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Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Sep 05
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000039There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000053Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
54 value. |Dictionary|
55 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
56
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000057The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
58are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000059
60Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
61the Number. Examples: >
62 Number 123 --> String "123"
63 Number 0 --> String "0"
64 Number -1 --> String "-1"
65
66Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
67to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
68the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
69 String "456" --> Number 456
70 String "6bar" --> Number 6
71 String "foo" --> Number 0
72 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
73 String "0100" --> Number 64
74 String "-8" --> Number -8
75 String "+8" --> Number 0
76
77To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
78 :echo "0100" + 0
79
80For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
81
82Note that in the command >
83 :if "foo"
84"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
85use strlen(): >
86 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000087< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
88List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 *E706*
91You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
92to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000093equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000095 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000096 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000991.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000100 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000101A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000102in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
103around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000104
105 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
106 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000108A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
109have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000110
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000111A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
112Dictionary entry. Example: >
113 :function dict.init() dict
114 : let self.val = 0
115 :endfunction
116
117The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
118function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
119
120A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
121 :call Fn()
122 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000123
124The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000126
127You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
128arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000129 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130
131
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001321.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000133 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000134A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
135can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
136position in the sequence.
137
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138
139List creation ~
140 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000142Examples: >
143 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
144 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147nested List: >
148 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000149
150An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
151
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152
153List index ~
154 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000155An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000156after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
157 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000160When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
164the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000165 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
166
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000167To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000168is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169 :echo get(mylist, idx)
170 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
171
172
173List concatenation ~
174
175Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
176 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000177 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178
179To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
180it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
181
182
183Sublist ~
184
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000185A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
186separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000187 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000188
189Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
190similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
191available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000192 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
193 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
194 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000195
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000196The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
197is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
198 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
199 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
200
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000201NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
202using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
203mylist[s : e].
204
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000206List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000207 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
209variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
210change "bb": >
211 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
212 :let bb = aa
213 :call add(aa, 4)
214 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000215< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216
217Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
218works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000219a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
221 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
224 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000229To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231
232The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234the same value. >
235 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
236 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000240< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000241
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000242Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
243same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000244exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
245different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
246variables. Example: >
247 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000248< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250< 0
251
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
253can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
254
255 :let a = 5
256 :let b = "5"
257 echo a == b
258< 1 >
259 echo [a] == [b]
260< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262
263List unpack ~
264
265To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
266square brackets, like list items: >
267 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
268
269When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
270this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
271and a variable name: >
272 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
273
274This works like: >
275 :let var1 = mylist[0]
276 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000277 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278
279Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
280empty list then.
281
282
283List modification ~
284 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286 :let list[4] = "four"
287 :let listlist[0][3] = item
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000290modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000291 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
292
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
294examples: >
295 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
296 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
297 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000299 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
300 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000301 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000303 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000307 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
308 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
311For loop ~
312
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000313The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
314to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315 :for item in mylist
316 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000317 :endfor
318
319This works like: >
320 :let index = 0
321 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000322 : let item = mylist[index]
323 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000324 : let index = index + 1
325 :endwhile
326
327Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000328results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000329the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000331If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000332function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000333
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
335requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
336 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
337 : call Doit(lnum, col)
338 :endfor
339
340This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
341must remain the same to avoid an error.
342
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
345 : call Doit(i, j)
346 : if !empty(rest)
347 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
348 : endif
349 :endfor
350
351
352List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000354Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000355 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000357 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
358 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
359 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
361 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
363 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000364 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
365 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000366 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
367 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000368
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000369Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
370example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
371 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
372
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003741.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000377entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
378ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000379
380
381Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
385only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000386 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
387 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000388< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000389A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
390String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000391entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
392Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000394A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000395nested Dictionary: >
396 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
397
398An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
399
400
401Accessing entries ~
402
403The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
404 :let val = mydict["one"]
405 :let mydict["four"] = 4
406
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000407You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000408
409For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
410form can be used |expr-entry|: >
411 :let val = mydict.one
412 :let mydict.four = 4
413
414Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
415key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000416 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000417
418
419Dictionary to List conversion ~
420
421You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
422turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
423
424Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
425 :for key in keys(mydict)
426 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
427 :endfor
428
429The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
430 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
431
432To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
433 :for v in values(mydict)
434 : echo "value: " . v
435 :endfor
436
437If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000438a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000439 :for entry in items(mydict)
440 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
441 :endfor
442
443
444Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000445 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
447Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
448Dictionary: >
449 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
450 :let adict = onedict
451 :let adict['a'] = 11
452 :echo onedict['a']
453 11
454
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000455Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
456more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000457
458
459Dictionary modification ~
460 *dict-modification*
461To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
462use |:let| this way: >
463 :let dict[4] = "four"
464 :let dict['one'] = item
465
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000466Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
467Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
468 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
469 :unlet dict.aaa
470 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000471
472Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000473 :call extend(adict, bdict)
474This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
475in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000476Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
477expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
478adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000481 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000482This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483
484
485Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000487When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
488special way with a dictionary. Example: >
489 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000492 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
493 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000494
495This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
496Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
497the function was invoked from.
498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
500Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
501
502 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
504assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000505 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
506 :function mydict.len() dict
507 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000509 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000511The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
512that references this function. The function can only be used through a
513|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
514remaining that refers to it.
515
516It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000517
518
519Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000520 *E715*
521Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
523 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
524 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
525 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
526 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
527 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
528 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
529 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000530
531
5321.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000533 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000534If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
535function.
536
537When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
538start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
539stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
540
541When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
542start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
543stored in the session file |session-file|.
544
545variable name can be stored where ~
546my_var_6 not
547My_Var_6 session file
548MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
549
550
551It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
552|curly-braces-names|.
553
554==============================================================================
5552. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
556
557Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
558
559|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
560
561|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
562
563|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
564
565|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
566 expr5 != expr5 not equal
567 expr5 > expr5 greater than
568 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
569 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
570 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
571 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
572 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
573
574 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
575 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
576 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
577 matching case
578
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000579 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
580 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
581
582|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000583 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
584 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
585
586|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
587 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
588 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
589
590|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
591 - expr7 unary minus
592 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000595|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
596 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
597 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
598 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
599
600|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000601 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000602 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000603 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605 &option option value
606 (expr1) nested expression
607 variable internal variable
608 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
609 $VAR environment variable
610 @r contents of register 'r'
611 function(expr1, ...) function call
612 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
613
614
615".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
616Example: >
617 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
618
619All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
620
621
622expr1 *expr1* *E109*
623-----
624
625expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
626
627The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
628non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
629otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
630Example: >
631 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
632
633Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
634other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
637
638To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
639 :echo lnum == 1
640 :\ ? "top"
641 :\ : lnum == 1000
642 :\ ? "last"
643 :\ : lnum
644
645
646expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
647---------------
648
649 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
650The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
651are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
652
653 input output ~
654n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
655zero zero zero zero
656zero non-zero non-zero zero
657non-zero zero non-zero zero
658non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
659
660The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
661
662 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
663
664Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
665
666 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
667
668Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
669arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
670
671 let a = 1
672 echo a || b
673
674This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
675so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
676
677 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
678
679This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
680only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
681
682
683expr4 *expr4*
684-----
685
686expr5 {cmp} expr5
687
688Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
689if it evaluates to true.
690
691 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
692 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
693 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
694 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
695 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
696 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000697 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000698 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
699equal == ==# ==?
700not equal != !=# !=?
701greater than > ># >?
702greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
703smaller than < <# <?
704smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
705regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
706regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000707same instance is
708different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709
710Examples:
711"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
712"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
713"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
714
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000715 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000716A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
717can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
718case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
719
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000720 *E735* *E736*
721A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
722equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
723recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
724
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000725 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000726A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
727can be used. Case is never ignored.
728
729When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
730referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
731original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
732"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
733different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
734is false.
735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
737and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
738because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
739
740When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
741results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
742necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
743
744When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
745'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
746
747When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
748'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
749
750The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
751argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
752This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
753matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
754portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
755single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
756Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
757(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
758can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
759 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
761
762
763expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
764---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
766expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
767expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000769For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
770is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
771
772expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
773expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
774expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
777
778Note the difference between "+" and ".":
779 "123" + "456" = 579
780 "123" . "456" = "123456"
781
782When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
783When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000785None of these work for Funcrefs.
786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000787
788expr7 *expr7*
789-----
790! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
791- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
792+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
793
794For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
795For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
796For '+' the number is unchanged.
797
798A String will be converted to a Number first.
799
800These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
801 !-1 == 0
802 !!8 == 1
803 --9 == 9
804
805
806expr8 *expr8*
807-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000808expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000810If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
811expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000814Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
815text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
816cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
818
819If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
821compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
825error. Example: >
826 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
827
828Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
829or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
830
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000831
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000832expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
835from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
837encodings.
838
839If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
840string minus one is used.
841
842A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
843the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
844
845If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
846expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
847
848Examples: >
849 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
850 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
851 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
852 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000855indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
856above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
857 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
858 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
859 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000864expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000865
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000866If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
867will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
869The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
870but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
871
872There must not be white space before or after the dot.
873
874Examples: >
875 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
876 :echo dict.one
877 :echo dict .2
878
879Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
880always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
881
882
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000883expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
884
885When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
886
887
888
889 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000890number
891------
892number number constant *expr-number*
893
894Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
895
896
897string *expr-string* *E114*
898------
899"string" string constant *expr-quote*
900
901Note that double quotes are used.
902
903A string constant accepts these special characters:
904\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
905\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
906\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
907\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
908\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
909\X.. same as \x..
910\X. same as \x.
911\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
912 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
913\U.... same as \u....
914\b backspace <BS>
915\e escape <Esc>
916\f formfeed <FF>
917\n newline <NL>
918\r return <CR>
919\t tab <Tab>
920\\ backslash
921\" double quote
922\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
923
924Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
925
926
927literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
928---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000929'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000930
931Note that single quotes are used.
932
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000934meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000935
936Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
937to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
938 if a =~ "\\s*"
939 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000940
941
942option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
943------
944&option option value, local value if possible
945&g:option global option value
946&l:option local option value
947
948Examples: >
949 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
950 if &insertmode
951
952Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
953and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
954anyway.
955
956
957register *expr-register*
958--------
959@r contents of register 'r'
960
961The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
962Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000963register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
964registers.
965
966When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
967evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000968
969
970nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
971-------
972(expr1) nested expression
973
974
975environment variable *expr-env*
976--------------------
977$VAR environment variable
978
979The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
980result is an empty string.
981 *expr-env-expand*
982Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
983expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
984are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
985the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
986fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
987does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
988 :echo $version
989 :echo expand("$version")
990The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
991variable (if your shell supports it).
992
993
994internal variable *expr-variable*
995-----------------
996variable internal variable
997See below |internal-variables|.
998
999
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001000function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001-------------
1002function(expr1, ...) function call
1003See below |functions|.
1004
1005
1006==============================================================================
10073. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1008 *E461*
1009An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1010cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1011|curly-braces-names|.
1012
1013An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001014An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1015|:unlet|.
1016Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1017been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001018
1019There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1020specified by what is prepended:
1021
1022 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1023|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1024|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1025|global-variable| g: Global.
1026|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1027|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1028|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1029|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1030
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001031The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1032all script-local variables: >
1033 :for k in keys(s:)
1034 : unlet s:[k]
1035 :endfor
1036<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1038A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1039Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1040This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1041|:bdelete|.
1042
1043One local buffer variable is predefined:
1044 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1045b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1046 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1047 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1048 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1049 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1050 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1051 : call My_Update()
1052 :endif
1053<
1054 *window-variable* *w:var*
1055A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1056is deleted when the window is closed.
1057
1058 *global-variable* *g:var*
1059Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1060access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1061place if you like.
1062
1063 *local-variable* *l:var*
1064Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1065But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1066
1067 *script-variable* *s:var*
1068In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1069accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1070
1071They can be used in:
1072- commands executed while the script is sourced
1073- functions defined in the script
1074- autocommands defined in the script
1075- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1076 defined in the script (recursively)
1077- user defined commands defined in the script
1078Thus not in:
1079- other scripts sourced from this one
1080- mappings
1081- etc.
1082
1083script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1084Take this example:
1085
1086 let s:counter = 0
1087 function MyCounter()
1088 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1089 echo s:counter
1090 endfunction
1091 command Tick call MyCounter()
1092
1093You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1094that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1095"Tick" was defined is used.
1096
1097Another example that does the same: >
1098
1099 let s:counter = 0
1100 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1101
1102When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001103script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104defined.
1105
1106The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1107function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1108
1109 let s:counter = 0
1110 function StartCounting(incr)
1111 if a:incr
1112 function MyCounter()
1113 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1114 endfunction
1115 else
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1118 endfunction
1119 endif
1120 endfunction
1121
1122This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1123when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1124called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1125
1126When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1127They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1128maintain a counter: >
1129
1130 if !exists("s:counter")
1131 let s:counter = 1
1132 echo "script executed for the first time"
1133 else
1134 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1135 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1136 endif
1137
1138Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1139variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1140
1141
1142Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1143
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001144 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1145v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1146 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1147 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1148
1149 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1150v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1151 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1154v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001158v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1159 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1160 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1161 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001162 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1163 highlighted text is used.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1167v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1171v:charconvert_from
1172 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1173 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1174
1175 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1176v:charconvert_to
1177 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1178 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1179
1180 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1181v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1182 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1183 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1184 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1185 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1186 possible to append this variable directly after the
1187 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1188 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1189 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1190 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1191 in 'printexpr'.
1192
1193 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1194v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1195 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1196 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1197 can be used.
1198
1199 *v:count* *count-variable*
1200v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1201 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1202 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1203< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1204 get when typing ':' after a count.
1205 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1206
1207 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1208v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1209 used.
1210
1211 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1212v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1213 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1214 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1215 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1216 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1217 command.
1218 See |multi-lang|.
1219
1220 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1221v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1222 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1223 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1224 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1225 Example: >
1226 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1227<
1228 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1229v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1230 Example: >
1231 :let v:errmsg = ""
1232 :silent! next
1233 :if v:errmsg != ""
1234 : ... handle error
1235< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1236
1237 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1238v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1239 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1240 Example: >
1241 :try
1242 : throw "oops"
1243 :catch /.*/
1244 : echo "caught" v:exception
1245 :endtry
1246< Output: "caught oops".
1247
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001248 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1249v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1250 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1251 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1252 deleted file no longer exists
1253 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1254 changed and buffer is modified
1255 changed file contents has changed
1256 mode mode of file changed
1257 time only file timestamp changed
1258
1259 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1260v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1261 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1262 do with the affected buffer:
1263 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1264 the file was deleted).
1265 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1266 was no autocommand. Except that when
1267 only the timestamp changed nothing
1268 will happen.
1269 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1270 everything that needs to be done.
1271 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1272 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1275v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1276 option used for ~
1277 'charconvert' file to be converted
1278 'diffexpr' original file
1279 'patchexpr' original file
1280 'printexpr' file to be printed
1281
1282 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1283v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1284 evaluating:
1285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1287 'diffexpr' output of diff
1288 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1289 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1290 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1291 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1292 file and different from v:fname_in.
1293
1294 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1295v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1296 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1297
1298 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1299v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1300 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1301
1302 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1303v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1304 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001305 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001306
1307 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1308v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001309 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001310
1311 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1312v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001313 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001314
1315 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1316v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001317 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001318
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001319 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1320v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1321 events. Values:
1322 i Insert mode
1323 r Replace mode
1324 v Virtual Replace mode
1325
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001326 *v:key* *key-variable*
1327v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1328 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1329 Read-only.
1330
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001331 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1332v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1333 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1334 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1335 The value is system dependent.
1336 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1337 command.
1338 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1339 in a different language than what is used for character
1340 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1341
1342 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1343v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1344 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1345 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command. See |multi-lang|.
1348
1349 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001350v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1351 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1352 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353
1354 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1355v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1356 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1357 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1358 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1359< Read-only.
1360
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001361 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1362v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1363 See |profiling|.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1366v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1367 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1368 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1369 Read-only.
1370
1371 *v:register* *register-variable*
1372v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1373 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1374
1375 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1376v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1377 Read-only.
1378
1379 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1380v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1381 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1382 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1383 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1384 executed. Read-only.
1385 Example: >
1386 :!mv foo bar
1387 :if v:shell_error
1388 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1389 :endif
1390< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1391
1392 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1393v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1394
1395 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1396v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1397 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1398 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1399 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1400 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1401 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1402 terminal.
1403 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1404 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1405 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1406 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1407 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1408
1409 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1410v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1411 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1412 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1413 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1414
1415 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1416v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1417 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1418 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1419 Example: >
1420 :try
1421 : throw "oops"
1422 :catch /.*/
1423 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1424 :endtry
1425< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1426
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001427 *v:val* *val-variable*
1428v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1429 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1430 |filter()|. Read-only.
1431
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001432 *v:version* *version-variable*
1433v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1434 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1435 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1436 compatibility.
1437 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1438 if has("patch123")
1439< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1440 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1441 completely different.
1442
1443 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1444v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1445
1446==============================================================================
14474. Builtin Functions *functions*
1448
1449See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1450
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001451(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
1453USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1454
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001455add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001456append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001457append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001458argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001459argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001460argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1461browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1462 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001463browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001464bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001465buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1466bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001467bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1468bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1469bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1470byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001471byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001472call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1473 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001474char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001475cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001476col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001477complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1478complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001479confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1480 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001481copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001482count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1483 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1485 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001486cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1487deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001488delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1489did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001490diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1491diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001492empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001493escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001494eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001495eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1497exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1498expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1499filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001500filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1501 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001502finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1503 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001504findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001505 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001506filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1507fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001508foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1509foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001511foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001512foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001513function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001514get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001515get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001516getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1517 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001518getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1519getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1521getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1522getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1523getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001524getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1525getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001526getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001527getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001528getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001529getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1530getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001531getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001532getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001533getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001534getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1535getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1536getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1537glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1538globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1539has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001540has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001541hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1542histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1543histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1544histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1545histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1546hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1547hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1548hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001549iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1550indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001551index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1552 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553input( {prompt} [, {text}]) String get input from the user
1554inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1556inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001559isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001560islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001561items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001562join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001563keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001564len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1565libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001566libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1567line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1568line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001569lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001570localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001571map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001572maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1573mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001574match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001576matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001578matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1579 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001580matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1581 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001582max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1583min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001584mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1585 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001586mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001587nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1588nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1589prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001590printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001591range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1592 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001593readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1594 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001595remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1596 String send expression
1597remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1598remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1599 Number check for reply string
1600remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1601remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1602 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001603remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001604remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001605rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1606repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1607resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001608reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001609search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00001610searchdecl({name} [, {global}]) Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001611searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001612 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001613server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1614 Number send reply string
1615serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1616setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1617setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1618setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001619setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001620setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001621setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001622simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001623sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001624soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001625spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00001626spellsuggest( {word} [, {max}]) List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001627split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1628 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001630stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1631 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001632string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001633strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1634strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1635 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001636strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1637 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001638strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001639submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001640substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1641 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001642synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001643synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1644 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1645synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001646system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001647taglist({expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001648tempname() String name for a temporary file
1649tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1650toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001651tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1652 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001653type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001654values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001655virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1656visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1657winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1658wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1659winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1660winline() Number window line of the cursor
1661winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001662winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001664writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1665 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001667add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1668 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001669 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001670 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1671 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1672< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001673 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001674 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001675
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001676
1677append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001678 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001679 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001680 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1681 the current buffer.
1682 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001683 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1684 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001685 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001686 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001687<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001688 *argc()*
1689argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1690 current window. See |arglist|.
1691
1692 *argidx()*
1693argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1694 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1695
1696 *argv()*
1697argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1698 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1699 Example: >
1700 :let i = 0
1701 :while i < argc()
1702 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1703 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1704 : let i = i + 1
1705 :endwhile
1706<
1707 *browse()*
1708browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1709 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1710 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1711 The input fields are:
1712 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1713 {title} title for the requester
1714 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1715 {default} default file name
1716 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1717 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1718
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001719 *browsedir()*
1720browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1721 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1722 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1723 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1724 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1725 to be used.
1726 The input fields are:
1727 {title} title for the requester
1728 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1729 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1730 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1731
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001732bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1733 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1734 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001735 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001736 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001737 exactly. The name can be:
1738 - Relative to the current directory.
1739 - A full path.
1740 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1741 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001742 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1743 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1744 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1745 long name to be able to find them.
1746 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1747 file name.
1748 *buffer_exists()*
1749 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1750
1751buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1752 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1753 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001754 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001755
1756bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1757 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1758 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001759 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001760
1761bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1762 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1763 ":ls" command.
1764 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1765 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1766 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1767 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1768 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1769 match an empty string is returned.
1770 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1771 alternate buffer.
1772 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1773 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1774 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1775 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1776 buffers are searched for.
1777 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1778 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1779 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1780< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1781 string is returned. >
1782 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1783 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1784 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1785 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1786< *buffer_name()*
1787 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1788
1789 *bufnr()*
1790bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1791 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1792 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1793 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1794 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1795< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1796 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1797 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1798 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1799 *buffer_number()*
1800 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1801 *last_buffer_nr()*
1802 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1803
1804bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1805 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1806 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1807 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1808 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1809
1810 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1811
1812< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1813 |:wincmd|.
1814
1815
1816byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1817 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1818 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1819 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1820 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1821 one.
1822 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1823 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1824 feature}
1825
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001826byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1827 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1828 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1829 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1830 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1831 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1832 Example : >
1833 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1834< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1835 same: >
1836 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1837 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1838< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1839 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1840 is returned.
1841
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001842call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001843 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1844 arguments.
1845 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1846 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1847 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001848 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1849 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001850
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001851char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1852 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1853 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1854 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1855< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1856 char2nr("á") returns 225
1857 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001858< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001859
1860cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1861 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1862 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1863 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1864 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1865 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1866 feature, -1 is returned.
1867
1868 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001869col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001870 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1871 . the cursor position
1872 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1873 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1874 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1875 returned)
1876 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1877 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1878 Examples: >
1879 col(".") column of cursor
1880 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1881 col("'t") column of mark t
1882 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1883< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1884 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1885 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1886 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1887 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1888 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1889 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1890 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1891<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001892
1893complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
1894 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
1895 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
1896 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
1897 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
1898 the list.
1899
1900complete_check() *complete_check()*
1901 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
1902 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
1903 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
1904 zero otherwise.
1905 Only to be used by the function specified with the
1906 'completefunc' option.
1907
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001908 *confirm()*
1909confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1910 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1911 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1912 choice this is 1.
1913 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1914 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1915 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1916 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1917 used (and translated).
1918 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1919 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1920 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1921 by '\n', e.g. >
1922 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1923< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1924 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1925 not need to be the first letter: >
1926 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1927< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1928 the default shortcut key.
1929 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1930 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1931 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1932 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1933 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1934 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1935 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1936 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1937 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1938 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1939 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1940
1941 An example: >
1942 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1943 :if choice == 0
1944 : echo "make up your mind!"
1945 :elseif choice == 3
1946 : echo "tasteful"
1947 :else
1948 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1949 :endif
1950< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1951 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1952 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1953 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1954 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1955 the horizontal layout is always used.
1956
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001957 *copy()*
1958copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1959 different from using {expr} directly.
1960 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1961 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1962 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1963 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1964 |deepcopy()|.
1965
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001966count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001967 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001968 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1969 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1970 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001971 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1972
1973
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001974 *cscope_connection()*
1975cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1976 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1977 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1978 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1979 if there are no cscope connections;
1980 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1981
1982 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1983 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1984
1985 {num} Description of existence check
1986 ----- ------------------------------
1987 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
1988 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
1989 {dbpath}.
1990 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
1991 {dbpath}.
1992 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
1993 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1994 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
1995 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1996
1997 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
1998
1999 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2000
2001 # pid database name prepend path
2002 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2003<
2004 Invocation Return Val ~
2005 ---------- ---------- >
2006 cscope_connection() 1
2007 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2008 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2009 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2010 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2011 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2012 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2013 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2014<
2015cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
2016 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002017 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002018 Does not change the jumplist.
2019 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2020 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2021 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002022 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002023 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2024 line.
2025 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2026
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002027
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002028deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002029 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2030 different from using {expr} directly.
2031 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
2032 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2033 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
2034 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2035 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002036 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2037 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2038 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2039 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2040 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002041 *E724*
2042 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002043 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2044 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002045 Also see |copy()|.
2046
2047delete({fname}) *delete()*
2048 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002049 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2050 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002051 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002052
2053 *did_filetype()*
2054did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2055 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2056 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2057 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2058 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2059 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2060 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2061 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2062 file.
2063
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002064diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2065 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2066 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2067 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2068 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2069 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2070 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2071 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2072
2073diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2074 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2075 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2076 diff change zero is returned.
2077 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2078 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2079 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2080 line.
2081 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2082 syntax information about the highlighting.
2083
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002084empty({expr}) *empty()*
2085 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002086 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002087 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2088 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2089 with zero.
2090
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002091escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2092 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2093 backslash. Example: >
2094 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2095< results in: >
2096 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002097
2098< *eval()*
2099eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2100 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2101 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2102 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2103
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002104eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2105 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2106 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2107 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2108 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2109
2110executable({expr}) *executable()*
2111 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2112 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002113 arguments.
2114 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2115 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2116 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2117 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2118 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2119 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2120 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2121 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2122 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2123 extension.
2124 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2125 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002126 The result is a Number:
2127 1 exists
2128 0 does not exist
2129 -1 not implemented on this system
2130
2131 *exists()*
2132exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2133 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2134 which contains one of these:
2135 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2136 not if it really works)
2137 +option-name Vim option that works.
2138 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2139 done by comparing with an empty
2140 string)
2141 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2142 or user defined function (see
2143 |user-functions|).
2144 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002145 |internal-variables|). Also works
2146 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2147 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2148 this may cause functions to be
2149 invoked cause an error message for an
2150 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002151 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2152 command or command modifier |:command|.
2153 Returns:
2154 1 for match with start of a command
2155 2 full match with a command
2156 3 matches several user commands
2157 To check for a supported command
2158 always check the return value to be 2.
2159 #event autocommand defined for this event
2160 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2161 pattern (the pattern is taken
2162 literally and compared to the
2163 autocommand patterns character by
2164 character)
2165 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2166
2167 Examples: >
2168 exists("&shortname")
2169 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2170 exists("*strftime")
2171 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2172 exists("bufcount")
2173 exists(":Make")
2174 exists("#CursorHold");
2175 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2176< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2177 name.
2178 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2179 variable itself! For example: >
2180 exists(bufcount)
2181< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2182 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2183 exists.
2184
2185expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2186 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2187 The result is a String.
2188
2189 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2190 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2191 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2192
2193 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2194 for a non-existing file is not included.
2195
2196 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2197 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2198 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2199
2200 % current file name
2201 # alternate file name
2202 #n alternate file name n
2203 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2204 <afile> autocmd file name
2205 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2206 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2207 <sfile> sourced script file name
2208 <cword> word under the cursor
2209 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2210 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2211 message |server2client()|
2212 Modifiers:
2213 :p expand to full path
2214 :h head (last path component removed)
2215 :t tail (last path component only)
2216 :r root (one extension removed)
2217 :e extension only
2218
2219 Example: >
2220 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2221< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2222 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2223 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2224< Use this: >
2225 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2226< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2227 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2228 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2229 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2230 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2231<
2232 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2233 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2234 to modify normal file names.
2235
2236 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2237 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2238 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2239 '/' added.
2240
2241 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2242 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2243 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2244 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002245 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2246 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2247 files in the current directory and below: >
2248 :echo expand("**/README")
2249<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002250 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2251 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2252 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2253 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2254 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2255 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2256 "$FOOBAR".
2257
2258 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2259 getting the raw output of an external command.
2260
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002261extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2262 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2263
2264 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2265 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2266 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2267 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2268 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002269 Examples: >
2270 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2271 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002272< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2273 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002274 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002275<
2276 If they are Dictionaries:
2277 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2278 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2279 used to decide what to do:
2280 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2281 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002282 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002283 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2284
2285 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2286 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2287 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2288 Returns {expr1}.
2289
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002290
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002291filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2292 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2293 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2294 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2295 expression, which is used as a String.
2296 *file_readable()*
2297 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2298
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002299
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002300filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2301 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2302 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2303 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2304 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2305 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2306 Examples: >
2307 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2308< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2309 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2310< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2311 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002312< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2313
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002314 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2315 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2316 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2317
2318 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2319 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002320 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002321
2322< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002323
2324
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002325finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2326 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2327 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2328 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2329 {name} in {path}.
2330 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2331 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2332 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2333 Example: >
2334 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2335< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2336 the file "tags.vim".
2337 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2338
2339findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2340 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2341
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002342filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2343 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2344 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2345 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2346 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2347
2348fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2349 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2350 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2351 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2352 Example: >
2353 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2354< results in: >
2355 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2356< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2357 |expand()| first then.
2358
2359foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2360 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2361 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2362 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2363
2364foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2365 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2366 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2367 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2368
2369foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2370 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2371 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2372 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2373 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2374 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2375 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2376 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2377 previous line is usually available.
2378
2379 *foldtext()*
2380foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2381 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2382 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2383 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2384 The returned string looks like this: >
2385 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2386< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2387 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2388 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2389 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2390 options is removed.
2391 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2392
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002393foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2394 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2395 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2396 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2397 returned.
2398 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2399 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2400 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2401 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2402
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002403 *foreground()*
2404foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2405 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2406 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2407 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2408 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2409 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2410 Win32 console version}
2411
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002412
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002413function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002414 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2415 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2416
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002417
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002418garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
2419 Cleanup unused Lists and Dictionaries that have circular
2420 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2421 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2422 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2423 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2424 freed when they become unused.
2425 This is useful if you have deleted a very big List and/or
2426 Dictionary with circular references in a script that runs for
2427 a long time.
2428
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002429get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002430 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2431 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2432 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002433get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2434 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2435 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2436 {default} is omitted.
2437
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002438 *getbufline()*
2439getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002440 Return a List with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2441 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a List
2442 with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002443
2444 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2445
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002446 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2447 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002448
2449 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2450 lines in the buffer, an empty List is returned.
2451
2452 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2453 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002454 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002455 returned.
2456
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002457 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002458 non-existing buffers, an empty List is returned.
2459
2460 Example: >
2461 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002462
2463getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2464 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2465 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2466 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002467 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2468 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2469 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002470 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2471 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2472 returned, there is no error message.
2473 Examples: >
2474 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2475 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2476<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002477getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2478 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2479 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2480 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2481 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2482 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2483 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2484 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2485 not consumed. If a normal character is
2486 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2487 non-zero value is returned.
2488 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2489 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2490 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2491 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2492 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2493 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2494 user that a character has to be typed.
2495 There is no mapping for the character.
2496 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2497 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2498 sequence. Examples: >
2499 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2500 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2501< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2502 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2503 :function FindChar()
2504 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2505 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2506 : normal l
2507 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2508 : break
2509 : endif
2510 : endwhile
2511 :endfunction
2512
2513getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2514 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2515 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2516 These values are added together:
2517 2 shift
2518 4 control
2519 8 alt (meta)
2520 16 mouse double click
2521 32 mouse triple click
2522 64 mouse quadruple click
2523 128 Macintosh only: command
2524 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2525 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2526 with no modifier.
2527
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002528getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2529 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2530 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2531 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2532 Example: >
2533 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
2534< Also see |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
2535
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002536getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002537 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2538 byte count. The first column is 1.
2539 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2540 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
2541 Also see |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2542
2543 *getcwd()*
2544getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2545 working directory.
2546
2547getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2548 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2549 given file {fname}.
2550 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2551 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2552
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002553getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2554 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2555 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2556 |hl-Normal|.
2557 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2558 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2559 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2560 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2561 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2562 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2563 for a valid name does not work.
2564 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2565 function just after the GUI has started.
2566
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002567getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2568 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2569 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2570 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2571 empty string is returned.
2572 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2573 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2574 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2575 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2576 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2577 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2578< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2579 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002580
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002581getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2582 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2583 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2584 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2585 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2586 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2587
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002588getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2589 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2590 file of the given file {fname}.
2591 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2592 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2593 results:
2594 Normal file "file"
2595 Directory "dir"
2596 Symbolic link "link"
2597 Block device "bdev"
2598 Character device "cdev"
2599 Socket "socket"
2600 FIFO "fifo"
2601 All other "other"
2602 Example: >
2603 getftype("/home")
2604< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2605 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2606 "file" are returned.
2607
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002608 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002609getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2610 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2611 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002612 getline(1)
2613< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2614 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2615 To get the line under the cursor: >
2616 getline(".")
2617< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2618 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2619
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002620 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2621 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2622 including line {end}.
2623 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2624 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002625 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002626 Example: >
2627 :let start = line('.')
2628 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2629 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2630
2631
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002632getqflist() *getqflist()*
2633 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2634 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2635 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2636 bufname() to get the name
2637 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2638 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002639 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2640 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002641 nr error number
2642 text description of the error
2643 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2644 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2645
2646 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2647 do something with them: >
2648 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2649 :for d in getqflist()
2650 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2651 :endfor
2652
2653
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002654getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002655 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002656 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002657 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2658< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002659 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002660 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2661 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2662 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002663 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2664
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002665
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002666getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2667 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2668 The value will be one of:
2669 "v" for |characterwise| text
2670 "V" for |linewise| text
2671 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2672 0 for an empty or unknown register
2673 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2674 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2675
2676 *getwinposx()*
2677getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2678 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2679 -1 if the information is not available.
2680
2681 *getwinposy()*
2682getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2683 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2684 information is not available.
2685
2686getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2687 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002688 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2689 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002690 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2691 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2692 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002693 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2694 Examples: >
2695 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2696 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2697<
2698 *glob()*
2699glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2700 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2701 characters.
2702 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2703 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2704
2705 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2706 any external command. Example: >
2707 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2708 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2709< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2710 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2711
2712 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2713 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2714
2715globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2716 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2717 the results. Example: >
2718 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2719< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2720 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2721 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2722 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2723 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2724 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2725 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2726 error message.
2727 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2728 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2729
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002730 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2731 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2732 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2733 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2734<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002735 *has()*
2736has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2737 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2738 string. See |feature-list| below.
2739 Also see |exists()|.
2740
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002741
2742has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2743 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2744 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2745
2746
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002747hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2748 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2749 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2750 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2751 {mode}.
2752 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2753 buffer are checked for a match.
2754 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2755 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2756 n Normal mode
2757 v Visual mode
2758 o Operator-pending mode
2759 i Insert mode
2760 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2761 c Command-line mode
2762 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2763
2764 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2765 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2766 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2767 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2768 :endif
2769< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2770 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2771
2772histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2773 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2774 one of: *hist-names*
2775 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2776 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2777 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2778 "input" or "@" input line history
2779 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2780 shifted to become the newest entry.
2781 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2782 otherwise 0 is returned.
2783
2784 Example: >
2785 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2786 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2787< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2788
2789histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002790 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002791 for the possible values of {history}.
2792
2793 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2794 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2795 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2796 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2797 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2798 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2799 if it exists.
2800
2801 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2802 otherwise 0 is returned.
2803
2804 Examples:
2805 Clear expression register history: >
2806 :call histdel("expr")
2807<
2808 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2809 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2810<
2811 The following three are equivalent: >
2812 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2813 :call histdel("search", -1)
2814 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2815<
2816 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2817 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2818 :call histdel("search", -1)
2819 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2820
2821histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2822 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2823 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2824 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2825 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2826 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2827
2828 Examples:
2829 Redo the second last search from history. >
2830 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2831
2832< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2833 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2834 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2835<
2836histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2837 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2838 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2839 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2840
2841 Example: >
2842 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2843<
2844hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2845 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2846 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2847 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2848 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2849 item.
2850 *highlight_exists()*
2851 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2852
2853 *hlID()*
2854hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2855 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2856 zero is returned.
2857 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2858 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2859 "Comment" group: >
2860 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2861< *highlightID()*
2862 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2863
2864hostname() *hostname()*
2865 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002866 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002867 256 characters long are truncated.
2868
2869iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2870 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2871 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2872 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2873 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2874 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2875 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2876 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2877 can be done.
2878 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2879 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2880 UTF-8 and use: >
2881 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2882< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2883 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2884 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2885 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2886
2887 *indent()*
2888indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2889 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2890 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2891 |getline()|.
2892 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2893
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002894
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002895index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002896 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2897 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002898 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2899 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002900 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2901 case must match.
2902 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2903 Example: >
2904 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002905 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002906
2907
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002908input({prompt} [, {text}]) *input()*
2909 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2910 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2911 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
2912 prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with
2913 |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just
2914 like a command-line, with the same editing commands and
2915 mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for
2916 input().
2917 If the optional {text} is present, this is used for the
2918 default reply, as if the user typed this.
2919 NOTE: This must not be used in a startup file, for the
2920 versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
2921 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2922 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2923 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2924 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2925 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2926 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2927 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2928
2929 Example: >
2930 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2931 : echo "Cheers!"
2932 :endif
2933< Example with default text: >
2934 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2935< Example with a mapping: >
2936 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2937 :function GetFoo()
2938 : call inputsave()
2939 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2940 : call inputrestore()
2941 :endfunction
2942
2943inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2944 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2945 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2946 Example: >
2947 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2948 :if n != ""
2949 : let &sw = n
2950 :endif
2951< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2952 omitted an empty string is returned.
2953 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2954 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
2955
2956inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
2957 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
2958 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
2959 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
2960 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
2961
2962inputsave() *inputsave()*
2963 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
2964 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
2965 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
2966 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
2967 many inputrestore() calls.
2968 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
2969
2970inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
2971 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
2972 two exceptions:
2973 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
2974 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
2975 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
2976 |history| stack.
2977 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
2978 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
2979
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002980insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
2981 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
2982 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
2983 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
2984 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
2985 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002986 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002987 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
2988 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
2989 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002990< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002991 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
2992 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
2993
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002994isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
2995 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
2996 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
2997 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
2998 is any expression, which is used as a String.
2999
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003000islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3001 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3002 name of a locked variable.
3003 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
3004 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
3005 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3006 :lockvar 1 alist
3007 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3008 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3009
3010< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3011 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3012
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003013items({dict}) *items()*
3014 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3015 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
3016 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
3017
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003018
3019join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3020 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3021 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3022 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3023 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3024 add it there too: >
3025 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3026< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
3027 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3028 The opposite function is |split()|.
3029
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003030keys({dict}) *keys()*
3031 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
3032 arbitrary order.
3033
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003034 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003035len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3036 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3037 used, as with |strlen()|.
3038 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
3039 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003040 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
3041 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003042 Otherwise an error is given.
3043
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003044 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3045libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3046 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3047 with single argument {argument}.
3048 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3049 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3050 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3051 limited.
3052 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3053 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3054 to Vim.
3055 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3056 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3057 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3058 null-terminated string.
3059 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3060
3061 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3062 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3063 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3064 very probably crash.
3065
3066 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3067 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3068 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3069 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3070 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3071 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3072 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3073 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3074 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3075 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3076
3077 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3078 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3079 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3080 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3081 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3082 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3083 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3084 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3085 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3086 feature is present}
3087 Examples: >
3088 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3089 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3090<
3091 *libcallnr()*
3092libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3093 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3094 int instead of a string.
3095 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3096 feature is present}
3097 Example (not very useful...): >
3098 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3099 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3100<
3101 *line()*
3102line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3103 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3104 . the cursor position
3105 $ the last line in the current buffer
3106 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3107 returned)
3108 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3109 Examples: >
3110 line(".") line number of the cursor
3111 line("'t") line number of mark t
3112 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3113< *last-position-jump*
3114 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3115 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3116 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003117
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003118line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3119 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3120 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3121 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3122 line returns 1.
3123 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3124 below the last line: >
3125 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3126< This is the file size plus one.
3127 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3128 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3129 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3130
3131lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3132 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3133 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3134 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3135 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3136 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3137 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3138
3139localtime() *localtime()*
3140 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3141 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3142
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003143
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003144map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3145 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3146 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3147 {string}.
3148 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3149 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3150 Example: >
3151 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003152< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003153
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003154 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003155 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003156 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3157 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003158
3159 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3160 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003161 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003162
3163< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003164
3165
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003166maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3167 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3168 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3169 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3170 "n" Normal
3171 "v" Visual
3172 "o" Operator-pending
3173 "i" Insert
3174 "c" Cmd-line
3175 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3176 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3177 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3178 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3179 command. The returned String has special characters
3180 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3181 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3182 then the global mappings.
3183
3184mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3185 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3186 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3187 {name}.
3188 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3189 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3190
3191 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3192 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3193 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3194 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3195 mapcheck("b") no no no
3196
3197 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3198 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3199 mapping for {name} exactly.
3200 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3201 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3202 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3203 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3204 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3205 then the global mappings.
3206 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3207 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3208 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3209 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3210 :endif
3211< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3212 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3213
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003214match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003215 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3216 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3217 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3218 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3219 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3220 {pat} matches.
3221 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003222 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3223 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003224 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3225 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3226< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003227 *strpbrk()*
3228 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3229 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3230< *strcasestr()*
3231 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3232 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3233 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3234<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003235 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003236 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3237 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003238 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003239< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3240
3241 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3242 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003243 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003244 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003245 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3246< result is again "4". >
3247 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3248< result is again "4". >
3249 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3250< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003251 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3252 the index is counted from the end.
3253 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3254 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3255
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003256 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3257 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3258 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3259 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3260
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003261matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003262 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3263 the match. Example: >
3264 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3265< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003266 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3267 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3268 do it with matchend(): >
3269 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3270 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3271< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3272
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003273 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3274 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3275< results in "7". >
3276 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3277< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003278 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003279
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003280matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3281 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3282 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3283 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3284 in |:substitute|.
3285 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3286
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003287matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003288 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3289 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3290< results in "ing".
3291 When there is no match "" is returned.
3292 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3293 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3294< results in "ing". >
3295 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3296< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003297 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3298 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003299
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003300 *max()*
3301max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3302 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3303 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3304 An empty List results in zero.
3305
3306 *min()*
3307min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3308 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3309 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3310 An empty List results in zero.
3311
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003312 *mkdir()* *E749*
3313mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3314 Create directory {name}.
3315 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3316 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3317 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3318 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3319 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3320 for others.
3321 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3322 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3323 :if exists("*mkdir")
3324<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003325 *mode()*
3326mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3327 n Normal
3328 v Visual by character
3329 V Visual by line
3330 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3331 s Select by character
3332 S Select by line
3333 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3334 i Insert
3335 R Replace
3336 c Command-line
3337 r Hit-enter prompt
3338 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3339 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3340
3341nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3342 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3343 that is not blank. Example: >
3344 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3345< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3346 below it, zero is returned.
3347 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3348
3349nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3350 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3351 value {expr}. Examples: >
3352 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3353 nr2char(32) returns " "
3354< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3355 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3356< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3357 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3358 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003359 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003360
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003361printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3362 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3363 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003364 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003365< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003366 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003367
3368 Often used items are:
3369 %s string
3370 %6s string right-aligned in 6 characters
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003371 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003372 %d decimal number
3373 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3374 %x hex number
3375 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3376 %X hex number using upper case letters
3377 %o octal number
3378 %% the % character
3379
3380 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3381 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3382 the result.
3383
3384 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003385 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003386
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003387 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003388
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003389 flags
3390 Zero or more of the following flags:
3391
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003392 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3393 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3394 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3395 of the number is increased to force the first
3396 character of the output string to a zero (except
3397 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3398 precision of zero).
3399 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3400 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3401 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003402
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003403 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3404 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3405 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3406 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3407 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003408
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003409 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3410 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3411 The converted value is padded on the right with
3412 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3413 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003414
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003415 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3416 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003417
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003418 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3419 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3420 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003421
3422 field-width
3423 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
3424 field width. If the converted value has fewer
3425 characters than the field width, it will be padded
3426 with spaces on the left (or right, if the
3427 left-adjustment flag has been given) to fill out the
3428 field width.
3429
3430 .precision
3431 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3432 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3433 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3434 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3435 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
3436 characters to be printed from a string for s
3437 conversions.
3438
3439 type
3440 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3441 be applied, see below.
3442
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003443 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3444 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3445 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3446 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3447 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3448 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003449 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003450< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003451 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003452
3453 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003454
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003455 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3456 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3457 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3458 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003459 conversions.
3460 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3461 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3462 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3463 zeros.
3464 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3465 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3466 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3467 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3468
3469 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3470 resulting character is written.
3471
3472 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3473 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3474 specified are used.
3475
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003476 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3477 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003478
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003479 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3480 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3481 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003482
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003483 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003484 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3485 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003486 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003487
3488
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003489prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3490 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3491 that is not blank. Example: >
3492 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3493< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3494 above it, zero is returned.
3495 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3496
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003497 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003498range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3499 Returns a List with Numbers:
3500 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3501 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3502 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3503 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3504 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003505 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3506 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3507 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003508 Examples: >
3509 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3510 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3511 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3512 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003513 range(0) " []
3514 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003515<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003516 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003517readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003518 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3519 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3520 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3521 NL appears somewhere).
3522 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3523 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3524 added.
3525 - No CR characters are removed.
3526 Otherwise:
3527 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3528 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3529 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003530 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3531 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3532 lines of a file: >
3533 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3534 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3535 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003536< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3537 are returned, or as many as there are.
3538 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003539 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3540 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3541 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003542 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3543 the result is an empty list.
3544 Also see |writefile()|.
3545
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003546 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3547remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3548 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3549 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3550 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3551 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3552 remote_read() is stored there.
3553 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3554 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3555 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3556 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3557 and the result will be the empty string.
3558 Examples: >
3559 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3560 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3561<
3562
3563remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3564 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3565 This works like: >
3566 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3567< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3568 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3569 to bring itself to the foreground.
3570 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3571 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3572 Win32 console version}
3573
3574
3575remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3576 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3577 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3578 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3579 name of a variable.
3580 Returns zero if none are available.
3581 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3582 See also |clientserver|.
3583 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3584 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3585 Examples: >
3586 :let repl = ""
3587 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3588
3589remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3590 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3591 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3592 See also |clientserver|.
3593 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3594 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3595 Example: >
3596 :echo remote_read(id)
3597<
3598 *remote_send()* *E241*
3599remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003600 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3601 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3602 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003603 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3604 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3605 remote_read() is stored there.
3606 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3607 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3608 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3609 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3610 up the display.
3611 Examples: >
3612 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3613 \ remote_read(serverid)
3614
3615 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3616 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3617 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3618 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003619<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003620remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3621 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3622 return it.
3623 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3624 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3625 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3626 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3627 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003628 Example: >
3629 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003630 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003631remove({dict}, {key})
3632 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3633 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3634< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3635
3636 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003637
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003638rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3639 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3640 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3641 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3642 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3643 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3644
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003645repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3646 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3647 result. Example: >
3648 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3649< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003650 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003651 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003652 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3653< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003654
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003655
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003656resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3657 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3658 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3659 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3660 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3661 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3662 stopped after 100 iterations.
3663 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3664 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3665 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3666 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3667 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3668
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003669 *reverse()*
3670reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3671 {list}.
3672 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3673 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3674
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003675search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3676 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003677 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003678 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3679 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003680 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003681 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3682 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003683 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3684 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003685 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3686
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003687 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3688 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3689 flag.
3690
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003691 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3692 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3693 flag is used).
3694 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3695 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003696
3697 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3698 :let n = 1
3699 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3700 : exe "argument " . n
3701 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3702 : " first search to find match at start of file
3703 : normal G$
3704 : let flags = "w"
3705 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3706 : s/foo/bar/g
3707 : let flags = "W"
3708 : endwhile
3709 : update " write the file if modified
3710 : let n = n + 1
3711 :endwhile
3712<
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003713
3714searchdecl({name} [, {global}]) *searchdecl()*
3715 Search for the declaration of {name}. Without {global} or
3716 with a zero {global} argument this works like |gd|. With a
3717 non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|.
3718 Moves the cursor to the found match.
3719 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3720 Example: >
3721 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
3722 echo getline('.')
3723 endif
3724<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003725 *searchpair()*
3726searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3727 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3728 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3729 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3730 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3731 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3732 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3733 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3734
3735 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3736 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3737 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3738 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3739 typical use is: >
3740 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3741< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3742
3743 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3744 'n' do Not move the cursor
3745 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3746 outer pair
3747 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3748 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3749
3750 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3751 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3752 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3753 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3754 or a string.
3755 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3756 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3757 and -1 returned.
3758
3759 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3760 patterns are used like it's on.
3761
3762 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3763 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3764 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3765 if 1
3766 if 2
3767 endif 2
3768 endif 1
3769< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3770 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3771 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3772 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3773 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3774 "endif 2".
3775 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3776 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3777 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3778 the matching start.
3779
3780 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3781
3782 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3783 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3784
3785< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3786 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3787 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3788 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3789 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3790 match.
3791 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3792
3793 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3794
3795< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3796 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3797 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3798
3799 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3800 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3801<
3802server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3803 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3804 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3805 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3806 Note:
3807 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003808 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003809 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3810 See also |clientserver|.
3811 Example: >
3812 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3813<
3814serverlist() *serverlist()*
3815 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3816 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3817 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3818 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3819 Example: >
3820 :echo serverlist()
3821<
3822setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3823 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3824 {val}.
3825 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3826 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3827 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3828 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3829 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3830 Examples: >
3831 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3832 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3833< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3834
3835setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3836 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3837 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3838 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3839 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003840 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3841 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3842 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3843 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3844 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003845 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3846 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3847 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3848 line.
3849
3850setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003851 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3852 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003853 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3854 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003855 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3856 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003857 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003858< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3859 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3860 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3861< This is equivalent to: >
3862 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3863 : call setline(n, l)
3864 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003865< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3866
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003867
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003868setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003869 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3870 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3871 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3872 entries:
3873
3874 filename name of a file
3875 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003876 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003877 col column number
3878 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3879 when zero: "col" is byte index
3880 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003881 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003882 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003883
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003884 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3885 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3886 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003887 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3888 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3889 handled as an error line.
3890 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3891 be used.
3892
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003893 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3894 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3895 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3896 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3897 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3898 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3899
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003900 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3901
3902 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3903 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3904 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3905
3906
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003907 *setreg()*
3908setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3909 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3910 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3911 then the value is appended.
3912 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3913 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3914 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3915 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3916 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3917 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3918 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3919 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3920
3921 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3922 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3923 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3924 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3925
3926 Examples: >
3927 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3928 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3929 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3930
3931< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3932 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003933 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003934 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3935 ....
3936 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
3937
3938< You can also change the type of a register by appending
3939 nothing: >
3940 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
3941
3942setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
3943 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00003944 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003945 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
3946 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
3947 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
3948 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
3949 Examples: >
3950 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
3951 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
3952< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3953
3954simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
3955 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
3956 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
3957 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
3958 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
3959 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
3960 not removed either.
3961 Example: >
3962 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
3963< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
3964 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
3965 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
3966 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
3967 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
3968
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003969
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003970sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003971 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
3972 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3973 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
3974< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003975 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003976 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003977 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
3978 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
3979 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
3980 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
3981 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
3982 sorts before the second one. Example: >
3983 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
3984 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
3985 endfunc
3986 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003987<
3988
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003989 *soundfold()*
3990soundfold({word})
3991 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
3992 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00003993 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
3994 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003995 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
3996 the method can be quite slow.
3997
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003998 *spellbadword()*
3999spellbadword() Return the badly spelled word under or after the cursor.
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +00004000 The cursor is moved to the start of the bad word.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004001 When no bad word is found in the cursor line an empty String
4002 is returned and the cursor doesn't move.
4003
4004 *spellsuggest()*
4005spellsuggest({word} [, {max}])
4006 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
4007 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4008 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4009
4010 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4011 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004012 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4013 replace a line.
4014
4015 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
4016 returned. {word} itself is also included, most likely as the
4017 first entry, thus this can be used to check spelling.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004018
4019 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004020 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4021 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004022
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004023
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004024split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
4025 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
4026 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004027 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004028 removing the matched characters.
4029 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4030 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004031 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4032 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004033 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004034 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004035< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004036 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004037< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4038 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4039< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004040 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4041 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4042< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004043
4044
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004045strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4046 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4047 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4048 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4049 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4050 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4051 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4052 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4053 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4054 Examples: >
4055 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4056 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4057 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4058 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4059 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4060 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004061< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4062 :if exists("*strftime")
4063
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004064stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4065 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4066 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004067 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4068 This can be used to find a second match: >
4069 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4070 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4071< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004072 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004073 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004074 See also |strridx()|.
4075 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004076 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4077 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4078 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004079< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4080 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4081 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4082
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004083 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004084string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4085 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4086 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004087 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004088 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004089 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004090 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004091 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004092 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004093 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004094
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004095 *strlen()*
4096strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004097 {expr} in bytes.
4098 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4099 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004100
4101 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004102<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004103 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4104 For other types an error is given.
4105 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004106
4107strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4108 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
4109 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
4110 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4111 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4112 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4113 end of the {src}. >
4114 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4115 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4116 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4117 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4118< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4119 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4120 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4121<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004122strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4123 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4124 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4125 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4126 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4127 match: >
4128 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4129 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4130< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004131 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4132 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004133 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004134 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004135 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004136< *strrchr()*
4137 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4138 function strrchr().
4139
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004140strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4141 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4142 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4143 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4144 echo strtrans(@a)
4145< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4146 starting a new line.
4147
4148submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4149 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4150 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4151 the whole matched text is returned.
4152 Example: >
4153 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4154< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4155 A line break is included as a newline character.
4156
4157substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4158 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4159 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4160 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4161 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4162 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4163 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4164 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4165 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4166 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4167 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4168 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4169 unmodified.
4170 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4171 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4172 Example: >
4173 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4174< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4175 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4176< results in "TESTING".
4177
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004178synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004179 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004180 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004181 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4182 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004183
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004184 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004185 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4186
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004187 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4188 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4189 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4190 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4191 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4192 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4193 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4194
4195 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4196 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4197<
4198synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4199 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4200 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4201 about a syntax item.
4202 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4203 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4204 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4205 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4206 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4207 {what} result
4208 "name" the name of the syntax item
4209 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4210 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4211 term: empty string)
4212 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4213 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4214 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4215 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4216 "bold" "1" if bold
4217 "italic" "1" if italic
4218 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4219 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4220 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004221 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004222
4223 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4224 cursor): >
4225 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4226<
4227synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4228 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4229 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4230 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4231 ":highlight link" are followed.
4232
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004233system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4234 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4235 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4236 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4237 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004238 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004239 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4240 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4241 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004242 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4243 The result is a String. Example: >
4244
4245 :let files = system("ls")
4246
4247< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4248 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4249 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4250 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4251 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4252 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4253 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4254 concatenated commands.
4255
4256 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4257 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4258 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4259 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4260
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004261
4262taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4263 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004264 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4265 entries:
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004266 name name of the tag.
4267 filename name of the file where the tag is
4268 defined.
4269 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4270 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004271 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004272 entry depends on the language specific
4273 kind values generated by the ctags
4274 tool.
4275 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4276 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004277 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4278 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4279 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4280 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4281 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4282 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4283 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004284
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004285 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4286 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004287
4288 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4289
4290 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4291 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4292 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4293
4294 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4295 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4296 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4297
4298
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004299tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4300 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4301 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4302 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4303 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4304 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4305< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4306 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4307 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4308 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4309 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4310 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4311
4312tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4313 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4314 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4315 the string).
4316
4317toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4318 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4319 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4320 the string).
4321
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004322tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4323 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4324 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4325 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4326 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4327 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4328 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4329
4330 Examples: >
4331 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4332< returns "Hello THere" >
4333 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4334< returns "{blob}"
4335
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004336 *type()*
4337type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004338 Number: 0
4339 String: 1
4340 Funcref: 2
4341 List: 3
4342 Dictionary: 4
4343 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004344 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4345 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4346 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4347 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004348 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004349
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004350values({dict}) *values()*
4351 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4352 arbitrary order.
4353
4354
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004355virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4356 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4357 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4358 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4359 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4360 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4361 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4362 set to 8, it returns 8.
4363 For the byte position use |col()|.
4364 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4365 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4366 The accepted positions are:
4367 . the cursor position
4368 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4369 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4370 plus one)
4371 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4372 returned)
4373 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4374 Examples: >
4375 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4376 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4377 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4378< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4379
4380visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4381 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4382 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4383 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4384 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4385 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4386 Example: >
4387 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4388< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4389 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4390 Visual mode that was used.
4391
4392 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4393 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4394 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4395 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4396
4397 *winbufnr()*
4398winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004399 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004400 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4401 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4402 Example: >
4403 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4404<
4405 *wincol()*
4406wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4407 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4408 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4409
4410winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4411 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4412 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4413 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4414 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4415 Examples: >
4416 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4417<
4418 *winline()*
4419winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4420 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4421 the window. The first line is one.
4422
4423 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004424winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4425 window. The top window has number 1.
4426 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4427 last window is returnd (the window count).
4428 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4429 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4430 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4431 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4432 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004433
4434 *winrestcmd()*
4435winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4436 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4437 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4438 Example: >
4439 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4440 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4441 :exe cmd
4442
4443winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4444 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4445 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4446 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4447 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4448 Examples: >
4449 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4450 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4451 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4452 :endif
4453<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004454 *writefile()*
4455writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4456 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4457 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4458 Number.
4459 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4460 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4461 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4462 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4463 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4464 to writefile().
4465 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4466 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4467 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4468 fails.
4469 Also see |readfile()|.
4470 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4471 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4472 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4473<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004474
4475 *feature-list*
4476There are three types of features:
44771. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4478 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4479 :if has("cindent")
44802. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4481 Example: >
4482 :if has("gui_running")
4483< *has-patch*
44843. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4485 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4486 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4487 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4488
4489all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4490amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4491arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4492arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4493autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4494balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004495balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004496beos BeOS version of Vim.
4497browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4498 work.
4499builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4500byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4501cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4502clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4503clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4504cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4505cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4506cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4507comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4508cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4509cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4510compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4511debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4512dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4513dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4514diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4515digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4516dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4517dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4518dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4519ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4520emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4521eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4522 true, of course!
4523ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4524extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4525 |'hlsearch'|
4526farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4527file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004528filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4529 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004530find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4531 |+find_in_path|.
4532fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4533 Windows this is not present).
4534folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4535footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4536fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4537gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4538gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4539gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004540gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4541gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004542gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004543gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4544gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4545gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4546gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4547gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4548gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4549hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4550iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4551insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4552 Insert mode.
4553jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4554keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4555langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4556libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4557linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4558 support.
4559lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4560listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4561 and the argument list |arglist|.
4562localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4563mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4564macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4565menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4566mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4567modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4568mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4569mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4570mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4571mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4572mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4573mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4574mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4575multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4576multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4577multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004578mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004579netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004580netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004581ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4582os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4583osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4584path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4585perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4586postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4587printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004588profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004589python Compiled with Python interface.
4590qnx QNX version of Vim.
4591quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4592rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4593ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4594scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4595showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4596signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4597smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004598sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004599statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4600 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4601sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004602spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4603syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004604syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4605 current buffer.
4606system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4607tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4608 |tag-binary-search|.
4609tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4610 |tag-old-static|.
4611tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4612 files |tag-any-white|.
4613tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4614terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4615termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4616textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4617tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4618 or terminfo file.
4619title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4620toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4621unix Unix version of Vim.
4622user_commands User-defined commands.
4623viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4624vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4625vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4626virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4627visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4628visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4629 |blockwise-operators|.
4630vms VMS version of Vim.
4631vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4632wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4633wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4634windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4635winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4636win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4637win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4638win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4639win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4640win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4641writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4642xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4643xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4644xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4645xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4646xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4647xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4648 xterm screen.
4649x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4650
4651 *string-match*
4652Matching a pattern in a String
4653
4654A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4655the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4656everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4657like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4658line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4659with ".". Example: >
4660 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4661 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4662 aa
4663 xx
4664 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4665 a
4666 x
4667
4668Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4669"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4670"\n".
4671
4672==============================================================================
46735. Defining functions *user-functions*
4674
4675New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4676functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4677commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4678
4679The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4680builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4681avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4682the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4683
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004684It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
4685|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004686
4687 *local-function*
4688A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4689can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4690and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4691function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4692instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4693
4694 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4695:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4696
4697:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004698 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4699 Funcref: >
4700 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004701
4702:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
4703 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
4704 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004705<
4706 *:function-verbose*
4707When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
4708last defined. Example: >
4709
4710 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
4711 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
4712 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
4713<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00004714See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004715
4716 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004717:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004718 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4719 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4720 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004721
4722 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4723 Funcref: >
4724 :function dict.init(arg)
4725< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4726 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4727 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4728 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4729 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4730 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004731 *E127* *E122*
4732 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4733 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4734 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4735 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004736
4737 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4738
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004739 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4740 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4741 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4742 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4743 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4744 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4745 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004746
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004747 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4748 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4749 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4750 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004751
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004752 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4753 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4754 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4755 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004756
4757 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4758:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4759 by its own, without other commands.
4760
4761 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4762:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004763 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4764 Funcref: >
4765 :delfunc dict.init
4766< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4767 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4768 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004769 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4770:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4771 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4772 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4773 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4774 the number 0 is returned.
4775 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4776 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4777
4778 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4779 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4780 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4781 are executed first. This process applies to all
4782 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4783 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4784
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004785 *function-argument* *a:var*
4786An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4787be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4788 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4789Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4790arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4791may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4792as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004793can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4794"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4795 *E742*
4796The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4797However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4798Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4799it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4800use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004801
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004802When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4803to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4804may be larger.
4805
4806It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4807still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4808until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4809inside a function body.
4810
4811 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004812Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4813will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4814accessed with "g:".
4815
4816Example: >
4817 :function Table(title, ...)
4818 : echohl Title
4819 : echo a:title
4820 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004821 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4822 : for s in a:000
4823 : echon ' ' . s
4824 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004825 :endfunction
4826
4827This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004828 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4829 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004830
4831To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4832 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4833 : if a:n2 == 0
4834 : return "fail"
4835 : endif
4836 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4837 : return "ok"
4838 :endfunction
4839
4840This function can then be called with: >
4841 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4842 :if success == "ok"
4843 : echo div
4844 :endif
4845
4846An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4847with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4848 :function Foo()
4849 : execute Bar()
4850 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4851 :endfunction
4852
4853 :function Bar()
4854 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4855 :endfunction
4856
4857The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4858the caller to set the names.
4859
4860 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4861:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4862 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4863 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4864 used.
4865 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4866 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4867 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4868 function.
4869 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4870 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4871 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4872 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4873 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4874 this works:
4875 *function-range-example* >
4876 :function Mynumber(arg)
4877 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4878 :endfunction
4879 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4880<
4881 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4882 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4883 the range.
4884
4885 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4886
4887 :function Cont() range
4888 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4889 :endfunction
4890 :4,8call Cont()
4891<
4892 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4893 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4894
4895 *E132*
4896The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4897option.
4898
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004899
4900AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004901 *autoload-functions*
4902When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004903only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4904the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4905
4906
4907Using an autocommand ~
4908
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004909This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
4910
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004911The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
4912You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
4913That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
4914again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
4915
4916Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
4917function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004918
4919 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
4920
4921The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
4922"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
4923
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004924
4925Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004926 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004927This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
4928
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004929Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
4930exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
4931like this: >
4932
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004933 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004934
4935When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
4936"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
4937"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
4938then define the function like this: >
4939
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004940 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004941 echo "Done!"
4942 endfunction
4943
4944The file name and the name used before the colon in the function must match
4945exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
4946called.
4947
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004948It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
4949a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004950
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004951 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004952
4953Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
4954
4955The name before the first colon must be at least two characters long,
4956otherwise it looks like a scope, such as "s:".
4957
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004958This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
4959
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004960 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004961
4962When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
4963be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
4964
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004965 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
4966 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004967
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00004968Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
4969defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
4970function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004971And you will get an error message every time.
4972
4973Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
4974other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
4975Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004976
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004977==============================================================================
49786. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
4979
4980Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
4981This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
4982{} like this: >
4983 my_{adjective}_variable
4984
4985When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
4986that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
4987name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
4988"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
4989"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
4990
4991One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
4992value. For example, the statement >
4993 echo my_{&background}_message
4994
4995would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
4996on the current value of 'background'.
4997
4998You can use multiple brace pairs: >
4999 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5000..or even nest them: >
5001 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5002where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5003
5004However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005005variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005006 :let foo='a + b'
5007 :echo c{foo}d
5008.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5009
5010 *curly-braces-function-names*
5011You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5012Example: >
5013 :let func_end='whizz'
5014 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5015
5016This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5017
5018==============================================================================
50197. Commands *expression-commands*
5020
5021:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5022 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5023 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5024 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5025 is created.
5026
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005027:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5028 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5029 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5030 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5031 the index can be repeated.
5032 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5033
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005034 *E711* *E719*
5035:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005036 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
5037 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
5038 correct number of items.
5039 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5040 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5041 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5042 end of the list, items will be added.
5043
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005044 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005045:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5046:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5047:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5048 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5049 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5050
5051
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005052:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5053 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5054 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005055:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5056 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5057 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5058 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005059
5060:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5061 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5062 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5063 must be the name of a writable register (see
5064 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5065 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5066 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5067 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5068 characterwise.
5069 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5070 :let @/ = ""
5071< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5072 that would match everywhere.
5073
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005074:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5075 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5076 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5077
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005078:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5079 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005080 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5081 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005082 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5083 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
5084 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005085 Example: >
5086 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005087
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005088:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5089 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5090 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5091
5092:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5093:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5094 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5095 {expr1}.
5096
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005097:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005098:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5099:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5100:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005101 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5102 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5103
5104:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005105:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5106:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5107:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005108 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5109 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5110
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005111:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005112 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
5113 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5114 {name2}, etc.
5115 The number of names must match the number of items in
5116 the List.
5117 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5118 command as mentioned above.
5119 Example: >
5120 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005121< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5122 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5123 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5124 :let x = [0, 1]
5125 :let i = 0
5126 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5127 :echo x
5128< The result is [0, 2].
5129
5130:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5131:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5132:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5133 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5134 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005135
5136:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005137 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005138 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5139 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5140 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005141 Example: >
5142 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5143<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005144:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5145:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5146:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5147 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5148 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005149 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005150:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005151 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5152 here: *E738*
5153 g: global variables.
5154 b: local buffer variables.
5155 w: local window variables.
5156 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005157
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005158:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5159 variable is indicated before the value:
5160 <nothing> String
5161 # Number
5162 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005163
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005164
5165:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5166 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5167 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
5168 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005169 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5170 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005171 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
5172 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5173 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
5174< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
5175 :unlet dict['two']
5176 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005177
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005178:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5179 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5180 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5181 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5182 :lockvar v
5183 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5184 :unlet v
5185< *E741*
5186 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5187 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5188
5189 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
5190 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5191 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
5192 cannot add or remove items, but can
5193 still change their values.
5194 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
5195 the items. If an item is a List or
5196 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
5197 items, but can still change the
5198 values.
5199 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
5200 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
5201 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
5202 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
5203 *E743*
5204 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5205 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5206 loops.
5207
5208 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
5209 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
5210 when used through the other variable. Example: >
5211 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5212 :let cl = l
5213 :lockvar l
5214 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5215< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5216 See |deepcopy()|.
5217
5218
5219:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5220 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5221 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5222
5223
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005224:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5225:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5226 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5227
5228 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5229 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5230 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5231 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5232 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5233 part was not executed either.
5234
5235 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5236 versions: >
5237 :if version >= 500
5238 : version-5-specific-commands
5239 :endif
5240< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5241 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5242 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5243 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5244 avoid problems: >
5245 :if version >= 600
5246 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5247 :endif
5248<
5249 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5250 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5251
5252 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5253:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5254 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5255 executed.
5256
5257 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5258:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5259 is no extra ":endif".
5260
5261:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005262 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005263:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5264 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5265 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5266 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005267 Example: >
5268 :let lnum = 1
5269 :while lnum <= line("$")
5270 :call FixLine(lnum)
5271 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5272 :endwhile
5273<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005274 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005275 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005276
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005277:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005278:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5279 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005280 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005281 value of each item.
5282 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005283 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005284 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5285 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005286 :for item in copy(mylist)
5287< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5288 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5289 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5290 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5291 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5292 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5293 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005294 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5295 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005296< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5297 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5298 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005299 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5300 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5301 to allow multiple item types.
5302
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005303:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5304:endfo[r]
5305 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5306 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5307 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5308 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5309 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5310 :endfor
5311<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005312 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005313:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5314 to the start of the loop.
5315 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5316 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5317 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5318 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5319 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5320 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005321
5322 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005323:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5324 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5325 ":endfor".
5326 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5327 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5328 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5329 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5330 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5331 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005332
5333:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5334:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5335 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5336 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5337 or autocommand invocations.
5338
5339 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5340 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5341 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5342 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5343 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5344 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5345 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5346 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5347 Example: >
5348 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5349 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5350<
5351 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5352 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5353 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5354 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5355 processing is not terminated.
5356
5357 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5358 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5359 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5360 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5361 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5362 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5363 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5364 the error number.
5365 Examples: >
5366 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5367 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5368<
5369 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5370:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5371 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5372 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5373 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5374 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5375 commands are skipped.
5376 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5377 Examples: >
5378 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5379 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5380 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5381 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5382 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5383 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5384 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5385 :catch " same as /.*/
5386<
5387 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5388 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5389 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5390 {pattern}.
5391 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5392 an error message because it may vary in different
5393 locales.
5394
5395 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5396:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5397 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5398 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5399 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5400 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5401 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5402
5403 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5404:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5405 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5406 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5407 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5408 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5409 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5410 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5411 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5412 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5413 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5414 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5415 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5416 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5417 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5418 is terminated.
5419 Example: >
5420 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5421<
5422
5423 *:ec* *:echo*
5424:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5425 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5426 Also see |:comment|.
5427 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5428 cursor to the first column.
5429 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5430 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5431 Example: >
5432 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5433< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5434 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5435 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5436 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5437 command. Example: >
5438 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5439<
5440 *:echon*
5441:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5442 |:comment|.
5443 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5444 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5445 Example: >
5446 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5447<
5448 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5449 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5450 command: >
5451 :!echo % --> filename
5452< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5453 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5454< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5455 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5456 :echo % --> nothing
5457< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5458 :echo "%" --> %
5459< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5460 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5461< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5462
5463 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5464:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5465 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5466 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5467 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5468< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5469 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5470
5471 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5472:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5473 message in the |message-history|.
5474 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5475 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5476 displayed, not interpreted.
5477 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5478 Example: >
5479 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5480<
5481 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5482:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5483 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5484 script or function the line number will be added.
5485 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5486 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5487 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5488 (see |try-echoerr|).
5489 Example: >
5490 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5491< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5492 And to get a beep: >
5493 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5494<
5495 *:exe* *:execute*
5496:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5497 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5498 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5499 used as the processed command, command line editing
5500 keys are not recognized.
5501 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5502 Examples: >
5503 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5504 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5505<
5506 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5507 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5508 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5509
5510< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5511 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5512 command: >
5513 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5514< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5515
5516 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005517 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5518 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005519 :execute 'while i > 5'
5520 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5521<
5522 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5523 completely in the executed string: >
5524 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5525<
5526
5527 *:comment*
5528 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5529 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5530 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5531 comment. Example: >
5532 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5533
5534==============================================================================
55358. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5536
5537The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5538explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5539
5540Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5541|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5542exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5543
5544
5545TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5546
5547Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5548use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5549a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5550 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5551|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5552a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5553be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5554which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5555clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5556
5557 :try
5558 : ...
5559 : ... TRY BLOCK
5560 : ...
5561 :catch /{pattern}/
5562 : ...
5563 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5564 : ...
5565 :catch /{pattern}/
5566 : ...
5567 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5568 : ...
5569 :finally
5570 : ...
5571 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5572 : ...
5573 :endtry
5574
5575The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5576appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5577from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5578 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5579is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5580script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5581 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5582lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5583patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5584after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5585executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5586":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5587(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5588continues in the following line as usual.
5589 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5590":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5591that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5592finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5593the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5594the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5595see |try-nesting|.
5596 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5597remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5598not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5599try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5600a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5601execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5602exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5603 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5604thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5605clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5606catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5607following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5608clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5609
5610The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5611a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5612try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5613from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5614sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5615":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5616":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5617from the finally clause.
5618 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5619try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5620clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5621":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5622clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5623":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5624this pending exception or command is discarded.
5625
5626For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5627
5628
5629NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5630
5631Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5632conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5633clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5634catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5635of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5636checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5637try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5638otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5639nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5640one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5641the inner try conditional.
5642
5643When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5644finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5645An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5646thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5647implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5648as usual.
5649
5650For examples see |throw-catch|.
5651
5652
5653EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5654
5655Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5656'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5657script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5658finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5659a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5660(see |debug-scripts|).
5661
5662
5663THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5664
5665You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5666and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5667 :throw 4711
5668 :throw "string"
5669< *throw-expression*
5670You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5671first, and the result is thrown: >
5672 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5673 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5674
5675An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5676command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5677The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5678 Example: >
5679
5680 :function! Foo(arg)
5681 : try
5682 : throw a:arg
5683 : catch /foo/
5684 : endtry
5685 : return 1
5686 :endfunction
5687 :
5688 :function! Bar()
5689 : echo "in Bar"
5690 : return 4710
5691 :endfunction
5692 :
5693 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5694
5695This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5696executed. >
5697 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5698however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5699
5700Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5701abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5702exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5703 Example: >
5704
5705 :if Foo("arrgh")
5706 : echo "then"
5707 :else
5708 : echo "else"
5709 :endif
5710
5711Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5712
5713 *catch-order*
5714Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5715commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5716command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5717gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5718 Example: >
5719
5720 :function! Foo(value)
5721 : try
5722 : throw a:value
5723 : catch /^\d\+$/
5724 : echo "Number thrown"
5725 : catch /.*/
5726 : echo "String thrown"
5727 : endtry
5728 :endfunction
5729 :
5730 :call Foo(0x1267)
5731 :call Foo('string')
5732
5733The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5734An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5735specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5736specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5737
5738 : catch /.*/
5739 : echo "String thrown"
5740 : catch /^\d\+$/
5741 : echo "Number thrown"
5742
5743The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5744never taken.
5745
5746 *throw-variables*
5747If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5748in the variable |v:exception|: >
5749
5750 : catch /^\d\+$/
5751 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5752
5753You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5754|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5755exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5756 Example: >
5757
5758 :function! Caught()
5759 : if v:exception != ""
5760 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5761 : else
5762 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5763 : endif
5764 :endfunction
5765 :
5766 :function! Foo()
5767 : try
5768 : try
5769 : try
5770 : throw 4711
5771 : finally
5772 : call Caught()
5773 : endtry
5774 : catch /.*/
5775 : call Caught()
5776 : throw "oops"
5777 : endtry
5778 : catch /.*/
5779 : call Caught()
5780 : finally
5781 : call Caught()
5782 : endtry
5783 :endfunction
5784 :
5785 :call Foo()
5786
5787This displays >
5788
5789 Nothing caught
5790 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5791 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5792 Nothing caught
5793
5794A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5795number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5796
5797 :function! LineNumber()
5798 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5799 :endfunction
5800 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5801<
5802 *try-nested*
5803An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5804a surrounding try conditional: >
5805
5806 :try
5807 : try
5808 : throw "foo"
5809 : catch /foobar/
5810 : echo "foobar"
5811 : finally
5812 : echo "inner finally"
5813 : endtry
5814 :catch /foo/
5815 : echo "foo"
5816 :endtry
5817
5818The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5819clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5820conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5821
5822 *throw-from-catch*
5823You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5824catch clause: >
5825
5826 :function! Foo()
5827 : throw "foo"
5828 :endfunction
5829 :
5830 :function! Bar()
5831 : try
5832 : call Foo()
5833 : catch /foo/
5834 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5835 : throw "bar"
5836 : endtry
5837 :endfunction
5838 :
5839 :try
5840 : call Bar()
5841 :catch /.*/
5842 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5843 :endtry
5844
5845This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5846
5847 *rethrow*
5848There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5849"v:exception" instead: >
5850
5851 :function! Bar()
5852 : try
5853 : call Foo()
5854 : catch /.*/
5855 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5856 : throw v:exception
5857 : endtry
5858 :endfunction
5859< *try-echoerr*
5860Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5861exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5862Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5863denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5864the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5865
5866 :try
5867 : try
5868 : asdf
5869 : catch /.*/
5870 : echoerr v:exception
5871 : endtry
5872 :catch /.*/
5873 : echo v:exception
5874 :endtry
5875
5876This code displays
5877
5878 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5879
5880
5881CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5882
5883Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5884user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5885an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5886a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5887catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5888a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5889normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5890(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5891to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5892clause has been executed.)
5893Example: >
5894
5895 :try
5896 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5897 : set ts=17
5898 :
5899 : " Do the hard work here.
5900 :
5901 :finally
5902 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5903 : unlet s:saved_ts
5904 :endtry
5905
5906This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5907changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5908that function or script part.
5909
5910 *break-finally*
5911Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
5912a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
5913 Example: >
5914
5915 :let first = 1
5916 :while 1
5917 : try
5918 : if first
5919 : echo "first"
5920 : let first = 0
5921 : continue
5922 : else
5923 : throw "second"
5924 : endif
5925 : catch /.*/
5926 : echo v:exception
5927 : break
5928 : finally
5929 : echo "cleanup"
5930 : endtry
5931 : echo "still in while"
5932 :endwhile
5933 :echo "end"
5934
5935This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
5936
5937 :function! Foo()
5938 : try
5939 : return 4711
5940 : finally
5941 : echo "cleanup\n"
5942 : endtry
5943 : echo "Foo still active"
5944 :endfunction
5945 :
5946 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
5947
5948This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
5949extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
5950return value.)
5951
5952 *except-from-finally*
5953Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
5954a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
5955cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
5956exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
5957 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
5958working correctly: >
5959
5960 :try
5961 : try
5962 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
5963 : while 1
5964 : endwhile
5965 : finally
5966 : unlet novar
5967 : endtry
5968 :catch /novar/
5969 :endtry
5970 :echo "Script still running"
5971 :sleep 1
5972
5973If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
5974think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
5975|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
5976
5977
5978CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
5979
5980If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
5981watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
5982presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
5983exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
5984the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
5985the error exception is.
5986 Error exceptions have the following format: >
5987
5988 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
5989or >
5990 Vim:{errmsg}
5991
5992{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
5993the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
5994when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
5995a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
5996a space.
5997
5998Examples:
5999
6000The command >
6001 :unlet novar
6002normally produces the error message >
6003 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6004which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6005 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6006
6007The command >
6008 :dwim
6009normally produces the error message >
6010 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6011which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6012 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6013
6014You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6015 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6016or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6017 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6018
6019Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6020 :function nofunc
6021and >
6022 :delfunction nofunc
6023both produce the error message >
6024 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6025which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6026 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6027or >
6028 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6029respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6030command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6031 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6032
6033Some commands like >
6034 :let x = novar
6035produce multiple error messages, here: >
6036 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6037 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6038Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6039one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6040 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6041
6042You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6043 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6044
6045You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6046 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6047
6048You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6049 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6050<
6051 *catch-text*
6052NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6053 :catch /No such variable/
6054only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6055a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6056cite the message text in a comment: >
6057 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6058
6059
6060IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6061
6062You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6063
6064 :try
6065 : write
6066 :catch
6067 :endtry
6068
6069But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6070catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6071be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6072
6073 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6074
6075There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6076writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6077then hide the error from the user.
6078 It is much better to use >
6079
6080 :try
6081 : write
6082 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6083 :endtry
6084
6085which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6086intentionally.
6087
6088For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6089even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6090command: >
6091 :silent! nunmap k
6092This works also when a try conditional is active.
6093
6094
6095CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6096
6097When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6098the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6099script is not terminated, then.
6100 Example: >
6101
6102 :function! TASK1()
6103 : sleep 10
6104 :endfunction
6105
6106 :function! TASK2()
6107 : sleep 20
6108 :endfunction
6109
6110 :while 1
6111 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6112 : try
6113 : if command == ""
6114 : continue
6115 : elseif command == "END"
6116 : break
6117 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6118 : call TASK1()
6119 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6120 : call TASK2()
6121 : else
6122 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6123 : continue
6124 : endif
6125 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6126 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6127 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6128 : endtry
6129 :endwhile
6130
6131You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6132a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6133
6134For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6135your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6136command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6137
6138
6139CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6140
6141The commands >
6142
6143 :catch /.*/
6144 :catch //
6145 :catch
6146
6147catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6148explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6149a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6150 Example: >
6151
6152 :try
6153 :
6154 : " do the hard work here
6155 :
6156 :catch /MyException/
6157 :
6158 : " handle known problem
6159 :
6160 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6161 : echo "Script interrupted"
6162 :catch /.*/
6163 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6164 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6165 :endtry
6166 :" end of script
6167
6168Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6169strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6170specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6171 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6172by pressing CTRL-C: >
6173
6174 :while 1
6175 : try
6176 : sleep 1
6177 : catch
6178 : endtry
6179 :endwhile
6180
6181
6182EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6183
6184Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6185
6186 :autocmd User x try
6187 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6188 :autocmd User x catch
6189 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6190 :autocmd User x endtry
6191 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6192 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6193 :
6194 :try
6195 : doautocmd User x
6196 :catch
6197 : echo v:exception
6198 :endtry
6199
6200This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6201
6202 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6203For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6204command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6205of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6206abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6207 Example: >
6208
6209 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6210 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6211 :
6212 :try
6213 : write
6214 :catch
6215 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6216 :endtry
6217
6218Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6219you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6220autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6221script displays: >
6222
6223 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6224<
6225 *except-autocmd-Post*
6226For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6227command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6228an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6229is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6230 Example: >
6231
6232 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6233 :
6234 :try
6235 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6236 :catch
6237 : echo v:exception
6238 :endtry
6239
6240This just displays: >
6241
6242 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6243
6244If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6245fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6246 Example: >
6247
6248 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6249 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6250 :
6251 :try
6252 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6253 :catch
6254 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6255 :endtry
6256<
6257You can also use ":silent!": >
6258
6259 :let x = "ok"
6260 :let v:errmsg = ""
6261 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6262 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6263 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6264 :try
6265 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6266 :catch
6267 :endtry
6268 :echo x
6269
6270This displays "after fail".
6271
6272If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6273autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6274
6275 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6276 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6277 :
6278 :try
6279 : write
6280 :catch
6281 : echo v:exception
6282 :endtry
6283<
6284 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6285For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6286autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6287of the command.
6288 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6289had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6290some way. >
6291
6292 :if !exists("cnt")
6293 : let cnt = 0
6294 :
6295 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6296 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6297 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6298 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6299 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6300 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6301 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6302 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6303 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6304 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6305 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6306 :endif
6307 :
6308 :try
6309 : write
6310 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6311 : if &modified
6312 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6313 : else
6314 : echo "Error after writing"
6315 : endif
6316 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6317 : echo "Error on writing"
6318 :endtry
6319
6320When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6321first >
6322 File successfully written!
6323then >
6324 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6325then >
6326 Error after writing
6327etc.
6328
6329 *except-autocmd-ill*
6330You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6331The following code is ill-formed: >
6332
6333 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6334 :
6335 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6336 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6337 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6338 :
6339 :write
6340
6341
6342EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6343
6344Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6345pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6346similar things in Vim.
6347 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6348class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6349string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6350 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6351it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6352for an error when writing "myfile".
6353 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6354base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6355parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6356 Example: >
6357
6358 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6359 : if a:a < 0
6360 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6361 : endif
6362 :endfunction
6363 :
6364 :function! Add(a, b)
6365 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6366 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6367 : let c = a:a + a:b
6368 : if c < 0
6369 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6370 : endif
6371 : return c
6372 :endfunction
6373 :
6374 :function! Div(a, b)
6375 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6376 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6377 : if (a:b == 0)
6378 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6379 : endif
6380 : return a:a / a:b
6381 :endfunction
6382 :
6383 :function! Write(file)
6384 : try
6385 : execute "write" a:file
6386 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6387 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6388 : endtry
6389 :endfunction
6390 :
6391 :try
6392 :
6393 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6394 :
6395 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6396 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6397 : echo "Range error in" function
6398 :
6399 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6400 : echo "Math error"
6401 :
6402 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6403 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6404 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6405 : if file !~ '^/'
6406 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6407 : endif
6408 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6409 :
6410 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6411 : echo "Unspecified error"
6412 :
6413 :endtry
6414
6415The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6416a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6417exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6418 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6419failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6420
6421
6422PECULIARITIES
6423 *except-compat*
6424The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6425exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6426and/or a catch clause.
6427
6428In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6429continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6430after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6431functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6432or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6433(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6434
6435This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6436immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6437conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6438be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6439termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6440catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6441by specifying a finally clause.)
6442
6443When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6444behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6445scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6446
6447However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6448commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6449conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6450script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6451error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6452messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6453|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6454not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6455where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6456error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6457scripts.
6458
6459 *except-syntax-err*
6460Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6461the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6462clauses, however, is executed.
6463 Example: >
6464
6465 :try
6466 : try
6467 : throw 4711
6468 : catch /\(/
6469 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6470 : catch
6471 : echo "inner catch-all"
6472 : finally
6473 : echo "inner finally"
6474 : endtry
6475 :catch
6476 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6477 : finally
6478 : echo "outer finally"
6479 :endtry
6480
6481This displays: >
6482 inner finally
6483 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6484 outer finally
6485The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6486
6487 *except-single-line*
6488The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6489a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6490"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6491 Example: >
6492 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6493raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6494argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6495error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6496displayed.
6497
6498 *except-several-errors*
6499When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6500usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6501 Example: >
6502 echo novar
6503causes >
6504 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6505 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6506The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6507 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6508< *except-syntax-error*
6509But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6510the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6511 Example: >
6512 unlet novar #
6513causes >
6514 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6515 E488: Trailing characters
6516The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6517 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6518This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6519not intended by the user. Example: >
6520 try
6521 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6522 catch /.*/
6523 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6524 endtry
6525This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6526a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6527
6528==============================================================================
65299. Examples *eval-examples*
6530
6531Printing in Hex ~
6532>
6533 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6534 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6535 : let n = a:nr
6536 : let r = ""
6537 : while n
6538 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6539 : let n = n / 16
6540 : endwhile
6541 : return r
6542 :endfunc
6543
6544 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6545 :" character Hex string.
6546 :func String2Hex(str)
6547 : let out = ''
6548 : let ix = 0
6549 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6550 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6551 : let ix = ix + 1
6552 : endwhile
6553 : return out
6554 :endfunc
6555
6556Example of its use: >
6557 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6558result: "20" >
6559 :echo String2Hex("32")
6560result: "3332"
6561
6562
6563Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6564
6565Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6566":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6567platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6568function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6569with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6570>
6571 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6572 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6573 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6574 : return -1
6575 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6576 : return 1
6577 : else
6578 : return 0
6579 : endif
6580 :endfunction
6581
6582 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6583 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6584 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6585 : return
6586 : endif
6587 : let partition = a:start - 1
6588 : let middle = partition
6589 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6590 : let i = a:start
6591 : while (i <= a:end)
6592 : let str = getline(i)
6593 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6594 : if (result <= 0)
6595 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6596 : let partition = partition + 1
6597 : if (result == 0)
6598 : let middle = partition
6599 : endif
6600 : if (i != partition)
6601 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6602 : call setline(i, str2)
6603 : call setline(partition, str)
6604 : endif
6605 : endif
6606 : let i = i + 1
6607 : endwhile
6608
6609 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6610 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6611 : " the end of the partition.
6612 : if (middle != partition)
6613 : let str = getline(middle)
6614 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6615 : call setline(middle, str2)
6616 : call setline(partition, str)
6617 : endif
6618 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6619 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6620 :endfunc
6621
6622 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6623 :" function that will compare two lines.
6624 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6625 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6626 :endfunc
6627
6628 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6629 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6630<
6631 *sscanf*
6632There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6633line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6634how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6635"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6636 :" Set up the match bit
6637 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6638 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6639 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6640 :"get each item out of the match
6641 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6642 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6643 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6644
6645The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6646"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6647
6648==============================================================================
664910. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6650
6651When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6652evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6653to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6654recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6655and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6656only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6657recognized.
6658
6659Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6660missing: >
6661
6662 :if 1
6663 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6664 :else
6665 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6666 :endif
6667
6668==============================================================================
666911. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6670
6671The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6672options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6673these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6674these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6675a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006676The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006677
6678These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6679 - changing the buffer text
6680 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6681 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6682 - executing a shell command
6683 - reading or writing a file
6684 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006685This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6686
6687 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006688:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006689 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6690 'foldexpr'.
6691
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006692
6693 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: