use empty(): >
95 :if !empty("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar26402cb2013-02-20 21:26:00 +0100506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725* *E862*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
Bram Moolenaar1affd722010-08-04 17:49:30 +0200538If you get an error for a numbered function, you can find out what it is with
539a trick. Assuming the function is 42, the command is: >
540 :function {42}
541
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542
543Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000544 *E715*
545Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000546 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
547 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
548 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
549 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
550 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
551 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
552 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
553 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000554
555
5561.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000557 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000558If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
559function.
560
561When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
563stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
564
565When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
566start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
567stored in the session file |session-file|.
568
569variable name can be stored where ~
570my_var_6 not
571My_Var_6 session file
572MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
573
574
575It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
576|curly-braces-names|.
577
578==============================================================================
5792. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
580
581Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
582
583|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
584
585|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
586
587|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
588
589|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
590 expr5 != expr5 not equal
591 expr5 > expr5 greater than
592 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
593 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
594 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
595 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
596 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
597
598 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
599 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
600 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
601 matching case
602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
604 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000605
606|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000607 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
608 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
609
610|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
611 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
612 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
613
614|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
615 - expr7 unary minus
616 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000617
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000618|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
619 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
620 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
621 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000622
623|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000624 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000625 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000626 [expr1, ...] |List|
627 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000628 &option option value
629 (expr1) nested expression
630 variable internal variable
631 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
632 $VAR environment variable
633 @r contents of register 'r'
634 function(expr1, ...) function call
635 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
636
637
638".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
639Example: >
640 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
641
642All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
643
644
645expr1 *expr1* *E109*
646-----
647
648expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
649
650The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
651non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
652otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
653Example: >
654 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
655
656Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
657other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
658Example: >
659 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
660
661To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
662 :echo lnum == 1
663 :\ ? "top"
664 :\ : lnum == 1000
665 :\ ? "last"
666 :\ : lnum
667
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000668You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
669use in a variable such as "a:1".
670
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000671
672expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
673---------------
674
675 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
676The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
677are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
678
679 input output ~
680n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
681zero zero zero zero
682zero non-zero non-zero zero
683non-zero zero non-zero zero
684non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
685
686The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
687
688 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
689
690Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
691
692 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
693
694Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
695arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
696
697 let a = 1
698 echo a || b
699
700This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
701so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
702
703 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
704
705This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
706only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
707
708
709expr4 *expr4*
710-----
711
712expr5 {cmp} expr5
713
714Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
715if it evaluates to true.
716
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000717 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000718 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
719 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
720 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
721 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
722 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200723 *expr-is* *expr-isnot* *expr-is#* *expr-isnot#*
724 *expr-is?* *expr-isnot?*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000725 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
726equal == ==# ==?
727not equal != !=# !=?
728greater than > ># >?
729greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
730smaller than < <# <?
731smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
732regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
733regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200734same instance is is# is?
735different instance isnot isnot# isnot?
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736
737Examples:
738"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
739"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
740"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
741
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000742 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000743A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
744"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
745Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000746
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000747 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000748A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
749equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000750recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
751
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000752 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000753A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
754equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000755
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200756When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| or a |Dictionary| this checks if the
757expressions are referring to the same |List| or |Dictionary| instance. A copy
758of a |List| is different from the original |List|. When using "is" without
759a |List| or a |Dictionary| it is equivalent to using "equal", using "isnot"
760equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a different type means the
761values are different: "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'" is false and "0 is []" is
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +0200762false and not an error. "is#"/"isnot#" and "is?"/"isnot?" can be used to match
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200763and ignore case.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000764
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000765When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000766and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000767because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
768
769When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
770results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
771necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
772
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000773When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000774'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000777'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
778
779'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000780
781The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
782argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
783This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
784matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
785portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
786single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
787Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
788(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
789can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
790 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
791 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
792
793
794expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
795---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000796expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000797expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
798expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000799
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000800For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000801result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000802
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +0100803expr7 * expr7 .. Number multiplication *expr-star*
804expr7 / expr7 .. Number division *expr-/*
805expr7 % expr7 .. Number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000806
807For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +0100808For bitwise operators see |and()|, |or()| and |xor()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
810Note the difference between "+" and ".":
811 "123" + "456" = 579
812 "123" . "456" = "123456"
813
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000814Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
815 1 . 90 + 90.0
816As: >
817 (1 . 90) + 90.0
818That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
819190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
820 1 . 90 * 90.0
821Should be read as: >
822 1 . (90 * 90.0)
823Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
824attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
825
826When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
827 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
828 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
829 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
830 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
831
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000832When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
833
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000834None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000835
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000836. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
837
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000838
839expr7 *expr7*
840-----
841! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
842- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
843+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
844
845For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
846For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
847For '+' the number is unchanged.
848
849A String will be converted to a Number first.
850
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000851These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000852 !-1 == 0
853 !!8 == 1
854 --9 == 9
855
856
857expr8 *expr8*
858-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000859expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
862expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100863Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
864an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000865
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
867text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
868cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000869 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000870
871If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000872String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
873compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
874
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000875If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000876for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000877error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000878 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
879
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000880Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
881|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
882error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000883
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000884
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000885expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000886
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000887If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
888from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100889expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
890|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000891
892If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
893string minus one is used.
894
895A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
896the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
897
898If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
899expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
900
901Examples: >
902 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
903 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
904 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
905 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100906<
907 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000908If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000909the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000910just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000911 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
912 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
913 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
914
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000915Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
916error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000917
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000918
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000919expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000920
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000921If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
922name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
923expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000924
925The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
926but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
927
928There must not be white space before or after the dot.
929
930Examples: >
931 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
932 :echo dict.one
933 :echo dict .2
934
935Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
936always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
937
938
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000939expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000940
941When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
942
943
944
945 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000946number
947------
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +0100948number number constant *expr-number*
949 *hex-number* *octal-number*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000950
951Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
952
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000953 *floating-point-format*
954Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
955
956 [-+]{N}.{M}
957 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
958
959{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
960contain digits.
961[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
962{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
963Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
964locale is.
965{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
966
967Examples:
968 123.456
969 +0.0001
970 55.0
971 -0.123
972 1.234e03
973 1.0E-6
974 -3.1416e+88
975
976These are INVALID:
977 3. empty {M}
978 1e40 missing .{M}
979
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000980 *float-pi* *float-e*
981A few useful values to copy&paste: >
982 :let pi = 3.14159265359
983 :let e = 2.71828182846
984
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000985Rationale:
986Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
987the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
988resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000989could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000990incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
991for floating point numbers.
992
993 *floating-point-precision*
994The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
995means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
996runtime.
997
998The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
999printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
1000function. Example: >
1001 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
1002< 7.853981633974483e-01
1003
1004
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001005
1006string *expr-string* *E114*
1007------
1008"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1009
1010Note that double quotes are used.
1011
1012A string constant accepts these special characters:
1013\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1014\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1015\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1016\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1017\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1018\X.. same as \x..
1019\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001020\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001021 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1022\U.... same as \u....
1023\b backspace <BS>
1024\e escape <Esc>
1025\f formfeed <FF>
1026\n newline <NL>
1027\r return <CR>
1028\t tab <Tab>
1029\\ backslash
1030\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001031\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1032 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1033 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001034
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001035Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1036encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1037of 'encoding'.
1038
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001039Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1040
1041
1042literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1043---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001044'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001045
1046Note that single quotes are used.
1047
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001048This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001049meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001050
1051Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001052to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001053 if a =~ "\\s*"
1054 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001055
1056
1057option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1058------
1059&option option value, local value if possible
1060&g:option global option value
1061&l:option local option value
1062
1063Examples: >
1064 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1065 if &insertmode
1066
1067Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1068and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1069anyway.
1070
1071
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001072register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001073--------
1074@r contents of register 'r'
1075
1076The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1077Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001078register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001079registers.
1080
1081When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1082evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001083
1084
1085nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1086-------
1087(expr1) nested expression
1088
1089
1090environment variable *expr-env*
1091--------------------
1092$VAR environment variable
1093
1094The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1095result is an empty string.
1096 *expr-env-expand*
1097Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1098expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1099are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1100the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1101fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1102does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1103 :echo $version
1104 :echo expand("$version")
1105The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1106variable (if your shell supports it).
1107
1108
1109internal variable *expr-variable*
1110-----------------
1111variable internal variable
1112See below |internal-variables|.
1113
1114
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001115function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001116-------------
1117function(expr1, ...) function call
1118See below |functions|.
1119
1120
1121==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +020011223. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E461*
1123
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001124An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1125cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1126|curly-braces-names|.
1127
1128An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001129An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1130|:unlet|.
1131Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1132been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001133
1134There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1135specified by what is prepended:
1136
1137 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1138|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1139|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001140|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001141|global-variable| g: Global.
1142|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1143|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1144|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001145|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001146
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001147The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1148delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001149 :for k in keys(s:)
1150 : unlet s:[k]
1151 :endfor
1152<
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001153 *buffer-variable* *b:var* *b:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001154A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1155Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1156This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1157|:bdelete|.
1158
1159One local buffer variable is predefined:
Bram Moolenaarbf884932013-04-05 22:26:15 +02001160 *b:changedtick* *changetick*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001161b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1162 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1163 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1164 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1165 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001166 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1167 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001168 :endif
1169<
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001170 *window-variable* *w:var* *w:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001171A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1172is deleted when the window is closed.
1173
Bram Moolenaarad3b3662013-05-17 18:14:19 +02001174 *tabpage-variable* *t:var* *t:*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001175A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1176It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001177without the |+windows| feature}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001178
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001179 *global-variable* *g:var* *g:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001180Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001181access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001182place if you like.
1183
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001184 *local-variable* *l:var* *l:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001185Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001186But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1187you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1188refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1189same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190
1191 *script-variable* *s:var*
1192In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1193accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1194
1195They can be used in:
1196- commands executed while the script is sourced
1197- functions defined in the script
1198- autocommands defined in the script
1199- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1200 defined in the script (recursively)
1201- user defined commands defined in the script
1202Thus not in:
1203- other scripts sourced from this one
1204- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001205- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001206- etc.
1207
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001208Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1209Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001210
1211 let s:counter = 0
1212 function MyCounter()
1213 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1214 echo s:counter
1215 endfunction
1216 command Tick call MyCounter()
1217
1218You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1219that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1220"Tick" was defined is used.
1221
1222Another example that does the same: >
1223
1224 let s:counter = 0
1225 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1226
1227When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001228script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001229defined.
1230
1231The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1232function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1233
1234 let s:counter = 0
1235 function StartCounting(incr)
1236 if a:incr
1237 function MyCounter()
1238 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1239 endfunction
1240 else
1241 function MyCounter()
1242 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1243 endfunction
1244 endif
1245 endfunction
1246
1247This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1248when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1249called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1250
1251When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1252They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1253maintain a counter: >
1254
1255 if !exists("s:counter")
1256 let s:counter = 1
1257 echo "script executed for the first time"
1258 else
1259 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1260 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1261 endif
1262
1263Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1264variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1265
1266
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001267Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var* *v:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001268
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001269 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1270v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1271 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1272 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1273
1274 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1275v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1276 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1277
1278 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1279v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1280 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1281
1282 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001283v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1284 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1285 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1286 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001287 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1288 highlighted text is used.
1289 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1290
1291 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1292v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
Bram Moolenaar00654022011-02-25 14:42:19 +01001293 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. The first
1294 window has number zero (unlike most other places where a
1295 window gets a number).
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001296
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001297 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001298v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02001299 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |:map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001300 It is also used by the |InsertCharPre| event.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001301
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001302 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1303v:charconvert_from
1304 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1305 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1306
1307 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1308v:charconvert_to
1309 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1310 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1311
1312 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1313v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1314 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1315 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1316 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1317 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1318 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001319 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001320 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1321 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1322 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1323 in 'printexpr'.
1324
1325 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1326v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1327 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1328 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1329 can be used.
1330
1331 *v:count* *count-variable*
1332v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001333 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001334 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1335< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1336 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001337 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1338 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001339 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1341
1342 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1343v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1344 used.
1345
1346 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1347v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1348 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1349 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1350 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1351 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1352 command.
1353 See |multi-lang|.
1354
1355 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001356v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001357 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1358 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1359 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1360 Example: >
1361 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
Bram Moolenaar0e1e25f2010-05-28 21:07:08 +02001362< Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one,
1363 VimLeave autocommands will not be executed.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1366v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1367 Example: >
1368 :let v:errmsg = ""
1369 :silent! next
1370 :if v:errmsg != ""
1371 : ... handle error
1372< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1373
1374 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1375v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1376 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1377 Example: >
1378 :try
1379 : throw "oops"
1380 :catch /.*/
1381 : echo "caught" v:exception
1382 :endtry
1383< Output: "caught oops".
1384
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001385 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1386v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1387 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1388 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1389 deleted file no longer exists
1390 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1391 changed and buffer is modified
1392 changed file contents has changed
1393 mode mode of file changed
1394 time only file timestamp changed
1395
1396 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1397v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1398 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1399 do with the affected buffer:
1400 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1401 the file was deleted).
1402 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1403 was no autocommand. Except that when
1404 only the timestamp changed nothing
1405 will happen.
1406 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1407 everything that needs to be done.
1408 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1409 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1410
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001411 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001412v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001413 option used for ~
1414 'charconvert' file to be converted
1415 'diffexpr' original file
1416 'patchexpr' original file
1417 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001418 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001419
1420 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1421v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1422 evaluating:
1423 option used for ~
1424 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1425 'diffexpr' output of diff
1426 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1427 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001428 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001429 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1430 file and different from v:fname_in.
1431
1432 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1433v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1434 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1435
1436 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1437v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1438 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1439
1440 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1441v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1442 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001443 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001444
1445 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1446v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001447 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448
1449 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1450v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001451 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
1453 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1454v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001455 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001456
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001457 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1458v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1459 events. Values:
1460 i Insert mode
1461 r Replace mode
1462 v Virtual Replace mode
1463
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001464 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001465v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001466 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1467 Read-only.
1468
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001469 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1470v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1471 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1472 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1473 The value is system dependent.
1474 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1475 command.
1476 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1477 in a different language than what is used for character
1478 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1479
1480 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1481v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1482 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1483 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1484 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1485 command. See |multi-lang|.
1486
1487 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02001488v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr|, 'formatexpr' and
1489 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'
1490 and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these
1491 expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the
1492 |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001493
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001494 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1495v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1496 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1497 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1498
1499 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1500v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1501 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1502 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1503
1504 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1505v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1506 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1507 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1508
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001509 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1510v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1511 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1512 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1513 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1514 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1515 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1516 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1517 than String this will cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001518 {only when compiled with the |+viminfo| feature}
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001519
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001520 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1521v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1522 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1523 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1524 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1525 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1526 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1527< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1528 don't expect it to be empty.
1529 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1530 commands.
1531 Read-only.
1532
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1534v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1535 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001536 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1537 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001538 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1539< Read-only.
1540
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001541 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001542v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001543 See |profiling|.
1544
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001545 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1546v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001547 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for |view|,
1548 |evim| etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001549 Read-only.
1550
1551 *v:register* *register-variable*
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001552v:register The name of the register in effect for the current normal mode
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001553 command (regardless of whether that command actually used a
1554 register). Or for the currently executing normal mode mapping
1555 (use this in custom commands that take a register).
1556 If none is supplied it is the default register '"', unless
1557 'clipboard' contains "unnamed" or "unnamedplus", then it is
1558 '*' or '+'.
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001559 Also see |getreg()| and |setreg()|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001560
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001561 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1562v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1563 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1564 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1565 typed command.
1566 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1567 hit-enter prompt.
1568
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001569 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1570v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1571 Read-only.
1572
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001573
1574v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1575 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1576 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1577 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1578 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1579 function. |function-search-undo|.
1580 Read-write.
1581
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001582 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1583v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1584 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1585 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1586 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1587 executed. Read-only.
1588 Example: >
1589 :!mv foo bar
1590 :if v:shell_error
1591 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1592 :endif
1593< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1594
1595 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1596v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1597
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001598 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1599v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1600 the swap file found. Read-only.
1601
1602 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1603v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1604 for handling an existing swap file:
1605 'o' Open read-only
1606 'e' Edit anyway
1607 'r' Recover
1608 'd' Delete swapfile
1609 'q' Quit
1610 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001611 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001612 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1613 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1614
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001615 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001616v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001617 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001618 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001619 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001620 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001621
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1623v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001624 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001625 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1626 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1627 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1628 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1629 terminal.
1630 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1631 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1632 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1633 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1634 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1635
1636 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1637v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1638 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1639 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1640 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1641
1642 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1643v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001644 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1646 Example: >
1647 :try
1648 : throw "oops"
1649 :catch /.*/
1650 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1651 :endtry
1652< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1653
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001654 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001655v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001656 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001657 |filter()|. Read-only.
1658
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001659 *v:version* *version-variable*
1660v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1661 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1662 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1663 compatibility.
1664 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1665 if has("patch123")
1666< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1667 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1668 completely different.
1669
1670 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1671v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1672
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001673 *v:windowid* *windowid-variable*
1674v:windowid When any X11 based GUI is running or when running in a
1675 terminal and Vim connects to the X server (|-X|) this will be
Bram Moolenaar264e9fd2010-10-27 12:33:17 +02001676 set to the window ID.
1677 When an MS-Windows GUI is running this will be set to the
1678 window handle.
1679 Otherwise the value is zero.
1680 Note: for windows inside Vim use |winnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001681
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001682==============================================================================
16834. Builtin Functions *functions*
1684
1685See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1686
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001687(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001688
1689USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1690
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001691abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001692acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001693add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001694and( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise AND
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001695append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001696append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001697argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001698argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001699argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001700argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001701asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001702atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001703atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001704browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1705 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001706browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001707bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1709bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001710bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1711bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1712bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1713byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001714byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001715call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1716 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001717ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1718changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01001719char2nr( {expr}[, {utf8}]) Number ASCII/UTF8 value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001720cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001721clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001723complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001724complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001725complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001726confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1727 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001728copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001729cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001730cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001731count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1732 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001733cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1734 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001735cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1736 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1737cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001738deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1740did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001741diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1742diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001743empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001744escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001745eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001746eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001747executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1748exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001749extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001750 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001751exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01001752expand( {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]])
1753 any expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001754feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001755filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001756filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001757filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1758 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001759finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001760 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001761findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001762 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001763float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1764floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001765fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001766fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001767fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001768foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1769foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001770foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001771foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001772foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001773foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001774function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01001775garbagecollect( [{atexit}]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001776get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001777get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001778getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1779 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001780getbufvar( {expr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1781 any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001782getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1783getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001784getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1785getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001786getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001787getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001788getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1789getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001790getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001791getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001792getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001793getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1794getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001795getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001796getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001797getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001798getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001799getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001800getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001802gettabvar( {nr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1803 any variable {varname} in tab {nr} or {def}
1804gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name} [, {def}])
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001805 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001806getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1807getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001808getwinvar( {nr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1809 any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01001810glob( {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]])
1811 any expand file wildcards in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001812globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1813 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001814has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001815has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001816haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001817hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1818 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001819histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1820histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1821histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1822histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1823hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1824hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1825hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001826iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1827indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001828index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1829 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001830input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1831 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001832inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001833inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001834inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1835inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001836inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001837insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001838invert( {expr}) Number bitwise invert
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001839isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001840islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001841items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001842join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001843keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001844len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1845libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001846libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1847line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1848line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001849lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001850localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001851log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001852log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001853luaeval( {expr}[, {expr}]) any evaluate |Lua| expression
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001854map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02001855maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]])
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01001856 String or Dict
1857 rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001858mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1859 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001860match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001861 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001862matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1863 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001864matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001865matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001866matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001867 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001868matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1869 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001870matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1871 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001872max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1873min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1874mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001875 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001876mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001877mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001878nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01001879nr2char( {expr}[, {utf8}]) String single char with ASCII/UTF8 value {expr}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001880or( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise OR
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001881pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001882pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001883prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001884printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1885pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02001886pyeval( {expr}) any evaluate |Python| expression
1887py3eval( {expr}) any evaluate |python3| expression
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001888range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1889 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001890readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001891 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001892reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1893reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001894remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1895 String send expression
1896remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1897remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1898 Number check for reply string
1899remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1900remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1901 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001902remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001903remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001904rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1905repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1906resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001907reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001908round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9750bb12012-12-05 16:10:42 +01001909screencol() Number current cursor column
1910screenrow() Number current cursor row
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001911search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1912 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001913searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001914 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001915searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001916 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001917searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001918 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001919searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001920 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001921server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1922 Number send reply string
1923serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1924setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1925setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1926setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001927setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1928 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001929setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001930setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001931setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001932setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001933settabvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001934settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1935 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001936setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaaraf9aeb92013-02-13 17:35:04 +01001937sha256( {string}) String SHA256 checksum of {string}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001938shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1939 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001940 command argument
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02001941shiftwidth() Number effective value of 'shiftwidth'
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001942simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001943sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001944sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02001945sort( {list} [, {func} [, {dict}]])
1946 List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001947soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001948spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001949spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1950 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001951split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001952 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001953sqrt( {expr}) Float square root of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001954str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1955str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001956strchars( {expr}) Number character length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02001957strdisplaywidth( {expr} [, {col}]) Number display length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001958strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001959stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1960 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001961string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001962strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1963strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1964 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001965strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1966 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001967strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001968strwidth( {expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001969submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":s" or substitute()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001970substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1971 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001972synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001973synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1974 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1975synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02001976synconcealed( {lnum}, {col}) List info about concealing
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001977synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001978system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001979tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1980tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1981tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1982 Number number of current window in tab page
1983taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001984tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001985tempname() String name for a temporary file
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001986tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr}
1987tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001988tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1989toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001990tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1991 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001992trunc( {expr}) Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001993type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02001994undofile( {name}) String undo file name for {name}
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02001995undotree() List undo file tree
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001996values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001997virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1998visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
Bram Moolenaar8738fc12013-02-20 17:59:11 +01001999wildmenumode() Number whether 'wildmenu' mode is active
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002000winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
2001wincol() Number window column of the cursor
2002winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
2003winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00002004winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002005winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002006winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00002007winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002008winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002009writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002010 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01002011xor( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise XOR
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002012
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002013abs({expr}) *abs()*
2014 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
2015 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
2016 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
2017 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
2018 Examples: >
2019 echo abs(1.456)
2020< 1.456 >
2021 echo abs(-5.456)
2022< 5.456 >
2023 echo abs(-4)
2024< 4
2025 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2026
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002027
2028acos({expr}) *acos()*
2029 Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002030 |Float| in the range of [0, pi].
2031 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002032 [-1, 1].
2033 Examples: >
2034 :echo acos(0)
2035< 1.570796 >
2036 :echo acos(-0.5)
2037< 2.094395
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002038 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002039
2040
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002041add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002042 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
2043 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002044 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
2045 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002046< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002047 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002048 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002049
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002050
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01002051and({expr}, {expr}) *and()*
2052 Bitwise AND on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
2053 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
2054 Example: >
2055 :let flag = and(bits, 0x80)
2056
2057
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002058append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002059 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
2060 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002061 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
2062 the current buffer.
2063 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002064 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002065 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002066 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002067 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002068<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002069 *argc()*
2070argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
2071 current window. See |arglist|.
2072
2073 *argidx()*
2074argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
2075 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
2076
2077 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002078argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002079 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
2080 Example: >
2081 :let i = 0
2082 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002083 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002084 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
2085 : let i = i + 1
2086 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002087< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2088 returned.
2089
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002090asin({expr}) *asin()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002091 Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002092 in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002093 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002094 [-1, 1].
2095 Examples: >
2096 :echo asin(0.8)
2097< 0.927295 >
2098 :echo asin(-0.5)
2099< -0.523599
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002100 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002101
2102
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002103atan({expr}) *atan()*
2104 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2105 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2106 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2107 Examples: >
2108 :echo atan(100)
2109< 1.560797 >
2110 :echo atan(-4.01)
2111< -1.326405
2112 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2113
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002114
2115atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()*
2116 Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002117 radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi].
2118 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002119 Examples: >
2120 :echo atan2(-1, 1)
2121< -0.785398 >
2122 :echo atan2(1, -1)
2123< 2.356194
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002124 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002125
2126
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002127 *browse()*
2128browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2129 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2130 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2131 The input fields are:
2132 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2133 {title} title for the requester
2134 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2135 {default} default file name
2136 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2137 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2138
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002139 *browsedir()*
2140browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2141 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2142 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2143 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2144 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2145 to be used.
2146 The input fields are:
2147 {title} title for the requester
2148 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2149 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2150 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2151
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002152bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2153 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2154 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002155 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002156 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002157 exactly. The name can be:
2158 - Relative to the current directory.
2159 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002160 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002161 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002162 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2163 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2164 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2165 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002166 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2167 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2168 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002169 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2170 file name.
2171 *buffer_exists()*
2172 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2173
2174buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2175 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2176 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002177 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002178
2179bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2180 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2181 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002182 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002183
2184bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2185 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2186 ":ls" command.
2187 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2188 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2189 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002190 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002191 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2192 match an empty string is returned.
2193 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2194 alternate buffer.
2195 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002196 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2197 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2198 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002199 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2200 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2201 buffers are searched for.
2202 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2203 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2204 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2205< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2206 string is returned. >
2207 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2208 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2209 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2210 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2211< *buffer_name()*
2212 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2213
2214 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002215bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2216 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002217 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002218 above.
2219 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2220 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2221 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002222 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2223 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2224< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2225 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2226 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2227 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2228 *buffer_number()*
2229 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2230 *last_buffer_nr()*
2231 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2232
2233bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2234 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2235 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002236 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002237 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2238
2239 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2240
2241< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2242 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002243 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002244
2245
2246byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2247 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2248 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2249 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2250 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2251 one.
2252 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2253 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2254 feature}
2255
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002256byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2257 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2258 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2259 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2260 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2261 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2262 Example : >
2263 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2264< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2265 same: >
2266 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2267 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2268< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2269 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2270 is returned.
2271
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002272call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002273 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002274 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002275 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002276 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2277 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002278 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2279 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002280
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002281ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2282 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2283 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2284 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2285 Examples: >
2286 echo ceil(1.456)
2287< 2.0 >
2288 echo ceil(-5.456)
2289< -5.0 >
2290 echo ceil(4.0)
2291< 4.0
2292 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2293
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002294changenr() *changenr()*
2295 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2296 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2297 with the |:undo| command.
2298 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2299 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2300 one less than the number of the undone change.
2301
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002302char2nr({expr}[, {utf8}]) *char2nr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002303 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2304 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2305 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002306< When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used.
2307 Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002308 char2nr("á") returns 225
2309 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002310< With {utf8} set to 1, always treat as utf-8 characters.
2311 A combining character is a separate character.
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02002312 |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002313
2314cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2315 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2316 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2317 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2318 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2319 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2320 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002321 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002322
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002323clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2324 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2325 |:match| commands.
2326
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002327 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002328col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002329 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2330 . the cursor position
2331 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
Bram Moolenaar1aeaf8c2012-05-18 13:46:39 +02002332 number of bytes in the cursor line plus one)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002333 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2334 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002335 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2336 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002337 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002338 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002339 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002340 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002341 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2342 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2343 Examples: >
2344 col(".") column of cursor
2345 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2346 col("'t") column of mark t
2347 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002348< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002349 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2350 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002351 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2352 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2353 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2354 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2355 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2356 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2357 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2358<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002359
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002360complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2361 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2362 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002363 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2364 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002365 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2366 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2367 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2368 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2369 match.
2370 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2371 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2372 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002373 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002374 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2375 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2376 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2377 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002378 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002379
2380 func! ListMonths()
2381 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2382 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2383 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2384 return ''
2385 endfunc
2386< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2387 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2388
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002389complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2390 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2391 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2392 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2393 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2394 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002395 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002396 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002397
2398complete_check() *complete_check()*
2399 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2400 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2401 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2402 zero otherwise.
2403 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2404 'completefunc' option.
2405
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002406 *confirm()*
2407confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2408 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2409 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2410 choice this is 1.
2411 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2412 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002413
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002414 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2415 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2416 used (and translated).
2417 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2418 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002419
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002420 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2421 by '\n', e.g. >
2422 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2423< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2424 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2425 not need to be the first letter: >
2426 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2427< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2428 the default shortcut key.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002429
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002430 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2431 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2432 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2433 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002434
2435 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2436 is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32
2437 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question",
2438 "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is
2439 relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2440
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002441 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2442 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2443
2444 An example: >
2445 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2446 :if choice == 0
2447 : echo "make up your mind!"
2448 :elseif choice == 3
2449 : echo "tasteful"
2450 :else
2451 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2452 :endif
2453< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2454 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002455 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002456 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2457 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2458 the horizontal layout is always used.
2459
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002460 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002461copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002462 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002463 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2464 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002465 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2466 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002467 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002468
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002469cos({expr}) *cos()*
2470 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2471 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2472 Examples: >
2473 :echo cos(100)
2474< 0.862319 >
2475 :echo cos(-4.01)
2476< -0.646043
2477 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2478
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002479
2480cosh({expr}) *cosh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002481 Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002482 [1, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002483 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002484 Examples: >
2485 :echo cosh(0.5)
2486< 1.127626 >
2487 :echo cosh(-0.5)
2488< -1.127626
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002489 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002490
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002491
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002492count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002493 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002494 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002495 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002496 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002497 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2498
2499
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002500 *cscope_connection()*
2501cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2502 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2503 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2504 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2505 if there are no cscope connections;
2506 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2507
2508 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2509 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2510
2511 {num} Description of existence check
2512 ----- ------------------------------
2513 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2514 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2515 {dbpath}.
2516 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2517 {dbpath}.
2518 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2519 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2520 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2521 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2522
2523 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2524
2525 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2526
2527 # pid database name prepend path
2528 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2529<
2530 Invocation Return Val ~
2531 ---------- ---------- >
2532 cscope_connection() 1
2533 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2534 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2535 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2536 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2537 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2538 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2539 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2540<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002541cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2542cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002543 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2544 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002545 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002546 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2547 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002548 Does not change the jumplist.
2549 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2550 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2551 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002552 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002553 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2554 line.
2555 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002556 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2557 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002558 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002559 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002560
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002561
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002562deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002563 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002564 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002565 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2566 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002567 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002568 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002569 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2570 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2571 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2572 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2573 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2574 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002575 *E724*
2576 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002577 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2578 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002579 Also see |copy()|.
2580
2581delete({fname}) *delete()*
2582 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002583 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2584 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002585 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarac7bd632013-03-19 11:35:58 +01002586 To delete a line from the buffer use |:delete|. Use |:exe|
2587 when the line number is in a variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002588
2589 *did_filetype()*
2590did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2591 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2592 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2593 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2594 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2595 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2596 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2597 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2598 file.
2599
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002600diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2601 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2602 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2603 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2604 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2605 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2606 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2607 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2608
2609diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2610 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2611 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2612 diff change zero is returned.
2613 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2614 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2615 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2616 line.
2617 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2618 syntax information about the highlighting.
2619
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002620empty({expr}) *empty()*
2621 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002622 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002623 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002624 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002625 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002626
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002627escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2628 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2629 backslash. Example: >
2630 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2631< results in: >
2632 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002633< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002634
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002635 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002636eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2637 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002638 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2639 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2640 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002641
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002642eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2643 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2644 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2645 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2646 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2647
2648executable({expr}) *executable()*
2649 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2650 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002651 arguments.
2652 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2653 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2654 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2655 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002656 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2657 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002658 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002659 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002660 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2661 extension.
2662 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2663 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002664 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2665 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2666 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002667 The result is a Number:
2668 1 exists
2669 0 does not exist
2670 -1 not implemented on this system
2671
2672 *exists()*
2673exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2674 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2675 which contains one of these:
2676 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2677 not if it really works)
2678 +option-name Vim option that works.
2679 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2680 done by comparing with an empty
2681 string)
2682 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2683 or user defined function (see
2684 |user-functions|).
2685 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002686 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002687 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2688 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002689 that evaluating an index may cause an
2690 error message for an invalid
2691 expression. E.g.: >
2692 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2693 :echo exists("l[5]")
2694< 0 >
2695 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2696< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2697 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002698 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2699 command or command modifier |:command|.
2700 Returns:
2701 1 for match with start of a command
2702 2 full match with a command
2703 3 matches several user commands
2704 To check for a supported command
2705 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002706 :2match The |:2match| command.
2707 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002708 #event autocommand defined for this event
2709 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2710 pattern (the pattern is taken
2711 literally and compared to the
2712 autocommand patterns character by
2713 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002714 #group autocommand group exists
2715 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2716 event.
2717 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002718 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002719 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002720 ##event autocommand for this event is
2721 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002722 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2723
2724 Examples: >
2725 exists("&shortname")
2726 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2727 exists("*strftime")
2728 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2729 exists("bufcount")
2730 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002731 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002732 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002733 exists("#filetypeindent")
2734 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2735 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002736 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002737< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2738 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002739 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2740 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2741 the future, thus don't count on it!
2742 Working example: >
2743 exists(":make")
2744< NOT working example: >
2745 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002746
2747< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2748 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002749 exists(bufcount)
2750< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002751 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002752
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002753exp({expr}) *exp()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002754 Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002755 [0, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002756 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002757 Examples: >
2758 :echo exp(2)
2759< 7.389056 >
2760 :echo exp(-1)
2761< 0.367879
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002762 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002763
2764
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002765expand({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) *expand()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002766 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002767 'wildignorecase' applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002768
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002769 If {list} is given and it is non-zero, a List will be returned.
2770 Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several
2771 matches, they are separated by <NL> characters. [Note: in
2772 version 5.0 a space was used, which caused problems when a
2773 file name contains a space]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002774
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002775 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002776 for a non-existing file is not included.
2777
2778 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2779 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2780 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2781
2782 % current file name
2783 # alternate file name
2784 #n alternate file name n
2785 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2786 <afile> autocmd file name
2787 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2788 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2789 <sfile> sourced script file name
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01002790 <slnum> sourced script file line number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002791 <cword> word under the cursor
2792 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2793 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2794 message |server2client()|
2795 Modifiers:
2796 :p expand to full path
2797 :h head (last path component removed)
2798 :t tail (last path component only)
2799 :r root (one extension removed)
2800 :e extension only
2801
2802 Example: >
2803 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2804< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2805 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2806 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2807< Use this: >
2808 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2809< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2810 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2811 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2812 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2813 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2814<
2815 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2816 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2817 to modify normal file names.
2818
2819 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2820 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2821 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2822 '/' added.
2823
2824 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2825 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2826 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01002827 {nosuf} argument is given and it is non-zero.
2828 Names for non-existing files are included. The "**" item can
2829 be used to search in a directory tree. For example, to find
2830 all "README" files in the current directory and below: >
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002831 :echo expand("**/README")
2832<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002833 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2834 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002835 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002836 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002837 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002838 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2839 "$FOOBAR".
2840
2841 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2842 getting the raw output of an external command.
2843
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002844extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002845 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2846 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002847
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002848 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002849 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2850 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2851 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2852 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002853 Examples: >
2854 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2855 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002856< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2857 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2858 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2859 (where N is the original length of the List).
2860 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002861 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002862 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002863<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002864 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002865 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2866 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2867 used to decide what to do:
2868 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2869 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002870 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002871 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2872
2873 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2874 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2875 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2876 Returns {expr1}.
2877
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002878
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002879feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2880 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002881 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002882 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002883 being executed these characters come after them.
2884 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2885 {string}.
2886 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2887 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002888 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002889 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2890 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2891 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002892 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2893 'n' Do not remap keys.
2894 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2895 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2896 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002897 Return value is always 0.
2898
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002899filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2900 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2901 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2902 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2903 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002904 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2905 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002906 *file_readable()*
2907 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2908
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002909
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002910filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2911 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2912 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002913 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002914 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2915
2916
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002917filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002918 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002919 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002920 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002921 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002922 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002923 Examples: >
2924 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2925< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2926 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2927< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2928 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002929< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002930
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002931 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2932 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2933 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2934
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002935 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2936 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002937 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002938
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002939< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002940 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2941 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002942
2943
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002944finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002945 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2946 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2947 for the syntax of {path}.
2948 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2949 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2950 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002951 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2952 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002953 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002954 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002955 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002956 {only available when compiled with the |+file_in_path|
2957 feature}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002958
2959findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2960 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002961 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2962 Example: >
2963 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002964< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2965 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002966
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002967float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2968 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2969 decimal point.
2970 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2971 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2972 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2973 in -0x80000000.
2974 Examples: >
2975 echo float2nr(3.95)
2976< 3 >
2977 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2978< -23 >
2979 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2980< 2147483647 >
2981 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2982< -2147483647 >
2983 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2984< 0
2985 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2986
2987
2988floor({expr}) *floor()*
2989 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2990 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2991 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2992 Examples: >
2993 echo floor(1.856)
2994< 1.0 >
2995 echo floor(-5.456)
2996< -6.0 >
2997 echo floor(4.0)
2998< 4.0
2999 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3000
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003001
3002fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()*
3003 Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the
3004 division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2}
3005 for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the
3006 result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than
3007 the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02003008 returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|.
3009 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003010 Examples: >
3011 :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22)
3012< 0.13 >
3013 :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22)
3014< -0.13
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003015 {only available when compiled with |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003016
3017
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003018fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003019 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003020 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
3021 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003022 For most systems the characters escaped are
3023 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
3024 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003025 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
3026 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003027 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003028 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003029 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
3030< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003031 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003032
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003033fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
3034 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
3035 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
3036 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
3037 Example: >
3038 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
3039< results in: >
3040 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003041< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003042 |expand()| first then.
3043
3044foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
3045 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3046 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
3047 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3048
3049foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
3050 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3051 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
3052 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3053
3054foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
3055 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003056 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003057 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
3058 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
3059 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
3060 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
3061 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
3062 previous line is usually available.
3063
3064 *foldtext()*
3065foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
3066 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
3067 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
3068 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
3069 The returned string looks like this: >
3070 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003071< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003072 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
3073 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
3074 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
3075 options is removed.
3076 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3077
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00003078foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
3079 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
3080 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
3081 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
3082 returned.
3083 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
3084 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
3085 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
3086 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3087
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003088 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003089foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003090 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
3091 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
3092 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
3093 |remote_foreground()| instead.
3094 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3095 Win32 console version}
3096
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003098function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003099 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003100 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
3101
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003102
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003103garbagecollect([{atexit}]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003104 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003105 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
3106 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
3107 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
3108 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
3109 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003110 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
3111 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
3112 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003113 When the optional {atexit} argument is one, garbage
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003114 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
3115 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003116
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003117get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003118 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003119 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
3120 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003121get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003122 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003123 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
3124 {default} is omitted.
3125
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003126 *getbufline()*
3127getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003128 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
3129 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
3130 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003131
3132 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3133
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003134 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
3135 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003136
3137 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003138 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003139
3140 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
3141 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003142 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003143 returned.
3144
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003145 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003146 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003147
3148 Example: >
3149 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003150
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003151getbufvar({expr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getbufvar()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003152 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
3153 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
3154 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003155 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
3156 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003157 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
3158 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
3159 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003160 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003161 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty
3162 string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003163 Examples: >
3164 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
3165 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
3166<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003167getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003168 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003169 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3170 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003171 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003172 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003173 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3174
3175 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3176 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3177 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3178 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3179 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003180 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3181 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3182 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3183 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003184
3185 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003186 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3187 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003188
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003189 Use getcharmod() to obtain any additional modifiers.
3190
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003191 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3192 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3193 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3194 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3195 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003196 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003197 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3198 exe v:mouse_lnum
3199 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3200 endif
3201<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003202 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3203 user that a character has to be typed.
3204 There is no mapping for the character.
3205 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3206 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3207 sequence. Examples: >
3208 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3209 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3210< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3211 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3212 :function FindChar()
3213 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3214 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3215 : normal l
3216 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3217 : break
3218 : endif
3219 : endwhile
3220 :endfunction
3221
3222getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3223 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3224 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3225 These values are added together:
3226 2 shift
3227 4 control
3228 8 alt (meta)
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003229 16 meta (when it's different from ALT)
3230 32 mouse double click
3231 64 mouse triple click
3232 96 mouse quadruple click (== 32 + 64)
3233 128 command (Macintosh only)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003234 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003235 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003236 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003237
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003238getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3239 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3240 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3241 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3242 Example: >
3243 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003244< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003245
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003246getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003247 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3248 byte count. The first column is 1.
3249 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +02003250 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping.
3251 Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003252 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3253
3254getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3255 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3256 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003257 : normal Ex command
3258 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3259 / forward search command
3260 ? backward search command
3261 @ |input()| command
3262 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003263 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +02003264 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping.
3265 Returns an empty string otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003266 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003267
3268 *getcwd()*
3269getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3270 working directory.
3271
3272getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3273 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3274 given file {fname}.
3275 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3276 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003277 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3278 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003279
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003280getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3281 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3282 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3283 |hl-Normal|.
3284 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3285 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3286 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3287 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003288 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003289 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3290 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003291 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3292 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003293
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003294getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3295 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3296 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3297 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3298 empty string is returned.
3299 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3300 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3301 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3302 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02003303 is replaced with the string "-". Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003304 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02003305 :echo getfperm(expand("~/.vimrc"))
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003306< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3307 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003308
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003309getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3310 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3311 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3312 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3313 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3314 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3315
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003316getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3317 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3318 file of the given file {fname}.
3319 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3320 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3321 results:
3322 Normal file "file"
3323 Directory "dir"
3324 Symbolic link "link"
3325 Block device "bdev"
3326 Character device "cdev"
3327 Socket "socket"
3328 FIFO "fifo"
3329 All other "other"
3330 Example: >
3331 getftype("/home")
3332< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3333 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3334 "file" are returned.
3335
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003336 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003337getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3338 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3339 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003340 getline(1)
3341< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3342 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3343 To get the line under the cursor: >
3344 getline(".")
3345< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3346 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3347
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003348 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3349 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003350 including line {end}.
3351 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3352 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003353 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003354 Example: >
3355 :let start = line('.')
3356 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3357 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3358
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003359< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3360
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003361getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3362 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3363 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3364 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003365 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003366 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003367
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003368getmatches() *getmatches()*
3369 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3370 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3371 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3372 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3373 Example: >
3374 :echo getmatches()
3375< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3376 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3377 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3378 :let m = getmatches()
3379 :call clearmatches()
3380 :echo getmatches()
3381< [] >
3382 :call setmatches(m)
3383 :echo getmatches()
3384< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3385 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3386 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3387 :unlet m
3388<
3389
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003390getqflist() *getqflist()*
3391 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3392 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3393 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3394 bufname() to get the name
3395 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3396 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003397 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3398 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003399 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003400 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003401 text description of the error
3402 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3403 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3404
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003405 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003406 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3407 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003408
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003409 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3410 do something with them: >
3411 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3412 :for d in getqflist()
3413 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3414 :endfor
3415
3416
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003417getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003418 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003419 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003420 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3421< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003422 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003423 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3424 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3425 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003426 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3427
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003428
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003429getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3430 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3431 The value will be one of:
3432 "v" for |characterwise| text
3433 "V" for |linewise| text
3434 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3435 0 for an empty or unknown register
3436 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3437 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3438
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003439gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabvar()*
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003440 Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page
3441 {tabnr}. |t:var|
3442 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
3443 Note that the name without "t:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003444 When the tab or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty
3445 string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003446
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003447gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003448 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3449 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3450 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3451 option.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003452 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3453 variables is returned.
3454 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003455 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3456 use |getwinvar()|.
3457 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3458 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3459 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3460 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003461 When the tab, window or variable doesn't exist {def} or an
3462 empty string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003463 Examples: >
3464 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3465 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003466<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003467 *getwinposx()*
3468getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3469 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3470 -1 if the information is not available.
3471
3472 *getwinposy()*
3473getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003474 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003475 information is not available.
3476
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003477getwinvar({winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003478 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003479 Examples: >
3480 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3481 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3482<
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003483glob({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) *glob()*
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003484 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003485 use of special characters.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003486
3487 Unless the optional {nosuf} argument is given and is non-zero,
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003488 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3489 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3490 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01003491 'wildignorecase' always applies.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003492
3493 When {list} is present and it is non-zero the result is a List
3494 with all matching files. The advantage of using a List is,
3495 you also get filenames containing newlines correctly.
3496 Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several
3497 matches, they are separated by <NL> characters.
3498
3499 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty String or List.
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02003500 A name for a non-existing file is not included. A symbolic
3501 link is only included if it points to an existing file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003502
3503 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3504 any external command. Example: >
3505 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3506 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3507< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003508 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003509
3510 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3511 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3512
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003513globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003514 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3515 the results. Example: >
3516 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3517< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3518 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003519 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003520 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3521 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3522 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3523 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3524 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003525 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3526 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3527 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3528 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003529
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003530 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3531 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3532 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3533 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003534< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3535 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3536
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003537 *has()*
3538has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3539 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3540 string. See |feature-list| below.
3541 Also see |exists()|.
3542
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003543
3544has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003545 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3546 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003547
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003548haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3549 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003550 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003551
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003552hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003553 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3554 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3555 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3556 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003557 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003558 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3559 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003560 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3561 buffer are checked for a match.
3562 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3563 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3564 n Normal mode
3565 v Visual mode
3566 o Operator-pending mode
3567 i Insert mode
3568 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3569 c Command-line mode
3570 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3571
3572 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003573 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003574 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3575 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3576 :endif
3577< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3578 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3579
3580histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3581 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3582 one of: *hist-names*
3583 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3584 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003585 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003586 "input" or "@" input line history
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02003587 "debug" or ">" debug command history
3588 The {history} string does not need to be the whole name, one
3589 character is sufficient.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003590 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3591 shifted to become the newest entry.
3592 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3593 otherwise 0 is returned.
3594
3595 Example: >
3596 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3597 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3598< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3599
3600histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003601 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003602 for the possible values of {history}.
3603
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003604 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3605 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3606 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003607 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003608 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3609 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3610 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003611
3612 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3613 otherwise 0 is returned.
3614
3615 Examples:
3616 Clear expression register history: >
3617 :call histdel("expr")
3618<
3619 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3620 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3621<
3622 The following three are equivalent: >
3623 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3624 :call histdel("search", -1)
3625 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3626<
3627 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3628 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3629 :call histdel("search", -1)
3630 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3631
3632histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3633 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3634 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3635 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3636 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3637 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3638
3639 Examples:
3640 Redo the second last search from history. >
3641 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3642
3643< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3644 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3645 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3646<
3647histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3648 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3649 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3650 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3651
3652 Example: >
3653 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3654<
3655hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3656 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3657 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3658 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3659 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3660 item.
3661 *highlight_exists()*
3662 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3663
3664 *hlID()*
3665hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3666 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3667 zero is returned.
3668 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003669 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003670 "Comment" group: >
3671 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3672< *highlightID()*
3673 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3674
3675hostname() *hostname()*
3676 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003677 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003678 256 characters long are truncated.
3679
3680iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3681 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3682 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003683 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3684 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3685 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003686 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3687 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3688 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3689 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3690 can be done.
3691 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3692 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3693 UTF-8 and use: >
3694 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3695< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3696 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3697 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003698 {only available when compiled with the |+multi_byte| feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003699
3700 *indent()*
3701indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3702 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3703 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3704 |getline()|.
3705 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3706
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003707
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003708index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003709 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003710 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3711 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3712 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3713 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003714 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3715 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003716 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3717 case must match.
3718 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3719 Example: >
3720 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003721 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003722
3723
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003724input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003725 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003726 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3727 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3728 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003729 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3730 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003731 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003732 for lines typed for input().
3733 Example: >
3734 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3735 : echo "Cheers!"
3736 :endif
3737<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003738 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3739 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3740 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003741 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3742
3743< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3744 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003745 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003746 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003747 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003748 more information. Example: >
3749 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3750<
3751 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3752 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003753 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3754 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3755 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3756 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3757 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3758 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3759 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3760
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003761 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003762 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3763 :function GetFoo()
3764 : call inputsave()
3765 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3766 : call inputrestore()
3767 :endfunction
3768
3769inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003770 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3771 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003772 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02003773 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", shiftwidth())
3774 :if n != ""
3775 : let &sw = n
3776 :endif
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003777< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3778 omitted an empty string is returned.
3779 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3780 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003781 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003782
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003783inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003784 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3785 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3786 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003787 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003788 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003789 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3790 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3791 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003792 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003793 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003794 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3795 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003796 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3797 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3798
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003799inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003800 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003801 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3802 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3803 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3804
3805inputsave() *inputsave()*
3806 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3807 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3808 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3809 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3810 many inputrestore() calls.
3811 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3812
3813inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3814 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3815 two exceptions:
3816 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3817 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3818 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3819 |history| stack.
3820 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3821 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003822 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003823
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003824insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003825 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003826 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003827 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003828 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3829 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003830 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003831 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3832 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3833 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003834< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003835 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003836 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003837
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01003838invert({expr}) *invert()*
3839 Bitwise invert. The argument is converted to a number. A
3840 List, Dict or Float argument causes an error. Example: >
3841 :let bits = invert(bits)
3842
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003843isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3844 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3845 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3846 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3847 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3848
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003849islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003850 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3851 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003852 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3853 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003854 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3855 :lockvar 1 alist
3856 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3857 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3858
3859< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003860 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003861
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003862items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003863 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3864 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3865 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3866 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003867
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003868
3869join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3870 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3871 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3872 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3873 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3874 add it there too: >
3875 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003876< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003877 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3878 The opposite function is |split()|.
3879
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003880keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003881 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003882 arbitrary order.
3883
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003884 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003885len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3886 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3887 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003888 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003889 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003890 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3891 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003892 Otherwise an error is given.
3893
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003894 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3895libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3896 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3897 with single argument {argument}.
3898 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3899 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3900 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3901 limited.
3902 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3903 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3904 to Vim.
3905 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3906 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3907 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3908 null-terminated string.
3909 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3910
3911 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3912 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3913 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3914 very probably crash.
3915
3916 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3917 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3918 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3919 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3920 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3921 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3922 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3923 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3924 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3925 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3926
3927 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003928 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003929 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3930 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3931 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3932 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3933 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3934 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003935 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003936 feature is present}
3937 Examples: >
3938 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003939<
3940 *libcallnr()*
3941libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003942 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003943 int instead of a string.
3944 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3945 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003946 Examples: >
3947 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003948 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3949 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3950<
3951 *line()*
3952line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3953 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3954 . the cursor position
3955 $ the last line in the current buffer
3956 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3957 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003958 w0 first line visible in current window
3959 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003960 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3961 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3962 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3963 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003964 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3965 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003966 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3967 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003968 Examples: >
3969 line(".") line number of the cursor
3970 line("'t") line number of mark t
3971 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3972< *last-position-jump*
3973 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3974 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003975 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003976
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003977line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3978 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3979 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3980 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaarb6b046b2011-12-30 13:11:27 +01003981 line returns 1. 'encoding' matters, 'fileencoding' is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003982 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3983 below the last line: >
3984 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
Bram Moolenaarb6b046b2011-12-30 13:11:27 +01003985< This is the buffer size plus one. If 'fileencoding' is empty
3986 it is the file size plus one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003987 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3988 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3989 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3990
3991lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3992 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3993 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3994 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3995 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3996 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3997 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3998
3999localtime() *localtime()*
4000 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
4001 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
4002
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004003
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004004log({expr}) *log()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02004005 Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|.
4006 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004007 (0, inf].
4008 Examples: >
4009 :echo log(10)
4010< 2.302585 >
4011 :echo log(exp(5))
4012< 5.0
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004013 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004014
4015
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004016log10({expr}) *log10()*
4017 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
4018 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4019 Examples: >
4020 :echo log10(1000)
4021< 3.0 >
4022 :echo log10(0.01)
4023< -2.0
4024 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4025
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02004026luaeval({expr}[, {expr}]) *luaeval()*
4027 Evaluate Lua expression {expr} and return its result converted
4028 to Vim data structures. Second {expr} may hold additional
4029 argument accessible as _A inside first {expr}.
4030 Strings are returned as they are.
4031 Boolean objects are converted to numbers.
4032 Numbers are converted to |Float| values if vim was compiled
4033 with |+float| and to numbers otherwise.
4034 Dictionaries and lists obtained by vim.eval() are returned
4035 as-is.
4036 Other objects are returned as zero without any errors.
4037 See |lua-luaeval| for more details.
4038 {only available when compiled with the |+lua| feature}
4039
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004040map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004041 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004042 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
4043 {string}.
4044 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00004045 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
4046 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004047 Example: >
4048 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004049< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004050
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004051 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004052 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004053 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
4054 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004055
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004056 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
4057 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004058 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' v:val . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004059
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004060< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004061 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
4062 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004063
4064
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004065maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) *maparg()*
4066 When {dict} is omitted or zero: Return the rhs of mapping
4067 {name} in mode {mode}. The returned String has special
4068 characters translated like in the output of the ":map" command
4069 listing.
4070
4071 When there is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is
4072 returned.
4073
4074 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
4075 command.
4076
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004077 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004078 "n" Normal
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004079 "v" Visual (including Select)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004080 "o" Operator-pending
4081 "i" Insert
4082 "c" Cmd-line
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004083 "s" Select
4084 "x" Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004085 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
4086 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004087 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004088
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004089 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4090 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004091
4092 When {dict} is there and it is non-zero return a dictionary
4093 containing all the information of the mapping with the
4094 following items:
4095 "lhs" The {lhs} of the mapping.
4096 "rhs" The {rhs} of the mapping as typed.
4097 "silent" 1 for a |:map-silent| mapping, else 0.
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004098 "noremap" 1 if the {rhs} of the mapping is not remappable.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004099 "expr" 1 for an expression mapping (|:map-<expr>|).
4100 "buffer" 1 for a buffer local mapping (|:map-local|).
4101 "mode" Modes for which the mapping is defined. In
4102 addition to the modes mentioned above, these
4103 characters will be used:
4104 " " Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
4105 "!" Insert and Commandline mode
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01004106 (|mapmode-ic|)
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004107 "sid" The script local ID, used for <sid> mappings
4108 (|<SID>|).
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004109
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004110 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4111 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00004112 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
4113 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
4114 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
4115
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004116
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004117mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004118 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
4119 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
4120 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004121 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4122 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004123 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
4124 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
4125
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004126 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004127 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
4128 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
4129 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
4130 mapcheck("b") no no no
4131
4132 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
4133 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
4134 mapping for {name} exactly.
4135 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
4136 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
4137 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
4138 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
4139 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4140 then the global mappings.
4141 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
4142 without being ambiguous. Example: >
4143 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
4144 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
4145 :endif
4146< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
4147 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
4148
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004149match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004150 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
4151 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004152 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004153 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004154 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
4155 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004156 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004157 If there is no match -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02004158 For getting submatches see |matchlist()|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004159 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004160 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004161 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004162< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004163 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004164 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004165 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
4166< *strcasestr()*
4167 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
4168 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
4169 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
4170<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004171 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004172 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004173 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004174 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004175 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
4176< result is again "4". >
4177 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
4178< result is again "4". >
4179 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
4180< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004181 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004182 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
4183 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
4184 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
4185 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004186 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
4187 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004188 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
4189 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004190
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004191 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004192 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004193 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
4194 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
4195< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004196 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
4197 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004198
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004199 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
4200 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004201 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004202 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
4203
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004204 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
4205matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
4206 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
4207 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
4208 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
4209 match using |matchdelete()|.
4210
4211 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004212 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004213 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
4214 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
4215 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
4216 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
4217 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
4218 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
4219 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
4220 always overrule syntax highlighting.
4221
4222 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
4223 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
4224 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
4225 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
4226 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
4227 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
4228 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
4229
4230 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
4231 the |:match| commands.
4232
4233 Example: >
4234 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
4235 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
4236< Deletion of the pattern: >
4237 :call matchdelete(m)
4238
4239< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004240 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004241 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004242
4243matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004244 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004245 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
4246 Return a |List| with two elements:
4247 The name of the highlight group used
4248 The pattern used.
4249 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
4250 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004251 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
4252 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
4253 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004254
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004255matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4256 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004257 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004258 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4259 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004260
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004261matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004262 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4263 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004264 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4265< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004266 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4267 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4268 do it with matchend(): >
4269 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4270 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4271< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4272
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004273 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004274 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4275< results in "7". >
4276 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4277< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004278 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004279
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004280matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004281 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004282 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4283 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004284 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4285 empty string is used. Example: >
4286 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4287< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004288 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4289
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004290matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004291 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004292 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4293< results in "ing".
4294 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004295 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004296 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4297< results in "ing". >
4298 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4299< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004300 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004301 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004302
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004303 *max()*
4304max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4305 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4306 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004307 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004308
4309 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004310min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004311 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4312 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004313 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004314
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004315 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004316mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4317 Create directory {name}.
4318 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4319 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4320 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4321 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004322 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004323 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4324 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4325 with 0755.
4326 Example: >
4327 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4328< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004329 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4330 :if exists("*mkdir")
4331<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004332 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004333mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004334 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4335 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4336 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4337 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004338
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004339 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004340 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004341 v Visual by character
4342 V Visual by line
4343 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4344 s Select by character
4345 S Select by line
4346 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4347 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004348 R Replace |R|
4349 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004350 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004351 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4352 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004353 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004354 rm The -- more -- prompt
4355 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4356 ! Shell or external command is executing
4357 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4358 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4359 "c" or "n".
4360 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004361
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004362mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4363 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02004364 converted to Vim data structures.
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004365 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4366 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4367 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4368 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4369 converted to strings.
4370 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4371 Examples: >
4372 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4373 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4374 :echo mzeval("l")
4375 :echo mzeval("h")
4376<
4377 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4378
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004379nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4380 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4381 that is not blank. Example: >
4382 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4383< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4384 below it, zero is returned.
4385 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4386
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004387nr2char({expr}[, {utf8}]) *nr2char()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004388 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4389 value {expr}. Examples: >
4390 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4391 nr2char(32) returns " "
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004392< When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used.
4393 Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004394 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004395< With {utf8} set to 1, always return utf-8 characters.
4396 Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004397 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4398 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004399 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004400
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004401 *getpid()*
4402getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004403 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4404 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004405
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004406 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004407getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4408 see |line()|.
4409 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4410 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4411 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4412 is the buffer number of the mark.
4413 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4414 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004415 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4416 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004417 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004418 character.
4419 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4420 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4421 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004422 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004423< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004424
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01004425or({expr}, {expr}) *or()*
4426 Bitwise OR on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
4427 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
4428 Example: >
4429 :let bits = or(bits, 0x80)
4430
4431
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004432pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4433 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4434 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4435 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4436 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4437 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4438< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4439 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004441pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4442 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4443 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4444 Examples: >
4445 :echo pow(3, 3)
4446< 27.0 >
4447 :echo pow(2, 16)
4448< 65536.0 >
4449 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4450< 2.0
4451 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4452
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004453prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4454 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4455 that is not blank. Example: >
4456 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4457< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4458 above it, zero is returned.
4459 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4460
4461
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004462printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4463 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4464 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004465 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004466< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004467 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004468
4469 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004470 %s string
Bram Moolenaar3ab72c52012-11-14 18:10:56 +01004471 %6S string right-aligned in 6 display cells
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004472 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004473 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4474 %c single byte
4475 %d decimal number
4476 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4477 %x hex number
4478 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4479 %X hex number using upper case letters
4480 %o octal number
4481 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4482 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4483 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4484 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4485 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4486 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004487
4488 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4489 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4490 the result.
4491
4492 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004493 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004494
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004495 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004496
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004497 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004498 Zero or more of the following flags:
4499
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004500 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4501 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4502 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4503 of the number is increased to force the first
4504 character of the output string to a zero (except
4505 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4506 precision of zero).
4507 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4508 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4509 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004510
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004511 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4512 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4513 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4514 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4515 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004516
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004517 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4518 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4519 The converted value is padded on the right with
4520 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4521 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004522
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004523 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4524 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004525
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004526 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004527 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004528 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004529
4530 field-width
4531 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004532 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4533 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4534 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4535 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004536
4537 .precision
4538 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4539 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4540 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4541 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4542 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004543 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004544 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4545 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004546
4547 type
4548 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4549 be applied, see below.
4550
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004551 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4552 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004553 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004554 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4555 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4556 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004557 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004558< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004559 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004560
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004561 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004562
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004563 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4564 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004565 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4566 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4567 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004568 conversions.
4569 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4570 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4571 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4572 zeros.
4573 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4574 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4575 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4576 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4577
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004578 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004579 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4580 resulting character is written.
4581
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004582 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004583 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4584 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4585 specified are used.
Bram Moolenaar3ab72c52012-11-14 18:10:56 +01004586 S The text of the String argument is used. If a
4587 precision is specified, no more display cells than the
4588 number specified are used. Without the |+multi_byte|
4589 feature works just like 's'.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004590
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004591 *printf-f* *E807*
4592 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4593 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4594 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4595 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4596 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4597 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4598 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4599 Example: >
4600 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4601< 12.12
4602 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4603 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4604
4605 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4606 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4607 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4608 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4609 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4610
4611 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4612 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4613 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4614 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4615 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4616 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4617 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4618 results in 1.0e7.
4619
4620 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004621 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4622 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004623
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004624 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4625 accepted and automatically converted.
4626 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4627 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4628 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004629
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004630 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004631 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4632 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004633 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004634
4635
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004636pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4637 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4638 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004639 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4640 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004641
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004642 *E860* *E861*
4643py3eval({expr}) *py3eval()*
4644 Evaluate Python expression {expr} and return its result
4645 converted to Vim data structures.
4646 Numbers and strings are returned as they are (strings are
4647 copied though, unicode strings are additionally converted to
4648 'encoding').
4649 Lists are represented as Vim |List| type.
4650 Dictionaries are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with
4651 keys converted to strings.
4652 {only available when compiled with the |+python3| feature}
4653
4654 *E858* *E859*
4655pyeval({expr}) *pyeval()*
4656 Evaluate Python expression {expr} and return its result
4657 converted to Vim data structures.
4658 Numbers and strings are returned as they are (strings are
4659 copied though).
4660 Lists are represented as Vim |List| type.
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +02004661 Dictionaries are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type,
4662 non-string keys result in error.
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004663 {only available when compiled with the |+python| feature}
4664
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004665 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004666range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004667 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004668 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4669 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4670 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4671 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4672 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004673 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4674 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4675 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004676 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004677 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004678 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4679 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004680 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004681 range(0) " []
4682 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004683<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004684 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004685readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004686 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4687 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004688 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4689 NL appears somewhere).
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004690 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004691 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4692 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4693 added.
4694 - No CR characters are removed.
4695 Otherwise:
4696 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4697 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004698 - When 'encoding' is Unicode any UTF-8 byte order mark is
4699 removed from the text.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004700 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4701 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4702 lines of a file: >
4703 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4704 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4705 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004706< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4707 are returned, or as many as there are.
4708 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004709 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4710 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4711 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004712 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4713 the result is an empty list.
4714 Also see |writefile()|.
4715
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004716reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4717 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4718 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4719 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4720 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4721 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4722 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004723 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004724 and {end}.
4725 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4726 reltime().
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004727 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004728
4729reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4730 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4731 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4732 microseconds. Example: >
4733 let start = reltime()
4734 call MyFunction()
4735 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4736< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4737 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004738 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4739 can use split() to remove it. >
4740 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4741< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004742 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004744 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4745remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004746 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004747 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004748 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4749 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4750 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004751 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4752 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4753 remote_read() is stored there.
4754 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4755 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4756 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4757 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4758 and the result will be the empty string.
4759 Examples: >
4760 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4761 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4762<
4763
4764remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4765 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4766 This works like: >
4767 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4768< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4769 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4770 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004771 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4772 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004773 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4774 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4775 Win32 console version}
4776
4777
4778remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4779 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4780 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004781 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004782 name of a variable.
4783 Returns zero if none are available.
4784 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4785 See also |clientserver|.
4786 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4787 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4788 Examples: >
4789 :let repl = ""
4790 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4791
4792remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4793 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4794 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4795 See also |clientserver|.
4796 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4797 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4798 Example: >
4799 :echo remote_read(id)
4800<
4801 *remote_send()* *E241*
4802remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004803 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004804 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4805 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004806 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4807 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4808 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004809 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4810 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4811 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4812 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4813 up the display.
4814 Examples: >
4815 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4816 \ remote_read(serverid)
4817
4818 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4819 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4820 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4821 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004822<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004823remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004824 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004825 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004826 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004827 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004828 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4829 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4830 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004831 Example: >
4832 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004833 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004834remove({dict}, {key})
4835 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4836 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4837< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4838
4839 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004840
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004841rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4842 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4843 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4844 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4845 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004846 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004847 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4848
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004849repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4850 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4851 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004852 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004853< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004854 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004855 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004856 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4857< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004858
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004859
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004860resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4861 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4862 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4863 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4864 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4865 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4866 stopped after 100 iterations.
4867 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4868 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4869 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4870 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4871 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4872
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004873 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004874reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004875 {list}.
4876 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4877 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4878
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004879round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004880 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004881 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4882 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4883 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4884 Examples: >
4885 echo round(0.456)
4886< 0.0 >
4887 echo round(4.5)
4888< 5.0 >
4889 echo round(-4.5)
4890< -5.0
4891 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaar34feacb2012-12-05 19:01:43 +01004892
4893screencol() *screencol()*
4894 The result is a Number, which is the current screen column of
4895 the cursor. The leftmost column has number 1.
4896 This function is mainly used for testing.
4897
4898 Note: Always returns the current screen column, thus if used
4899 in a command (e.g. ":echo screencol()") it will return the
4900 column inside the command line, which is 1 when the command is
4901 executed. To get the cursor position in the file use one of
4902 the following mappings: >
4903 nnoremap <expr> GG ":echom ".screencol()."\n"
4904 nnoremap <silent> GG :echom screencol()<CR>
4905<
4906screenrow() *screenrow()*
4907 The result is a Number, which is the current screen row of the
4908 cursor. The top line has number one.
4909 This function is mainly used for testing.
4910
4911 Note: Same restrictions as with |screencol()|.
4912
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004913search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004914 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004915 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004916
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01004917 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01004918 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4919 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01004920
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004921 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4922 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004923 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004924 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004925 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004926 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4927 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004928 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4929 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4930 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4931
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004932 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4933 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4934 flag.
4935
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004936 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4937
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004938 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4939 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4940 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4941 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4942 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4943< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4944 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004945 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4946
4947 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar1aeaf8c2012-05-18 13:46:39 +02004948 more than this many milliseconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004949 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4950 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4951 giving the argument.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004952 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004953
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004954 *search()-sub-match*
4955 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4956 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4957 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004958 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004959
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004960 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4961 flag is used.
4962
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004963 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4964 :let n = 1
4965 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4966 : exe "argument " . n
4967 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4968 : " first search to find match at start of file
4969 : normal G$
4970 : let flags = "w"
4971 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004972 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004973 : let flags = "W"
4974 : endwhile
4975 : update " write the file if modified
4976 : let n = n + 1
4977 :endwhile
4978<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004979 Example for using some flags: >
4980 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4981< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4982 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4983 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4984 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4985 line:
4986 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4987 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4988 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4989 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4990 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4991
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004992
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004993searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4994 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004995
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004996 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4997 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4998 first match in the function.
4999
5000 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
5001 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
5002 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
5003
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005004 Moves the cursor to the found match.
5005 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
5006 Example: >
5007 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
5008 echo getline('.')
5009 endif
5010<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005011 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005012searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
5013 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005014 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
5015 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
5016 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005017 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
5018 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
5019 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
5020 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
5021 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
5022 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005023
5024 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
5025 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
5026 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
5027 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
5028 typical use is: >
5029 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
5030< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
5031
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005032 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
5033 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005034 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005035 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
5036 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005037 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005038 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
5039 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005040
5041 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
5042 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
5043 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
5044 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
5045 or a string.
5046 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
5047 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
5048 and -1 returned.
5049
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005050 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005051
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005052 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
5053 patterns are used like it's on.
5054
5055 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
5056 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
5057 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
5058 if 1
5059 if 2
5060 endif 2
5061 endif 1
5062< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
5063 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
5064 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005065 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005066 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
5067 "endif 2".
5068 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
5069 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
5070 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
5071 the matching start.
5072
5073 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
5074
5075 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
5076 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
5077
5078< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
5079 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
5080 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
5081 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
5082 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
5083 match.
5084 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
5085
5086 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
5087
5088< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
5089 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
5090 highlighting recognized as strings: >
5091
5092 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
5093 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
5094<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005095 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005096searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
5097 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005098 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005099 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
5100 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005101 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005102 returns [0, 0]. >
5103
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005104 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
5105<
5106 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
5107
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005108searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005109 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005110 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
5111 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
5112 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
5113 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00005114 Example: >
5115 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
5116
5117< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
5118 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
5119 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
5120< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
5121 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
5122
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005123server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
5124 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
5125 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
5126 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5127 Note:
5128 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005129 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005130 before calling any commands that waits for input.
5131 See also |clientserver|.
5132 Example: >
5133 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
5134<
5135serverlist() *serverlist()*
5136 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
5137 When there are no servers or the information is not available
5138 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
5139 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5140 Example: >
5141 :echo serverlist()
5142<
5143setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
5144 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
5145 {val}.
5146 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
5147 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
5148 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
5149 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
5150 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
5151 Examples: >
5152 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
5153 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
5154< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5155
5156setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
5157 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005158 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005159 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
5160 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005161 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
5162 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
5163 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
5164 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
5165 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005166 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
5167 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
5168 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
5169 line.
5170
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005171setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01005172 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}. To insert
5173 lines use |append()|.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005174 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005175 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005176 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005177 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
5178 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005179 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005180< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005181 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
5182 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
5183< This is equivalent to: >
Bram Moolenaar53bfca22012-04-13 23:04:47 +02005184 :for [n, l] in [[5, 'aaa'], [6, 'bbb'], [7, 'ccc']]
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005185 : call setline(n, l)
5186 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005187< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
5188
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005189setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
5190 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
5191 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005192 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
5193 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005194 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
5195 Also see |location-list|.
5196
5197setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
5198 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005199 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005200 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005201
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005202 *setpos()*
5203setpos({expr}, {list})
5204 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
5205 . the cursor
5206 'x mark x
5207
5208 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
5209 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
5210
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005211 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005212 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005213 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
5214 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
5215 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005216 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005217
5218 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005219 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
5220 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005221
5222 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
5223 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005224 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005225 character.
5226
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00005227 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
5228 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
5229
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005230 Also see |getpos()|
5231
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005232 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
5233 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
5234
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005235
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005236setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005237 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
5238 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
5239 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
5240 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005241
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005242 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005243 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005244 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005245 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005246 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005247 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005248 col column number
5249 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005250 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005251 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005252 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005253 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005254
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005255 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
5256 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
5257 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005258 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
5259 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
5260 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005261 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
5262 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02005263 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
5264 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005265 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
5266 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005267
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005268 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
5269 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
5270 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
5271 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
5272 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
5273 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
5274
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005275 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
5276
5277 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
5278 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
5279 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
5280
5281
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005282 *setreg()*
5283setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
5284 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
5285 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
5286 then the value is appended.
Bram Moolenaarc6485bc2010-07-28 17:02:55 +02005287 {options} can also contain a register type specification:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005288 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
5289 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
5290 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
5291 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
5292 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
5293 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005294 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005295
5296 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
5297 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +02005298 Setting the '=' register is not possible, but you can use >
5299 :let @= = var_expr
5300< Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005301
5302 Examples: >
5303 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
5304 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
5305 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
5306
5307< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
5308 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005309 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005310 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
5311 ....
5312 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
5313
5314< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5315 nothing: >
5316 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5317
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005318settabvar({tabnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabvar()*
5319 Set tab-local variable {varname} to {val} in tab page {tabnr}.
5320 |t:var|
5321 Note that the variable name without "t:" must be used.
5322 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005323 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5324
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005325settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5326 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5327 {val}.
5328 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5329 use |setwinvar()|.
5330 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005331 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5332 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5333 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5334 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005335 Examples: >
5336 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5337 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5338< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5339
5340setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5341 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005342 Examples: >
5343 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5344 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005345
Bram Moolenaaraf9aeb92013-02-13 17:35:04 +01005346sha256({string}) *sha256()*
5347 Returns a String with 64 hex charactes, which is the SHA256
5348 checksum of {string}.
5349 {only available when compiled with the |+cryptv| feature}
5350
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005351shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005352 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005353 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005354 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005355 quotes within {string}.
5356 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5357 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005358 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5359 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005360 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5361 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005362 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005363 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5364 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5365 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5366 even when inside single quotes.
5367 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5368 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5369 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005370 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5371 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5372< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5373 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5374 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005375
5376
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02005377shiftwidth() *shiftwidth()*
5378 Returns the effective value of 'shiftwidth'. This is the
5379 'shiftwidth' value unless it is zero, in which case it is the
5380 'tabstop' value. To be backwards compatible in indent
5381 plugins, use this: >
5382 if exists('*shiftwidth')
5383 func s:sw()
5384 return shiftwidth()
5385 endfunc
5386 else
5387 func s:sw()
5388 return &sw
5389 endfunc
5390 endif
5391< And then use s:sw() instead of &sw.
5392
5393
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005394simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5395 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5396 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5397 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5398 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5399 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5400 not removed either.
5401 Example: >
5402 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5403< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5404 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5405 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5406 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5407 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5408
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005409
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005410sin({expr}) *sin()*
5411 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5412 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5413 Examples: >
5414 :echo sin(100)
5415< -0.506366 >
5416 :echo sin(-4.01)
5417< 0.763301
5418 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5419
5420
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005421sinh({expr}) *sinh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005422 Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005423 [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005424 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005425 Examples: >
5426 :echo sinh(0.5)
5427< 0.521095 >
5428 :echo sinh(-0.9)
5429< -1.026517
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005430 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005431
5432
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005433sort({list} [, {func} [, {dict}]]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005434 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5435 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5436 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5437< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005438 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005439 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005440 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005441 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
5442 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005443 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5444 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005445 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5446 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5447 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5448 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005449 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5450 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5451 endfunc
5452 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005453< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5454 ignores overflow: >
5455 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5456 return a:i1 - a:i2
5457 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005458<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005459 *soundfold()*
5460soundfold({word})
5461 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005462 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005463 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5464 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005465 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5466 the method can be quite slow.
5467
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005468 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005469spellbadword([{sentence}])
5470 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5471 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5472 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5473 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5474
5475 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5476 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5477 result is an empty string.
5478
5479 The return value is a list with two items:
5480 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5481 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005482 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005483 "rare" rare word
5484 "local" word only valid in another region
5485 "caps" word should start with Capital
5486 Example: >
5487 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5488< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5489
5490 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5491 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5492 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005493
5494 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005495spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005496 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005497 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5498 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5499
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005500 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5501 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5502 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5503
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005504 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5505 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005506 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5507 replace a line.
5508
5509 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005510 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5511 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005512
5513 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005514 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5515 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005516
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005517
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005518split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005519 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5520 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5521 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005522 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar97d62492012-11-15 21:28:22 +01005523 removing the matched characters. 'ignorecase' is not used
5524 here, add \c to ignore case. |/\c|
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005525 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5526 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005527 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5528 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005529 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005530 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005531< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005532 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005533< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5534 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5535< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005536 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5537 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5538< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005539
5540
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005541sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5542 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5543 |Float|.
5544 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5545 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5546 Examples: >
5547 :echo sqrt(100)
5548< 10.0 >
5549 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5550< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005551 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005552 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5553
5554
5555str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5556 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5557 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5558 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5559 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5560 write "1.0e40".
5561 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5562 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5563 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5564 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5565 |substitute()|: >
5566 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5567< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5568
5569
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005570str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5571 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5572 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5573 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5574 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5575 with the default String to Number conversion.
5576 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5577 different base the result will be zero.
5578 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005579
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005580
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005581strchars({expr}) *strchars()*
5582 The result is a Number, which is the number of characters
5583 String {expr} occupies. Composing characters are counted
5584 separately.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005585 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strwidth()|.
5586
5587strdisplaywidth({expr}[, {col}]) *strdisplaywidth()*
5588 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5589 String {expr} occupies on the screen.
5590 When {col} is omitted zero is used. Otherwise it is the
5591 screen column where to start. This matters for Tab
5592 characters.
Bram Moolenaar4d32c2d2010-07-18 22:10:01 +02005593 The option settings of the current window are used. This
5594 matters for anything that's displayed differently, such as
5595 'tabstop' and 'display'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005596 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5597 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
5598 Also see |strlen()|, |strwidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005599
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005600strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5601 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5602 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5603 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5604 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5605 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5606 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5607 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5608 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5609 Examples: >
5610 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5611 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5612 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5613 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5614 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5615 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005616< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5617 :if exists("*strftime")
5618
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005619stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5620 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5621 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005622 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5623 This can be used to find a second match: >
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01005624 :let colon1 = stridx(line, ":")
5625 :let colon2 = stridx(line, ":", colon1 + 1)
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005626< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005627 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005628 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005629 See also |strridx()|.
5630 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005631 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5632 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5633 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005634< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005635 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5636 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5637
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005638 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005639string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005640 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5641 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005642 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005643 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005644 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005645 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005646 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005647 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005648 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005649 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005650 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005651
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005652 *strlen()*
5653strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005654 {expr} in bytes.
5655 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5656 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005657
5658 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005659<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005660 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5661 For other types an error is given.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005662 Also see |len()|, |strchars()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and
5663 |strwidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005664
5665strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5666 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005667 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005668 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5669 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5670 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5671 end of the {src}. >
5672 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5673 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5674 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005675 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005676< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5677 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005678 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005679<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005680strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5681 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5682 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5683 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5684 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5685 match: >
5686 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5687 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5688< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005689 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5690 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005691 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005692 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005693 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005694< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005695 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5696 function strrchr().
5697
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005698strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5699 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5700 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5701 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5702 echo strtrans(@a)
5703< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5704 starting a new line.
5705
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005706strwidth({expr}) *strwidth()*
5707 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5708 String {expr} occupies. A Tab character is counted as one
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005709 cell, alternatively use |strdisplaywidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005710 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5711 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005712 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005713
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005714submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005715 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command or
5716 substitute() function.
5717 Returns the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr}
5718 is 0 the whole matched text is returned.
5719 Also see |sub-replace-expression|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005720 Example: >
5721 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5722< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5723 A line break is included as a newline character.
5724
5725substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5726 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005727 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}.
5728 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5729 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5730
5731 This works like the ":substitute" command (without any flags).
5732 But the matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic'
5733 option is set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01005734 portable). 'ignorecase' is still relevant, use |/\c| or |/\C|
5735 if you want to ignore or match case and ignore 'ignorecase'.
5736 'smartcase' is not used. See |string-match| for how {pat} is
5737 used.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005738
5739 A "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005740 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005741 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005742 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005744 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5745 unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005746
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005747 Example: >
5748 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5749< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5750 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5751< results in "TESTING".
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005752
5753 When {sub} starts with "\=", the remainder is interpreted as
5754 an expression. See |sub-replace-expression|. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02005755 :echo substitute(s, '%\(\x\x\)',
5756 \ '\=nr2char("0x" . submatch(1))', 'g')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005757
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005758synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005759 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005760 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005761 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5762 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005763
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005764 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005765 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5766
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005767 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005768 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005769 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5770 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5771 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5772 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5773 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5774
5775 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5776 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5777<
Bram Moolenaar7510fe72010-07-25 12:46:44 +02005778
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005779synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5780 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5781 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5782 about a syntax item.
5783 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005784 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005785 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5786 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5787 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5788 {what} result
5789 "name" the name of the syntax item
5790 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5791 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5792 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005793 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005794 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5795 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005796 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005797 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5798 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5799 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005800 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005801 "bold" "1" if bold
5802 "italic" "1" if italic
5803 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5804 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005805 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005806 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005807 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005808
5809 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5810 cursor): >
5811 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5812<
5813synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5814 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5815 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5816 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5817 ":highlight link" are followed.
5818
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02005819synconcealed({lnum}, {col}) *synconcealed()*
5820 The result is a List. The first item in the list is 0 if the
5821 character at the position {lnum} and {col} is not part of a
5822 concealable region, 1 if it is. The second item in the list is
5823 a string. If the first item is 1, the second item contains the
5824 text which will be displayed in place of the concealed text,
5825 depending on the current setting of 'conceallevel'. The third
5826 and final item in the list is a unique number representing the
5827 specific syntax region matched. This allows detection of the
5828 beginning of a new concealable region if there are two
5829 consecutive regions with the same replacement character.
5830 For an example use see $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/2html.vim .
5831
5832
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005833synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5834 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5835 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5836 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005837 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5838 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5839 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5840 transparent item.
5841 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5842 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5843 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5844 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5845 endfor
Bram Moolenaar0bc380a2010-07-10 13:52:13 +02005846< When the position specified with {lnum} and {col} is invalid
5847 nothing is returned. The position just after the last
5848 character in a line and the first column in an empty line are
5849 valid positions.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005850
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005851system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5852 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5853 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5854 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5855 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005856 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005857 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5858 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5859 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5860 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005861 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005862
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005863 The result is a String. Example: >
5864 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005865
5866< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5867 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5868 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5869 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5870 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5871 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5872 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5873 concatenated commands.
5874
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005875 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5876 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5877
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005878 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5879 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005880
5881 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5882 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5883 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005884 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5885 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5886
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005887
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005888tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005889 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005890 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5891 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5892 omitted the current tab page is used.
5893 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5894 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02005895 let buflist = []
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005896 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02005897 call extend(buflist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005898 endfor
5899< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5900
5901
5902tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005903 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5904 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5905 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5906 page is returned (the tab page count).
5907 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5908
5909
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005910tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
Bram Moolenaard04f4402010-08-15 13:30:34 +02005911 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {tabarg}.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005912 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5913 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5914 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5915 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5916 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5917 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5918 Useful examples: >
5919 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5920 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5921< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5922
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005923 *tagfiles()*
5924tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5925 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5926
5927
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005928taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5929 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005930 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5931 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005932 name Name of the tag.
5933 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005934 defined. It is either relative to the
5935 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005936 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5937 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005938 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005939 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005940 kind values. Only available when
5941 using a tags file generated by
5942 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005943 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005944 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005945 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5946 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5947 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5948 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5949 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5950 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005951
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005952 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5953 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005954
5955 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5956
5957 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
Bram Moolenaara3e6bc92013-01-30 14:18:00 +01005958 used in {expr}. This also make the function work faster.
5959 Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information about the tag
5960 search regular expression pattern.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005961
5962 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5963 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5964 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5965
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005966tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5967 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005968 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005969 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5970 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5971 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005972< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005973 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5974 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5975
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005976
5977tan({expr}) *tan()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005978 Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005979 in the range [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005980 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005981 Examples: >
5982 :echo tan(10)
5983< 0.648361 >
5984 :echo tan(-4.01)
5985< -1.181502
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005986 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005987
5988
5989tanh({expr}) *tanh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005990 Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a |Float| in the
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005991 range [-1, 1].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005992 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005993 Examples: >
5994 :echo tanh(0.5)
5995< 0.462117 >
5996 :echo tanh(-1)
5997< -0.761594
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005998 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005999
6000
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006001tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
6002 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
6003 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
6004 the string).
6005
6006toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
6007 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
6008 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
6009 the string).
6010
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00006011tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
6012 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
6013 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
6014 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
6015 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
6016 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
6017 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
6018
6019 Examples: >
6020 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
6021< returns "Hello THere" >
6022 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
6023< returns "{blob}"
6024
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006025trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006026 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006027 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
6028 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
6029 Examples: >
6030 echo trunc(1.456)
6031< 1.0 >
6032 echo trunc(-5.456)
6033< -5.0 >
6034 echo trunc(4.0)
6035< 4.0
6036 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
6037
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006038 *type()*
6039type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006040 Number: 0
6041 String: 1
6042 Funcref: 2
6043 List: 3
6044 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006045 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006046 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006047 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
6048 :if type(myvar) == type("")
6049 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
6050 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006051 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006052 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006053
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02006054undofile({name}) *undofile()*
6055 Return the name of the undo file that would be used for a file
6056 with name {name} when writing. This uses the 'undodir'
6057 option, finding directories that exist. It does not check if
Bram Moolenaar860cae12010-06-05 23:22:07 +02006058 the undo file exists.
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02006059 {name} is always expanded to the full path, since that is what
6060 is used internally.
Bram Moolenaar80716072012-05-01 21:14:34 +02006061 If {name} is empty undofile() returns an empty string, since a
6062 buffer without a file name will not write an undo file.
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02006063 Useful in combination with |:wundo| and |:rundo|.
6064 When compiled without the +persistent_undo option this always
6065 returns an empty string.
6066
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02006067undotree() *undotree()*
6068 Return the current state of the undo tree in a dictionary with
6069 the following items:
6070 "seq_last" The highest undo sequence number used.
6071 "seq_cur" The sequence number of the current position in
6072 the undo tree. This differs from "seq_last"
6073 when some changes were undone.
6074 "time_cur" Time last used for |:earlier| and related
6075 commands. Use |strftime()| to convert to
6076 something readable.
6077 "save_last" Number of the last file write. Zero when no
6078 write yet.
Bram Moolenaar730cde92010-06-27 05:18:54 +02006079 "save_cur" Number of the current position in the undo
6080 tree.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02006081 "synced" Non-zero when the last undo block was synced.
6082 This happens when waiting from input from the
6083 user. See |undo-blocks|.
6084 "entries" A list of dictionaries with information about
6085 undo blocks.
6086
6087 The first item in the "entries" list is the oldest undo item.
6088 Each List item is a Dictionary with these items:
6089 "seq" Undo sequence number. Same as what appears in
6090 |:undolist|.
6091 "time" Timestamp when the change happened. Use
6092 |strftime()| to convert to something readable.
6093 "newhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
6094 that was added. This marks the last change
6095 and where further changes will be added.
6096 "curhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
6097 that was undone. This marks the current
6098 position in the undo tree, the block that will
6099 be used by a redo command. When nothing was
6100 undone after the last change this item will
6101 not appear anywhere.
6102 "save" Only appears on the last block before a file
6103 write. The number is the write count. The
6104 first write has number 1, the last one the
6105 "save_last" mentioned above.
6106 "alt" Alternate entry. This is again a List of undo
6107 blocks. Each item may again have an "alt"
6108 item.
6109
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006110values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006111 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006112 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006113
6114
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006115virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
6116 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
6117 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
6118 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
6119 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
6120 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
6121 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02006122 set to 8, it returns 8. |conceal| is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00006123 For the byte position use |col()|.
6124 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
6125 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00006126 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00006127 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02006128 character. When "off" is omitted zero is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006129 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
6130 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
6131 The accepted positions are:
6132 . the cursor position
6133 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
6134 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
6135 plus one)
6136 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
6137 returned)
6138 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
6139 Examples: >
6140 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
6141 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006142 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
6143< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006144 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
6145 all lines: >
6146 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
6147
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006148
6149visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
6150 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006151 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
6152 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
6153 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
6154 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
6155 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006156 Example: >
6157 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
6158< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
6159 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
6160 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006161 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
6162 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006163 *non-zero-arg*
6164 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
6165 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006166 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006167 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
6168 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
6169 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006170
Bram Moolenaar8738fc12013-02-20 17:59:11 +01006171wildmenumode() *wildmenumode()*
6172 Returns non-zero when the wildmenu is active and zero
6173 otherwise. See 'wildmenu' and 'wildmode'.
6174 This can be used in mappings to handle the 'wildcharm' option
6175 gracefully. (Makes only sense with |mapmode-c| mappings).
6176
6177 For example to make <c-j> work like <down> in wildmode, use: >
6178 :cnoremap <expr> <C-j> wildmenumode() ? "\<Down>\<Tab>" : "\<c-j>"
6179<
6180 (Note, this needs the 'wildcharm' option set appropriately).
6181
6182
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006183 *winbufnr()*
6184winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006185 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006186 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
6187 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6188 Example: >
6189 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
6190<
6191 *wincol()*
6192wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
6193 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
6194 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
6195
6196winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
6197 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
6198 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
6199 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6200 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
6201 Examples: >
6202 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
6203<
6204 *winline()*
6205winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006206 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006207 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00006208 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
6209 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006210
6211 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006212winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
6213 window. The top window has number 1.
6214 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01006215 last window is returned (the window count). >
6216 let window_count = winnr('$')
6217< When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006218 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006219 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
6220 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006221 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
6222 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006223 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006224
6225 *winrestcmd()*
6226winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
6227 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006228 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
6229 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006230 Example: >
6231 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
6232 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
6233 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006234<
6235 *winrestview()*
6236winrestview({dict})
6237 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
6238 the view of the current window.
6239 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
6240 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
6241
6242 *winsaveview()*
6243winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
6244 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
6245 restore the view.
6246 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
6247 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
6248 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00006249 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
6250 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006251 The return value includes:
6252 lnum cursor line number
6253 col cursor column
6254 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
6255 curswant column for vertical movement
6256 topline first line in the window
6257 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
6258 leftcol first column displayed
6259 skipcol columns skipped
6260 Note that no option values are saved.
6261
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006262
6263winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
6264 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
6265 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
6266 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6267 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
6268 Examples: >
6269 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
6270 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
6271 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
6272 :endif
6273<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006274 *writefile()*
6275writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006276 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006277 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
6278 Number.
6279 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
6280 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
6281 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
6282 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
6283 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
6284 to writefile().
6285 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
6286 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
6287 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
6288 fails.
6289 Also see |readfile()|.
6290 To copy a file byte for byte: >
6291 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
6292 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01006293
6294
6295xor({expr}, {expr}) *xor()*
6296 Bitwise XOR on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
6297 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
6298 Example: >
6299 :let bits = xor(bits, 0x80)
Bram Moolenaar6ee8d892012-01-10 14:55:01 +01006300<
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01006301
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006302
6303 *feature-list*
6304There are three types of features:
63051. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
6306 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
6307 :if has("cindent")
63082. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
6309 Example: >
6310 :if has("gui_running")
6311< *has-patch*
63123. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
6313 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
6314 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
6315 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006316< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
6317 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006318
6319all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
6320amiga Amiga version of Vim.
6321arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
6322arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00006323autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006324balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00006325balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006326beos BeOS version of Vim.
6327browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
6328 work.
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02006329browsefilter Compiled with support for |browsefilter|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006330builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
6331byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
6332cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
6333clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
6334clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
6335cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
6336cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
6337cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
6338comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006339compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006340cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
6341cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006342debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
6343dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
6344dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
6345diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
6346digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
6347dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006348dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006349dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006350ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
6351emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
6352eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
6353 true, of course!
6354ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
6355extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
6356 |'hlsearch'|
6357farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
6358file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006359filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
6360 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006361find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
6362 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006363float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006364fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
6365 Windows this is not present).
6366folding Compiled with |folding| support.
6367footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
6368fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
6369gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
6370gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
6371gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006372gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006373gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
6374gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
6375gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
6376gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
6377gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006378gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006379gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
6380gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006381hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
6382iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
6383insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
6384 Insert mode.
6385jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
6386keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
6387langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
6388libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
6389linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
6390 support.
6391lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
6392listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
6393 and the argument list |arglist|.
6394localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
Bram Moolenaar0ba04292010-07-14 23:23:17 +02006395lua Compiled with Lua interface |Lua|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006396mac Macintosh version of Vim.
6397macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
6398menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
6399mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
6400modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
6401mouse Compiled with support mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006402mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
6403mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
6404mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
6405mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006406mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02006407mouse_sgr Compiled with support for sgr mouse.
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01006408mouse_urxvt Compiled with support for urxvt mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006409mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006410mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00006411multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
6412multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006413multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
6414multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00006415mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaarb26e6322010-05-22 21:34:09 +02006416netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and connected.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006417netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006418ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
6419os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006420path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
6421perl Compiled with Perl interface.
Bram Moolenaar55debbe2010-05-23 23:34:36 +02006422persistent_undo Compiled with support for persistent undo history.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006423postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
6424printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006425profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02006426python Compiled with Python 2.x interface. |has-python|
6427python3 Compiled with Python 3.x interface. |has-python|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006428qnx QNX version of Vim.
6429quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00006430reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006431rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
6432ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
6433scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
6434showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
6435signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
6436smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00006437sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006438spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00006439startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006440statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
6441 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
6442sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00006443syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006444syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
6445 current buffer.
6446system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
6447tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
6448 |tag-binary-search|.
6449tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
6450 |tag-old-static|.
6451tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
6452 files |tag-any-white|.
6453tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
6454terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
6455termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
6456textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
6457tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
6458 or terminfo file.
6459title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
6460toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
6461unix Unix version of Vim.
6462user_commands User-defined commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006463vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006464vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place. |startup|
6465viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006466virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
6467visual Compiled with Visual mode.
6468visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
6469 |blockwise-operators|.
6470vms VMS version of Vim.
6471vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
6472wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
6473wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006474win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01006475win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95 and later, 32 or
6476 64 bits)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006477win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006478win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006479win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006480winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
6481windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006482writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
6483xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
6484xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
Bram Moolenaar6ee8d892012-01-10 14:55:01 +01006485xpm_w32 Compiled with pixmap support for Win32.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006486xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
6487xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
6488xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
6489xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
6490 xterm screen.
6491x11 Compiled with X11 support.
6492
6493 *string-match*
6494Matching a pattern in a String
6495
6496A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
6497the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
6498everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
6499like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
6500line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
6501with ".". Example: >
6502 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
6503 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
6504 aa
6505 xx
6506 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
6507 a
6508 x
6509
6510Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
6511"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
6512"\n".
6513
6514==============================================================================
65155. Defining functions *user-functions*
6516
6517New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
6518functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
6519commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
6520
6521The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
6522builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
6523avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
6524the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
6525
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006526It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6527|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006528
6529 *local-function*
6530A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6531can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6532and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006533function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006534instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6535
6536 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6537:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6538
6539:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006540 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6541 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006542 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006543
6544:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6545 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6546 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006547<
6548 *:function-verbose*
6549When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6550last defined. Example: >
6551
6552 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6553 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6554 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6555<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006556See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006557
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +02006558 *E124* *E125* *E853*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006559:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006560 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6561 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6562 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006563
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006564 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6565 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006566 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006567< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006568 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006569 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006570 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6571 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6572 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006573 *E127* *E122*
6574 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6575 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6576 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6577 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006578
6579 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6580
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006581 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6582 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6583 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6584 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6585 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6586 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6587 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01006588 The cursor is still moved to the first line of the
6589 range, as is the case with all Ex commands.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006590
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006591 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6592 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006593
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006594 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006595 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006596 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6597 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006598
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006599 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006600 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006601 will not be changed by the function. This also
6602 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6603 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006604
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006605 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6606:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6607 by its own, without other commands.
6608
6609 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6610:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006611 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6612 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006613 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006614< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006615 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6616 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006617 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6618:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6619 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6620 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6621 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6622 the number 0 is returned.
6623 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6624 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6625
6626 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6627 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6628 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6629 are executed first. This process applies to all
6630 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6631 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6632
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006633 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006634An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006635be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006636 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006637Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6638arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6639may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6640as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006641can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6642that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006643 *E742*
6644The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006645However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006646Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6647it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6648|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006649
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006650When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6651to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6652may be larger.
6653
6654It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6655still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6656until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6657inside a function body.
6658
6659 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006660Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6661will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6662accessed with "g:".
6663
6664Example: >
6665 :function Table(title, ...)
6666 : echohl Title
6667 : echo a:title
6668 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006669 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6670 : for s in a:000
6671 : echon ' ' . s
6672 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006673 :endfunction
6674
6675This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006676 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6677 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006678
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006679To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6680 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006681 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006682 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006683 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006684 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006685 :endfunction
6686
6687This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006688 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006689 :if success == "ok"
6690 : echo div
6691 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006692<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006693 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006694:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6695 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6696 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006697 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006698 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6699 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6700 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6701 function.
6702 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6703 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6704 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6705 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006706 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006707 this works:
6708 *function-range-example* >
6709 :function Mynumber(arg)
6710 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6711 :endfunction
6712 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6713<
6714 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6715 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6716 the range.
6717
6718 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6719
6720 :function Cont() range
6721 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6722 :endfunction
6723 :4,8call Cont()
6724<
6725 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6726 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6727
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006728 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6729 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6730 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6731< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6732
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006733 *E132*
6734The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6735option.
6736
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006737
6738AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006739 *autoload-functions*
6740When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006741only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6742the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6743
6744
6745Using an autocommand ~
6746
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006747This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6748
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006749The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6750You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006751That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006752again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6753
6754Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6755function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006756
6757 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6758
6759The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6760"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6761
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006762
6763Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006764 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006765This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6766
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006767Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6768exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6769like this: >
6770
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006771 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006772
6773When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6774"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6775"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6776then define the function like this: >
6777
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006778 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006779 echo "Done!"
6780 endfunction
6781
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006782The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006783exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6784called.
6785
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006786It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6787a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006788
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006789 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006790
6791Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6792
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006793This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6794
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006795 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006796
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006797However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6798for an unknown variable.
6799
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006800When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6801be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6802
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006803 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6804 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006805
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006806Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6807defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6808function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006809And you will get an error message every time.
6810
6811Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006812other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006813Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006814
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006815Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6816|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6817
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006818==============================================================================
68196. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6820
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01006821In most places where you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name"
6822variable. This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions
6823wrapped in braces {} like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006824 my_{adjective}_variable
6825
6826When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6827that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6828name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6829"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6830"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6831
6832One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006833value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006834 echo my_{&background}_message
6835
6836would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6837on the current value of 'background'.
6838
6839You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6840 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6841..or even nest them: >
6842 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6843where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6844
6845However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006846variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006847 :let foo='a + b'
6848 :echo c{foo}d
6849.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6850
6851 *curly-braces-function-names*
6852You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6853Example: >
6854 :let func_end='whizz'
6855 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6856
6857This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6858
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01006859This does NOT work: >
6860 :let i = 3
6861 :let @{i} = '' " error
6862 :echo @{i} " error
6863
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006864==============================================================================
68657. Commands *expression-commands*
6866
6867:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6868 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6869 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6870 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6871 is created.
6872
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006873:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6874 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6875 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6876 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6877 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006878 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6879 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6880 can do that like this: >
6881 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6882<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006883 *E711* *E719*
6884:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006885 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6886 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006887 correct number of items.
6888 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6889 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6890 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6891 end of the list, items will be added.
6892
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006893 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006894:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6895:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6896:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6897 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6898 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6899
6900
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006901:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6902 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6903 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006904:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6905 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6906 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6907 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006908
6909:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6910 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6911 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6912 must be the name of a writable register (see
6913 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6914 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6915 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6916 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6917 characterwise.
6918 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6919 :let @/ = ""
6920< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6921 that would match everywhere.
6922
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006923:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006924 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006925 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6926
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006927:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006928 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006929 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6930 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006931 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6932 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006933 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006934 Example: >
6935 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006936
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006937:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6938 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6939 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6940
6941:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6942:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6943 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6944 {expr1}.
6945
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006946:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006947:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6948:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6949:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006950 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6951 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6952
6953:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006954:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6955:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6956:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006957 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6958 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6959
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006960:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006961 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006962 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6963 {name2}, etc.
6964 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006965 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006966 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6967 command as mentioned above.
6968 Example: >
6969 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006970< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6971 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6972 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6973 :let x = [0, 1]
6974 :let i = 0
6975 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6976 :echo x
6977< The result is [0, 2].
6978
6979:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6980:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6981:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6982 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006983 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006984
6985:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006986 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006987 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6988 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6989 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006990 Example: >
6991 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6992<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006993:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6994:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6995:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6996 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006997 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02006998
6999 *E121*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007000:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00007001 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
7002 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00007003 g: global variables
7004 b: local buffer variables
7005 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00007006 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00007007 s: script-local variables
7008 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00007009 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007010
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00007011:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
7012 variable is indicated before the value:
7013 <nothing> String
7014 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00007015 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007016
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007017
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007018:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007019 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
7020 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007021 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007022 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
7023 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007024 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00007025 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
7026 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007027< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00007028 :unlet dict['two']
7029 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00007030< This is especially useful to clean up used global
7031 variables and script-local variables (these are not
7032 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
7033 variables are automatically deleted when the function
7034 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007035
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007036:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
7037 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
7038 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
7039 A locked variable can be deleted: >
7040 :lockvar v
7041 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
7042 :unlet v
7043< *E741*
7044 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
7045 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
7046
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007047 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
7048 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
7049 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007050 cannot add or remove items, but can
7051 still change their values.
7052 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007053 the items. If an item is a |List| or
7054 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007055 items, but can still change the
7056 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007057 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
7058 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
7059 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
7060 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
7061 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007062 *E743*
7063 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
7064 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
7065 loops.
7066
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007067 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
7068 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00007069 locked when used through the other variable.
7070 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007071 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
7072 :let cl = l
7073 :lockvar l
7074 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
7075< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
7076 See |deepcopy()|.
7077
7078
7079:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
7080 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
7081 opposite of |:lockvar|.
7082
7083
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007084:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
7085:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
7086 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
7087
7088 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
7089 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
7090 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
7091 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
7092 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
7093 part was not executed either.
7094
7095 You can use this to remain compatible with older
7096 versions: >
7097 :if version >= 500
7098 : version-5-specific-commands
7099 :endif
7100< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
7101 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
7102 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
7103 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
7104 avoid problems: >
7105 :if version >= 600
7106 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
7107 :endif
7108<
7109 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
7110 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
7111
7112 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
7113:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
7114 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
7115 executed.
7116
7117 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
7118:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
7119 is no extra ":endif".
7120
7121:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007122 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007123:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
7124 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
7125 When an error is detected from a command inside the
7126 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007127 Example: >
7128 :let lnum = 1
7129 :while lnum <= line("$")
7130 :call FixLine(lnum)
7131 :let lnum = lnum + 1
7132 :endwhile
7133<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007134 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007135 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007136
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007137:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007138:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
7139 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00007140 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007141 value of each item.
7142 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007143 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00007144 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
7145 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007146 :for item in copy(mylist)
7147< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
7148 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007149 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007150 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
7151 it will not be found. Thus the following example
7152 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007153 for item in mylist
7154 call remove(mylist, 0)
7155 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00007156< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
7157 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
7158 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007159 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
7160 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007161 to allow multiple item types: >
7162 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
7163 echo item
7164 unlet item " E706 without this
7165 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007166
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007167:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
7168:endfo[r]
7169 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
7170 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
7171 {var2}, etc. Example: >
7172 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
7173 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
7174 :endfor
7175<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007176 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007177:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
7178 to the start of the loop.
7179 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
7180 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
7181 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
7182 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
7183 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
7184 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007185
7186 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007187:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
7188 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
7189 ":endfor".
7190 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
7191 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
7192 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
7193 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
7194 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
7195 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007196
7197:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
7198:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
7199 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
7200 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
7201 or autocommand invocations.
7202
7203 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
7204 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
7205 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
7206 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
7207 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
7208 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
7209 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
7210 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
7211 Example: >
7212 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
7213 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
7214<
7215 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
7216 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
7217 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
7218 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
7219 processing is not terminated.
7220
7221 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
7222 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
7223 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
7224 other errors are converted to a value of the form
7225 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
7226 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
7227 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
7228 the error number.
7229 Examples: >
7230 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
7231 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
7232<
7233 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007234:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007235 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
7236 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
7237 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
7238 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
7239 commands are skipped.
7240 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
7241 Examples: >
7242 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
7243 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
7244 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
7245 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
7246 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
7247 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
7248 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
7249 :catch " same as /.*/
7250<
7251 Another character can be used instead of / around the
7252 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
7253 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
7254 {pattern}.
7255 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
7256 an error message because it may vary in different
7257 locales.
7258
7259 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
7260:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
7261 are executed whenever the part between the matching
7262 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
7263 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
7264 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
7265 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
7266
7267 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
7268:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
7269 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
7270 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
7271 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
7272 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
7273 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
7274 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
7275 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
7276 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
7277 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
7278 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
7279 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
7280 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
7281 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
7282 is terminated.
7283 Example: >
7284 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
Bram Moolenaar662db672011-03-22 14:05:35 +01007285< Note that "catch" may need to be on a separate line
7286 for when an error causes the parsing to skip the whole
7287 line and not see the "|" that separates the commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007288
7289 *:ec* *:echo*
7290:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
7291 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
7292 Also see |:comment|.
7293 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
7294 cursor to the first column.
7295 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7296 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7297 Example: >
7298 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007299< *:echo-redraw*
7300 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
7301 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
7302 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
7303 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
7304 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
7305 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
7306 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007307 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
7308<
7309 *:echon*
7310:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
7311 |:comment|.
7312 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7313 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7314 Example: >
7315 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
7316<
7317 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
7318 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
7319 command: >
7320 :!echo % --> filename
7321< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
7322 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
7323< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
7324 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
7325 :echo % --> nothing
7326< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
7327 :echo "%" --> %
7328< This just echoes the '%' character. >
7329 :echo expand("%") --> filename
7330< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
7331
7332 *:echoh* *:echohl*
7333:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
7334 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
7335 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
7336 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
7337< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
7338 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
7339
7340 *:echom* *:echomsg*
7341:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
7342 message in the |message-history|.
7343 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
7344 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
7345 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007346 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
7347 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
7348 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
7349 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
7350 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007351 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7352 Example: >
7353 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007354< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
7355 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007356 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
7357:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
7358 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
7359 script or function the line number will be added.
7360 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007361 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007362 the message is raised as an error exception instead
7363 (see |try-echoerr|).
7364 Example: >
7365 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
7366< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
7367 And to get a beep: >
7368 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
7369<
7370 *:exe* *:execute*
7371:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007372 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
7373 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
7374 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
7375 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
7376 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
7377 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007378 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7379 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007380 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
7381 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007382<
7383 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
7384 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
7385 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
7386
7387< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
7388 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
7389 command: >
7390 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
7391< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
7392
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007393 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
7394 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007395 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
7396 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007397 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007398 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007399<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007400 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007401 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
7402 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007403 :execute 'while i > 5'
7404 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
7405<
7406 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
7407 completely in the executed string: >
7408 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
7409<
7410
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007411 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007412 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
7413 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
7414 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
7415 comment. Example: >
7416 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
7417
7418==============================================================================
74198. Exception handling *exception-handling*
7420
7421The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
7422explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
7423
7424Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
7425|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
7426exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
7427
7428
7429TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
7430
7431Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
7432use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
7433a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
7434 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
7435|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
7436a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
7437be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
7438which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
7439clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
7440
7441 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007442 : ...
7443 : ... TRY BLOCK
7444 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007445 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007446 : ...
7447 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7448 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007449 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007450 : ...
7451 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7452 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007453 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007454 : ...
7455 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
7456 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007457 :endtry
7458
7459The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
7460appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
7461from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
7462 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
7463is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
7464script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
7465 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
7466lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
7467patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
7468after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
7469executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
7470":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
7471(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
7472continues in the following line as usual.
7473 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
7474":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
7475that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
7476finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
7477the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
7478the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
7479see |try-nesting|.
7480 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007481remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007482not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
7483try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
7484a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
7485execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
7486exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7487 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007488thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007489clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
7490catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
7491following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
7492clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7493
7494The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
7495a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
7496try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
7497from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
7498sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
7499":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
7500":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
7501from the finally clause.
7502 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
7503try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
7504clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
7505":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
7506clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
7507":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
7508this pending exception or command is discarded.
7509
7510For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
7511
7512
7513NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
7514
7515Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
7516conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
7517clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
7518catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
7519of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
7520checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
7521try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007522otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007523nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
7524one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
7525the inner try conditional.
7526
7527When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
7528finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
7529An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
7530thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
7531implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
7532as usual.
7533
7534For examples see |throw-catch|.
7535
7536
7537EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7538
7539Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7540'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7541script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7542finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7543a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7544(see |debug-scripts|).
7545
7546
7547THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7548
7549You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7550and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7551 :throw 4711
7552 :throw "string"
7553< *throw-expression*
7554You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7555first, and the result is thrown: >
7556 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7557 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7558
7559An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7560command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7561The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7562 Example: >
7563
7564 :function! Foo(arg)
7565 : try
7566 : throw a:arg
7567 : catch /foo/
7568 : endtry
7569 : return 1
7570 :endfunction
7571 :
7572 :function! Bar()
7573 : echo "in Bar"
7574 : return 4710
7575 :endfunction
7576 :
7577 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7578
7579This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7580executed. >
7581 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7582however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7583
7584Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007585abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007586exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7587 Example: >
7588
7589 :if Foo("arrgh")
7590 : echo "then"
7591 :else
7592 : echo "else"
7593 :endif
7594
7595Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7596
7597 *catch-order*
7598Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7599commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7600command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7601gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7602 Example: >
7603
7604 :function! Foo(value)
7605 : try
7606 : throw a:value
7607 : catch /^\d\+$/
7608 : echo "Number thrown"
7609 : catch /.*/
7610 : echo "String thrown"
7611 : endtry
7612 :endfunction
7613 :
7614 :call Foo(0x1267)
7615 :call Foo('string')
7616
7617The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7618An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7619specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7620specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7621
7622 : catch /.*/
7623 : echo "String thrown"
7624 : catch /^\d\+$/
7625 : echo "Number thrown"
7626
7627The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7628never taken.
7629
7630 *throw-variables*
7631If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7632in the variable |v:exception|: >
7633
7634 : catch /^\d\+$/
7635 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7636
7637You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7638|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7639exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7640 Example: >
7641
7642 :function! Caught()
7643 : if v:exception != ""
7644 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7645 : else
7646 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7647 : endif
7648 :endfunction
7649 :
7650 :function! Foo()
7651 : try
7652 : try
7653 : try
7654 : throw 4711
7655 : finally
7656 : call Caught()
7657 : endtry
7658 : catch /.*/
7659 : call Caught()
7660 : throw "oops"
7661 : endtry
7662 : catch /.*/
7663 : call Caught()
7664 : finally
7665 : call Caught()
7666 : endtry
7667 :endfunction
7668 :
7669 :call Foo()
7670
7671This displays >
7672
7673 Nothing caught
7674 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7675 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7676 Nothing caught
7677
7678A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7679number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7680
7681 :function! LineNumber()
7682 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7683 :endfunction
7684 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7685<
7686 *try-nested*
7687An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7688a surrounding try conditional: >
7689
7690 :try
7691 : try
7692 : throw "foo"
7693 : catch /foobar/
7694 : echo "foobar"
7695 : finally
7696 : echo "inner finally"
7697 : endtry
7698 :catch /foo/
7699 : echo "foo"
7700 :endtry
7701
7702The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7703clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7704conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7705
7706 *throw-from-catch*
7707You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7708catch clause: >
7709
7710 :function! Foo()
7711 : throw "foo"
7712 :endfunction
7713 :
7714 :function! Bar()
7715 : try
7716 : call Foo()
7717 : catch /foo/
7718 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7719 : throw "bar"
7720 : endtry
7721 :endfunction
7722 :
7723 :try
7724 : call Bar()
7725 :catch /.*/
7726 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7727 :endtry
7728
7729This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7730
7731 *rethrow*
7732There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7733"v:exception" instead: >
7734
7735 :function! Bar()
7736 : try
7737 : call Foo()
7738 : catch /.*/
7739 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7740 : throw v:exception
7741 : endtry
7742 :endfunction
7743< *try-echoerr*
7744Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7745exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7746Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7747denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7748the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7749
7750 :try
7751 : try
7752 : asdf
7753 : catch /.*/
7754 : echoerr v:exception
7755 : endtry
7756 :catch /.*/
7757 : echo v:exception
7758 :endtry
7759
7760This code displays
7761
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007762 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007763
7764
7765CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7766
7767Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7768user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007769an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007770a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7771catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7772a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7773normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7774(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007775to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007776clause has been executed.)
7777Example: >
7778
7779 :try
7780 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7781 : set ts=17
7782 :
7783 : " Do the hard work here.
7784 :
7785 :finally
7786 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7787 : unlet s:saved_ts
7788 :endtry
7789
7790This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7791changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7792that function or script part.
7793
7794 *break-finally*
7795Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7796a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7797 Example: >
7798
7799 :let first = 1
7800 :while 1
7801 : try
7802 : if first
7803 : echo "first"
7804 : let first = 0
7805 : continue
7806 : else
7807 : throw "second"
7808 : endif
7809 : catch /.*/
7810 : echo v:exception
7811 : break
7812 : finally
7813 : echo "cleanup"
7814 : endtry
7815 : echo "still in while"
7816 :endwhile
7817 :echo "end"
7818
7819This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7820
7821 :function! Foo()
7822 : try
7823 : return 4711
7824 : finally
7825 : echo "cleanup\n"
7826 : endtry
7827 : echo "Foo still active"
7828 :endfunction
7829 :
7830 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7831
7832This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007833extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007834return value.)
7835
7836 *except-from-finally*
7837Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7838a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7839cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7840exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7841 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7842working correctly: >
7843
7844 :try
7845 : try
7846 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7847 : while 1
7848 : endwhile
7849 : finally
7850 : unlet novar
7851 : endtry
7852 :catch /novar/
7853 :endtry
7854 :echo "Script still running"
7855 :sleep 1
7856
7857If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7858think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7859|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7860
7861
7862CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7863
7864If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7865watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7866presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7867exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7868the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7869the error exception is.
7870 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7871
7872 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7873or >
7874 Vim:{errmsg}
7875
7876{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007877the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007878when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7879a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7880a space.
7881
7882Examples:
7883
7884The command >
7885 :unlet novar
7886normally produces the error message >
7887 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7888which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7889 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7890
7891The command >
7892 :dwim
7893normally produces the error message >
7894 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7895which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7896 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7897
7898You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7899 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7900or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7901 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7902
7903Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7904 :function nofunc
7905and >
7906 :delfunction nofunc
7907both produce the error message >
7908 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7909which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7910 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7911or >
7912 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7913respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7914command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7915 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7916
7917Some commands like >
7918 :let x = novar
7919produce multiple error messages, here: >
7920 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7921 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7922Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7923one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7924 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7925
7926You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7927 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7928
7929You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7930 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7931
7932You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7933 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7934<
7935 *catch-text*
7936NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7937 :catch /No such variable/
7938only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7939a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7940cite the message text in a comment: >
7941 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7942
7943
7944IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7945
7946You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7947
7948 :try
7949 : write
7950 :catch
7951 :endtry
7952
7953But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7954catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7955be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7956
7957 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7958
7959There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7960writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7961then hide the error from the user.
7962 It is much better to use >
7963
7964 :try
7965 : write
7966 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7967 :endtry
7968
7969which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7970intentionally.
7971
7972For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7973even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7974command: >
7975 :silent! nunmap k
7976This works also when a try conditional is active.
7977
7978
7979CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7980
7981When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007982the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007983script is not terminated, then.
7984 Example: >
7985
7986 :function! TASK1()
7987 : sleep 10
7988 :endfunction
7989
7990 :function! TASK2()
7991 : sleep 20
7992 :endfunction
7993
7994 :while 1
7995 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7996 : try
7997 : if command == ""
7998 : continue
7999 : elseif command == "END"
8000 : break
8001 : elseif command == "TASK1"
8002 : call TASK1()
8003 : elseif command == "TASK2"
8004 : call TASK2()
8005 : else
8006 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
8007 : continue
8008 : endif
8009 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
8010 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
8011 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
8012 : endtry
8013 :endwhile
8014
8015You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008016a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008017
8018For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
8019your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
8020command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
8021
8022
8023CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
8024
8025The commands >
8026
8027 :catch /.*/
8028 :catch //
8029 :catch
8030
8031catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
8032explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
8033a script in order to catch unexpected things.
8034 Example: >
8035
8036 :try
8037 :
8038 : " do the hard work here
8039 :
8040 :catch /MyException/
8041 :
8042 : " handle known problem
8043 :
8044 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
8045 : echo "Script interrupted"
8046 :catch /.*/
8047 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
8048 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
8049 :endtry
8050 :" end of script
8051
8052Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
8053strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
8054specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
8055 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
8056by pressing CTRL-C: >
8057
8058 :while 1
8059 : try
8060 : sleep 1
8061 : catch
8062 : endtry
8063 :endwhile
8064
8065
8066EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
8067
8068Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
8069
8070 :autocmd User x try
8071 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
8072 :autocmd User x catch
8073 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
8074 :autocmd User x endtry
8075 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
8076 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
8077 :
8078 :try
8079 : doautocmd User x
8080 :catch
8081 : echo v:exception
8082 :endtry
8083
8084This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
8085
8086 *except-autocmd-Pre*
8087For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
8088command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
8089of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
8090abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
8091 Example: >
8092
8093 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
8094 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
8095 :
8096 :try
8097 : write
8098 :catch
8099 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
8100 :endtry
8101
8102Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
8103you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
8104autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
8105script displays: >
8106
8107 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
8108<
8109 *except-autocmd-Post*
8110For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
8111command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
8112an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
8113is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
8114 Example: >
8115
8116 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
8117 :
8118 :try
8119 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8120 :catch
8121 : echo v:exception
8122 :endtry
8123
8124This just displays: >
8125
8126 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
8127
8128If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
8129fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
8130 Example: >
8131
8132 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
8133 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
8134 :
8135 :try
8136 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8137 :catch
8138 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8139 :endtry
8140<
8141You can also use ":silent!": >
8142
8143 :let x = "ok"
8144 :let v:errmsg = ""
8145 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
8146 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
8147 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
8148 :try
8149 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8150 :catch
8151 :endtry
8152 :echo x
8153
8154This displays "after fail".
8155
8156If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
8157autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
8158
8159 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
8160 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
8161 :
8162 :try
8163 : write
8164 :catch
8165 : echo v:exception
8166 :endtry
8167<
8168 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
8169For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
8170autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
8171of the command.
8172 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008173had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008174some way. >
8175
8176 :if !exists("cnt")
8177 : let cnt = 0
8178 :
8179 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
8180 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
8181 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
8182 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
8183 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8184 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
8185 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
8186 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
8187 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8188 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
8189 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8190 :endif
8191 :
8192 :try
8193 : write
8194 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
8195 : if &modified
8196 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
8197 : else
8198 : echo "Error after writing"
8199 : endif
8200 :catch /^Vim(write):/
8201 : echo "Error on writing"
8202 :endtry
8203
8204When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
8205first >
8206 File successfully written!
8207then >
8208 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
8209then >
8210 Error after writing
8211etc.
8212
8213 *except-autocmd-ill*
8214You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
8215The following code is ill-formed: >
8216
8217 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
8218 :
8219 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
8220 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
8221 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
8222 :
8223 :write
8224
8225
8226EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
8227
8228Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
8229pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
8230similar things in Vim.
8231 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
8232class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
8233string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
8234 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
8235it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
8236for an error when writing "myfile".
8237 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
8238base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
8239parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
8240 Example: >
8241
8242 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
8243 : if a:a < 0
8244 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
8245 : endif
8246 :endfunction
8247 :
8248 :function! Add(a, b)
8249 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
8250 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
8251 : let c = a:a + a:b
8252 : if c < 0
8253 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
8254 : endif
8255 : return c
8256 :endfunction
8257 :
8258 :function! Div(a, b)
8259 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
8260 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
8261 : if (a:b == 0)
8262 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
8263 : endif
8264 : return a:a / a:b
8265 :endfunction
8266 :
8267 :function! Write(file)
8268 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008269 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008270 : catch /^Vim(write):/
8271 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
8272 : endtry
8273 :endfunction
8274 :
8275 :try
8276 :
8277 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
8278 :
8279 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
8280 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8281 : echo "Range error in" function
8282 :
8283 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
8284 : echo "Math error"
8285 :
8286 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
8287 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
8288 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8289 : if file !~ '^/'
8290 : let file = dir . "/" . file
8291 : endif
8292 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
8293 :
8294 :catch /^EXCEPT/
8295 : echo "Unspecified error"
8296 :
8297 :endtry
8298
8299The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
8300a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
8301exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
8302 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
8303failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
8304
8305
8306PECULIARITIES
8307 *except-compat*
8308The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
8309exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
8310and/or a catch clause.
8311
8312In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
8313continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
8314after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
8315functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
8316or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
8317(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
8318
8319This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
8320immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008321conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
8322be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008323termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
8324catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
8325by specifying a finally clause.)
8326
8327When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
8328behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
8329scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
8330
8331However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
8332commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
8333conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
8334script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
8335error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
8336messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008337|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
8338not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008339where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
8340error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
8341scripts.
8342
8343 *except-syntax-err*
8344Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
8345the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
8346clauses, however, is executed.
8347 Example: >
8348
8349 :try
8350 : try
8351 : throw 4711
8352 : catch /\(/
8353 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
8354 : catch
8355 : echo "inner catch-all"
8356 : finally
8357 : echo "inner finally"
8358 : endtry
8359 :catch
8360 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
8361 : finally
8362 : echo "outer finally"
8363 :endtry
8364
8365This displays: >
8366 inner finally
8367 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
8368 outer finally
8369The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
8370
8371 *except-single-line*
8372The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
8373a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
8374"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
8375 Example: >
8376 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
8377raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
8378argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
8379error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
8380displayed.
8381
8382 *except-several-errors*
8383When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
8384usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
8385 Example: >
8386 echo novar
8387causes >
8388 E121: Undefined variable: novar
8389 E15: Invalid expression: novar
8390The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8391 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
8392< *except-syntax-error*
8393But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
8394the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
8395 Example: >
8396 unlet novar #
8397causes >
8398 E108: No such variable: "novar"
8399 E488: Trailing characters
8400The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8401 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
8402This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
8403not intended by the user. Example: >
8404 try
8405 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
8406 catch /.*/
8407 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
8408 endtry
8409This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
8410a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
8411
8412==============================================================================
84139. Examples *eval-examples*
8414
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008415Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008416>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01008417 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008418 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008419 : let n = a:nr
8420 : let r = ""
8421 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008422 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
8423 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008424 : endwhile
8425 : return r
8426 :endfunc
8427
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008428 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
8429 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
8430 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008431 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008432 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
8433 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
8434 : endfor
8435 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008436 :endfunc
8437
8438Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008439 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
8440result: "100000" >
8441 :echo String2Bin("32")
8442result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008443
8444
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008445Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008446
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008447This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
8448
8449 :func SortBuffer()
8450 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
8451 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
8452 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008453 :endfunction
8454
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008455As a one-liner: >
8456 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008457
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008458
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008459scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008460 *sscanf*
8461There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
8462line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
8463how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
8464"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
8465 :" Set up the match bit
8466 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
8467 :"get the part matching the whole expression
8468 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
8469 :"get each item out of the match
8470 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
8471 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
8472 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
8473
8474The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
8475"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
8476
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008477
8478getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
8479 *scriptnames-dictionary*
8480The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
8481have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
8482(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
8483code can be used: >
8484 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
8485 let scriptnames_output = ''
8486 redir => scriptnames_output
8487 silent scriptnames
8488 redir END
8489
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008490 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008491 " "scripts" dictionary.
8492 let scripts = {}
8493 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
8494 " Only do non-blank lines.
8495 if line =~ '\S'
8496 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008497 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008498 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008499 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008500 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008501 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008502 endif
8503 endfor
8504 unlet scriptnames_output
8505
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008506==============================================================================
850710. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
8508
8509When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
8510evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
8511to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
8512recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
8513and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
8514only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
8515recognized.
8516
8517Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
8518missing: >
8519
8520 :if 1
8521 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
8522 :else
8523 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
8524 :endif
8525
8526==============================================================================
852711. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
8528
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02008529The 'foldexpr', 'formatexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and
8530'foldtext' options may be evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are
8531protected from these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some
8532safety for when these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when
8533the command from a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008534The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008535
8536These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8537 - changing the buffer text
8538 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8539 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008540 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008541 - executing a shell command
8542 - reading or writing a file
8543 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008544 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008545This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8546
8547 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008548:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008549 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8550 'foldexpr'.
8551
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008552 *sandbox-option*
8553A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008554have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008555restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8556location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008557- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008558- while executing in the sandbox
8559- value coming from a modeline
8560
8561Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8562option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8563
8564==============================================================================
856512. Textlock *textlock*
8566
8567In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8568to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8569is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008570actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008571happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8572
8573This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8574 - changing the buffer text
8575 - jumping to another buffer or window
8576 - editing another file
8577 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8578 - etc.
8579
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008580
8581 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: