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Bram Moolenaare6ae6222013-05-21 21:01:10 +02001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3. Last change: 2013 May 21
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +020042Number A 32 or 64 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020066the Number. Examples:
67 Number 123 --> String "123" ~
68 Number 0 --> String "0" ~
69 Number -1 --> String "-1" ~
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020073the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples:
74 String "456" --> Number 456 ~
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6 ~
76 String "foo" --> Number 0 ~
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241 ~
78 String "0100" --> Number 64 ~
79 String "-8" --> Number -8 ~
80 String "+8" --> Number 0 ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000081
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
Bram Moolenaar3a0d8092012-10-21 03:02:54 +020094use empty(): >
95 :if !empty("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar26402cb2013-02-20 21:26:00 +0100506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725* *E862*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
Bram Moolenaar1affd722010-08-04 17:49:30 +0200538If you get an error for a numbered function, you can find out what it is with
539a trick. Assuming the function is 42, the command is: >
540 :function {42}
541
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542
543Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000544 *E715*
545Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000546 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
547 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
548 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
549 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
550 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
551 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
552 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
553 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000554
555
5561.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000557 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000558If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
559function.
560
561When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
563stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
564
565When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
566start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
567stored in the session file |session-file|.
568
569variable name can be stored where ~
570my_var_6 not
571My_Var_6 session file
572MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
573
574
575It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
576|curly-braces-names|.
577
578==============================================================================
5792. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
580
581Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
582
583|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
584
585|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
586
587|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
588
589|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
590 expr5 != expr5 not equal
591 expr5 > expr5 greater than
592 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
593 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
594 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
595 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
596 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
597
598 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
599 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
600 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
601 matching case
602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
604 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000605
606|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000607 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
608 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
609
610|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
611 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
612 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
613
614|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
615 - expr7 unary minus
616 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000617
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000618|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
619 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
620 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
621 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000622
623|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000624 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000625 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000626 [expr1, ...] |List|
627 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000628 &option option value
629 (expr1) nested expression
630 variable internal variable
631 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
632 $VAR environment variable
633 @r contents of register 'r'
634 function(expr1, ...) function call
635 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
636
637
638".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
639Example: >
640 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
641
642All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
643
644
645expr1 *expr1* *E109*
646-----
647
648expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
649
650The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
651non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
652otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
653Example: >
654 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
655
656Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
657other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
658Example: >
659 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
660
661To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
662 :echo lnum == 1
663 :\ ? "top"
664 :\ : lnum == 1000
665 :\ ? "last"
666 :\ : lnum
667
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000668You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
669use in a variable such as "a:1".
670
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000671
672expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
673---------------
674
675 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
676The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
677are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
678
679 input output ~
680n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
681zero zero zero zero
682zero non-zero non-zero zero
683non-zero zero non-zero zero
684non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
685
686The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
687
688 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
689
690Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
691
692 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
693
694Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
695arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
696
697 let a = 1
698 echo a || b
699
700This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
701so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
702
703 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
704
705This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
706only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
707
708
709expr4 *expr4*
710-----
711
712expr5 {cmp} expr5
713
714Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
715if it evaluates to true.
716
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000717 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000718 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
719 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
720 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
721 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
722 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200723 *expr-is* *expr-isnot* *expr-is#* *expr-isnot#*
724 *expr-is?* *expr-isnot?*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000725 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
726equal == ==# ==?
727not equal != !=# !=?
728greater than > ># >?
729greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
730smaller than < <# <?
731smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
732regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
733regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200734same instance is is# is?
735different instance isnot isnot# isnot?
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736
737Examples:
738"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
739"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
740"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
741
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000742 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000743A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
744"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
745Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000746
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000747 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000748A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
749equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000750recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
751
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000752 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000753A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
754equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000755
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200756When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| or a |Dictionary| this checks if the
757expressions are referring to the same |List| or |Dictionary| instance. A copy
758of a |List| is different from the original |List|. When using "is" without
759a |List| or a |Dictionary| it is equivalent to using "equal", using "isnot"
760equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a different type means the
761values are different: "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'" is false and "0 is []" is
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +0200762false and not an error. "is#"/"isnot#" and "is?"/"isnot?" can be used to match
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200763and ignore case.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000764
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000765When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000766and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000767because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
768
769When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
770results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
771necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
772
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000773When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000774'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000777'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
778
779'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000780
781The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
782argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
783This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
784matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
785portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
786single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
787Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
788(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
789can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
790 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
791 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
792
793
794expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
795---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000796expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000797expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
798expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000799
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000800For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000801result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000802
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +0100803expr7 * expr7 .. Number multiplication *expr-star*
804expr7 / expr7 .. Number division *expr-/*
805expr7 % expr7 .. Number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000806
807For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +0100808For bitwise operators see |and()|, |or()| and |xor()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
810Note the difference between "+" and ".":
811 "123" + "456" = 579
812 "123" . "456" = "123456"
813
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000814Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
815 1 . 90 + 90.0
816As: >
817 (1 . 90) + 90.0
818That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
819190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
820 1 . 90 * 90.0
821Should be read as: >
822 1 . (90 * 90.0)
823Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
824attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
825
826When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
827 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
828 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
829 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
830 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
831
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000832When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
833
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000834None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000835
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000836. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
837
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000838
839expr7 *expr7*
840-----
841! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
842- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
843+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
844
845For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
846For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
847For '+' the number is unchanged.
848
849A String will be converted to a Number first.
850
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000851These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000852 !-1 == 0
853 !!8 == 1
854 --9 == 9
855
856
857expr8 *expr8*
858-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000859expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
862expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100863Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
864an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000865
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
867text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
868cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000869 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000870
871If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000872String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
873compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
874
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000875If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000876for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000877error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000878 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
879
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000880Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
881|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
882error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000883
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000884
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000885expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000886
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000887If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
888from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100889expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
890|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000891
892If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
893string minus one is used.
894
895A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
896the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
897
898If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
899expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
900
901Examples: >
902 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
903 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
904 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
905 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100906<
907 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000908If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000909the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000910just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000911 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
912 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
913 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
914
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000915Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
916error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000917
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000918
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000919expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000920
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000921If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
922name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
923expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000924
925The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
926but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
927
928There must not be white space before or after the dot.
929
930Examples: >
931 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
932 :echo dict.one
933 :echo dict .2
934
935Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
936always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
937
938
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000939expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000940
941When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
942
943
944
945 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000946number
947------
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +0100948number number constant *expr-number*
949 *hex-number* *octal-number*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000950
951Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
952
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000953 *floating-point-format*
954Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
955
956 [-+]{N}.{M}
957 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
958
959{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
960contain digits.
961[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
962{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
963Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
964locale is.
965{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
966
967Examples:
968 123.456
969 +0.0001
970 55.0
971 -0.123
972 1.234e03
973 1.0E-6
974 -3.1416e+88
975
976These are INVALID:
977 3. empty {M}
978 1e40 missing .{M}
979
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000980 *float-pi* *float-e*
981A few useful values to copy&paste: >
982 :let pi = 3.14159265359
983 :let e = 2.71828182846
984
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000985Rationale:
986Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
987the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
988resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000989could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000990incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
991for floating point numbers.
992
993 *floating-point-precision*
994The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
995means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
996runtime.
997
998The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
999printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
1000function. Example: >
1001 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
1002< 7.853981633974483e-01
1003
1004
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001005
1006string *expr-string* *E114*
1007------
1008"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1009
1010Note that double quotes are used.
1011
1012A string constant accepts these special characters:
1013\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1014\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1015\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1016\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1017\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1018\X.. same as \x..
1019\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001020\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001021 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1022\U.... same as \u....
1023\b backspace <BS>
1024\e escape <Esc>
1025\f formfeed <FF>
1026\n newline <NL>
1027\r return <CR>
1028\t tab <Tab>
1029\\ backslash
1030\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001031\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1032 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1033 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001034
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001035Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1036encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1037of 'encoding'.
1038
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001039Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1040
1041
1042literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1043---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001044'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001045
1046Note that single quotes are used.
1047
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001048This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001049meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001050
1051Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001052to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001053 if a =~ "\\s*"
1054 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001055
1056
1057option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1058------
1059&option option value, local value if possible
1060&g:option global option value
1061&l:option local option value
1062
1063Examples: >
1064 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1065 if &insertmode
1066
1067Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1068and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1069anyway.
1070
1071
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001072register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001073--------
1074@r contents of register 'r'
1075
1076The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1077Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001078register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001079registers.
1080
1081When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1082evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001083
1084
1085nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1086-------
1087(expr1) nested expression
1088
1089
1090environment variable *expr-env*
1091--------------------
1092$VAR environment variable
1093
1094The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1095result is an empty string.
1096 *expr-env-expand*
1097Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1098expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1099are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1100the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1101fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1102does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1103 :echo $version
1104 :echo expand("$version")
1105The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1106variable (if your shell supports it).
1107
1108
1109internal variable *expr-variable*
1110-----------------
1111variable internal variable
1112See below |internal-variables|.
1113
1114
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001115function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001116-------------
1117function(expr1, ...) function call
1118See below |functions|.
1119
1120
1121==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +020011223. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E461*
1123
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001124An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1125cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1126|curly-braces-names|.
1127
1128An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001129An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1130|:unlet|.
1131Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1132been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001133
1134There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1135specified by what is prepended:
1136
1137 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1138|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1139|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001140|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001141|global-variable| g: Global.
1142|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1143|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1144|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001145|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001146
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001147The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1148delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001149 :for k in keys(s:)
1150 : unlet s:[k]
1151 :endfor
1152<
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001153 *buffer-variable* *b:var* *b:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001154A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1155Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1156This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1157|:bdelete|.
1158
1159One local buffer variable is predefined:
Bram Moolenaarbf884932013-04-05 22:26:15 +02001160 *b:changedtick* *changetick*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001161b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1162 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1163 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1164 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1165 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001166 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1167 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001168 :endif
1169<
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001170 *window-variable* *w:var* *w:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001171A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1172is deleted when the window is closed.
1173
Bram Moolenaarad3b3662013-05-17 18:14:19 +02001174 *tabpage-variable* *t:var* *t:*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001175A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1176It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001177without the |+windows| feature}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001178
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001179 *global-variable* *g:var* *g:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001180Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001181access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001182place if you like.
1183
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001184 *local-variable* *l:var* *l:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001185Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001186But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1187you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1188refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1189same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190
1191 *script-variable* *s:var*
1192In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1193accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1194
1195They can be used in:
1196- commands executed while the script is sourced
1197- functions defined in the script
1198- autocommands defined in the script
1199- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1200 defined in the script (recursively)
1201- user defined commands defined in the script
1202Thus not in:
1203- other scripts sourced from this one
1204- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001205- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001206- etc.
1207
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001208Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1209Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001210
1211 let s:counter = 0
1212 function MyCounter()
1213 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1214 echo s:counter
1215 endfunction
1216 command Tick call MyCounter()
1217
1218You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1219that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1220"Tick" was defined is used.
1221
1222Another example that does the same: >
1223
1224 let s:counter = 0
1225 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1226
1227When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001228script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001229defined.
1230
1231The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1232function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1233
1234 let s:counter = 0
1235 function StartCounting(incr)
1236 if a:incr
1237 function MyCounter()
1238 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1239 endfunction
1240 else
1241 function MyCounter()
1242 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1243 endfunction
1244 endif
1245 endfunction
1246
1247This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1248when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1249called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1250
1251When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1252They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1253maintain a counter: >
1254
1255 if !exists("s:counter")
1256 let s:counter = 1
1257 echo "script executed for the first time"
1258 else
1259 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1260 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1261 endif
1262
1263Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1264variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1265
1266
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +02001267Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var* *v:*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001268
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001269 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1270v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1271 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1272 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1273
1274 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1275v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1276 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1277
1278 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1279v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1280 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1281
1282 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001283v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1284 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1285 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1286 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001287 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1288 highlighted text is used.
1289 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1290
1291 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1292v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
Bram Moolenaar00654022011-02-25 14:42:19 +01001293 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. The first
1294 window has number zero (unlike most other places where a
1295 window gets a number).
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001296
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001297 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001298v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02001299 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |:map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaare6ae6222013-05-21 21:01:10 +02001300 It is also used by the |InsertCharPre| and |InsertEnter| events.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001301
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001302 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1303v:charconvert_from
1304 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1305 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1306
1307 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1308v:charconvert_to
1309 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1310 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1311
1312 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1313v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1314 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1315 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1316 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1317 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1318 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001319 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001320 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1321 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1322 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1323 in 'printexpr'.
1324
1325 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1326v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1327 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1328 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1329 can be used.
1330
1331 *v:count* *count-variable*
1332v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001333 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001334 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1335< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1336 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001337 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1338 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001339 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1341
1342 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1343v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1344 used.
1345
1346 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1347v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1348 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1349 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1350 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1351 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1352 command.
1353 See |multi-lang|.
1354
1355 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001356v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001357 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1358 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1359 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1360 Example: >
1361 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
Bram Moolenaar0e1e25f2010-05-28 21:07:08 +02001362< Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one,
1363 VimLeave autocommands will not be executed.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1366v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1367 Example: >
1368 :let v:errmsg = ""
1369 :silent! next
1370 :if v:errmsg != ""
1371 : ... handle error
1372< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1373
1374 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1375v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1376 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1377 Example: >
1378 :try
1379 : throw "oops"
1380 :catch /.*/
1381 : echo "caught" v:exception
1382 :endtry
1383< Output: "caught oops".
1384
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001385 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1386v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1387 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1388 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1389 deleted file no longer exists
1390 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1391 changed and buffer is modified
1392 changed file contents has changed
1393 mode mode of file changed
1394 time only file timestamp changed
1395
1396 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1397v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1398 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1399 do with the affected buffer:
1400 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1401 the file was deleted).
1402 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1403 was no autocommand. Except that when
1404 only the timestamp changed nothing
1405 will happen.
1406 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1407 everything that needs to be done.
1408 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1409 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1410
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001411 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001412v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001413 option used for ~
1414 'charconvert' file to be converted
1415 'diffexpr' original file
1416 'patchexpr' original file
1417 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001418 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001419
1420 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1421v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1422 evaluating:
1423 option used for ~
1424 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1425 'diffexpr' output of diff
1426 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1427 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001428 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001429 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1430 file and different from v:fname_in.
1431
1432 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1433v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1434 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1435
1436 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1437v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1438 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1439
1440 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1441v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1442 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001443 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001444
1445 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1446v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001447 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448
1449 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1450v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001451 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
1453 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1454v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001455 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001456
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001457 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1458v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1459 events. Values:
1460 i Insert mode
1461 r Replace mode
1462 v Virtual Replace mode
1463
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001464 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001465v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001466 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1467 Read-only.
1468
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001469 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1470v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1471 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1472 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1473 The value is system dependent.
1474 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1475 command.
1476 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1477 in a different language than what is used for character
1478 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1479
1480 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1481v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1482 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1483 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1484 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1485 command. See |multi-lang|.
1486
1487 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02001488v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr|, 'formatexpr' and
1489 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'
1490 and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these
1491 expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the
1492 |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001493
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001494 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1495v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1496 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1497 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1498
1499 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1500v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1501 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1502 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1503
1504 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1505v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1506 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1507 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1508
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001509 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1510v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1511 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1512 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1513 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1514 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1515 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1516 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1517 than String this will cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001518 {only when compiled with the |+viminfo| feature}
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001519
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001520 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1521v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1522 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1523 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1524 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1525 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1526 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1527< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1528 don't expect it to be empty.
1529 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1530 commands.
1531 Read-only.
1532
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1534v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1535 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001536 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1537 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001538 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1539< Read-only.
1540
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001541 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001542v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001543 See |profiling|.
1544
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001545 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1546v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001547 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for |view|,
1548 |evim| etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001549 Read-only.
1550
1551 *v:register* *register-variable*
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001552v:register The name of the register in effect for the current normal mode
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001553 command (regardless of whether that command actually used a
1554 register). Or for the currently executing normal mode mapping
1555 (use this in custom commands that take a register).
1556 If none is supplied it is the default register '"', unless
1557 'clipboard' contains "unnamed" or "unnamedplus", then it is
1558 '*' or '+'.
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001559 Also see |getreg()| and |setreg()|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001560
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001561 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1562v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1563 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1564 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1565 typed command.
1566 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1567 hit-enter prompt.
1568
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001569 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1570v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1571 Read-only.
1572
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001573
1574v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1575 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1576 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1577 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1578 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1579 function. |function-search-undo|.
1580 Read-write.
1581
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001582 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1583v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1584 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1585 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1586 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1587 executed. Read-only.
1588 Example: >
1589 :!mv foo bar
1590 :if v:shell_error
1591 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1592 :endif
1593< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1594
1595 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1596v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1597
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001598 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1599v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1600 the swap file found. Read-only.
1601
1602 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1603v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1604 for handling an existing swap file:
1605 'o' Open read-only
1606 'e' Edit anyway
1607 'r' Recover
1608 'd' Delete swapfile
1609 'q' Quit
1610 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001611 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001612 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1613 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1614
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001615 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001616v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001617 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001618 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001619 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001620 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001621
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1623v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001624 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001625 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1626 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1627 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1628 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1629 terminal.
1630 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1631 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1632 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1633 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1634 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1635
1636 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1637v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1638 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1639 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1640 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1641
1642 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1643v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001644 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1646 Example: >
1647 :try
1648 : throw "oops"
1649 :catch /.*/
1650 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1651 :endtry
1652< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1653
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001654 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001655v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001656 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001657 |filter()|. Read-only.
1658
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001659 *v:version* *version-variable*
1660v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1661 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1662 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1663 compatibility.
1664 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1665 if has("patch123")
1666< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1667 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1668 completely different.
1669
1670 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1671v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1672
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001673 *v:windowid* *windowid-variable*
1674v:windowid When any X11 based GUI is running or when running in a
1675 terminal and Vim connects to the X server (|-X|) this will be
Bram Moolenaar264e9fd2010-10-27 12:33:17 +02001676 set to the window ID.
1677 When an MS-Windows GUI is running this will be set to the
1678 window handle.
1679 Otherwise the value is zero.
1680 Note: for windows inside Vim use |winnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001681
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001682==============================================================================
16834. Builtin Functions *functions*
1684
1685See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1686
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001687(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001688
1689USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1690
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001691abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001692acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001693add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001694and( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise AND
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001695append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001696append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001697argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001698argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001699argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001700argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001701asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001702atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001703atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001704browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1705 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001706browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001707bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1709bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001710bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1711bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1712bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1713byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001714byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001715call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1716 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001717ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1718changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01001719char2nr( {expr}[, {utf8}]) Number ASCII/UTF8 value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001720cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001721clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001723complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001724complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001725complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001726confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1727 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001728copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001729cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001730cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001731count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1732 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001733cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1734 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001735cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1736 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1737cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001738deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1740did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001741diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1742diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001743empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001744escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001745eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001746eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001747executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1748exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001749extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001750 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001751exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01001752expand( {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]])
1753 any expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001754feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001755filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001756filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001757filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1758 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001759finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001760 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001761findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001762 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001763float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1764floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001765fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001766fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001767fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001768foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1769foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001770foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001771foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001772foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001773foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001774function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01001775garbagecollect( [{atexit}]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001776get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001777get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001778getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1779 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001780getbufvar( {expr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1781 any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001782getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1783getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001784getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1785getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001786getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001787getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001788getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1789getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001790getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001791getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001792getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001793getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1794getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001795getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001796getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001797getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001798getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001799getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001800getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001802gettabvar( {nr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1803 any variable {varname} in tab {nr} or {def}
1804gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name} [, {def}])
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001805 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001806getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1807getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001808getwinvar( {nr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1809 any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01001810glob( {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]])
1811 any expand file wildcards in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001812globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1813 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001814has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001815has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001816haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001817hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1818 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001819histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1820histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1821histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1822histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1823hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1824hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1825hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001826iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1827indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001828index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1829 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001830input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1831 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001832inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001833inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001834inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1835inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001836inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001837insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001838invert( {expr}) Number bitwise invert
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001839isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001840islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001841items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001842join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001843keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001844len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1845libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001846libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1847line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1848line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001849lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001850localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001851log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001852log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001853luaeval( {expr}[, {expr}]) any evaluate |Lua| expression
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001854map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02001855maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]])
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01001856 String or Dict
1857 rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001858mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1859 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001860match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001861 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001862matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1863 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001864matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001865matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001866matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001867 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001868matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1869 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001870matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1871 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001872max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1873min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1874mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001875 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001876mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001877mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001878nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01001879nr2char( {expr}[, {utf8}]) String single char with ASCII/UTF8 value {expr}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001880or( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise OR
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001881pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001882pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001883prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001884printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1885pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02001886pyeval( {expr}) any evaluate |Python| expression
1887py3eval( {expr}) any evaluate |python3| expression
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001888range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1889 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001890readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001891 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001892reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1893reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001894remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1895 String send expression
1896remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1897remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1898 Number check for reply string
1899remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1900remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1901 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001902remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001903remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001904rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1905repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1906resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001907reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001908round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9a773482013-06-11 18:40:13 +02001909screenattr( {row}, {col}) Number attribute at screen position
1910screenchar( {row}, {col}) Number character at screen position
Bram Moolenaar9750bb12012-12-05 16:10:42 +01001911screencol() Number current cursor column
1912screenrow() Number current cursor row
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001913search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1914 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001915searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001916 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001917searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001918 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001919searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001920 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001921searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001922 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001923server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1924 Number send reply string
1925serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1926setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1927setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1928setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001929setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1930 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001931setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001932setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001933setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001934setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001935settabvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001936settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1937 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001938setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaaraf9aeb92013-02-13 17:35:04 +01001939sha256( {string}) String SHA256 checksum of {string}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001940shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1941 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001942 command argument
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02001943shiftwidth() Number effective value of 'shiftwidth'
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001944simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001945sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001946sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02001947sort( {list} [, {func} [, {dict}]])
1948 List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001949soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001950spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001951spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1952 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001953split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001954 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001955sqrt( {expr}) Float square root of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001956str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1957str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001958strchars( {expr}) Number character length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02001959strdisplaywidth( {expr} [, {col}]) Number display length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001960strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001961stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1962 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001963string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001964strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1965strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1966 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001967strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1968 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001969strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001970strwidth( {expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001971submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":s" or substitute()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001972substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1973 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001974synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001975synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1976 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1977synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02001978synconcealed( {lnum}, {col}) List info about concealing
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001979synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001980system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001981tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1982tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1983tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1984 Number number of current window in tab page
1985taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001986tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001987tempname() String name for a temporary file
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001988tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr}
1989tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001990tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1991toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001992tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1993 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001994trunc( {expr}) Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001995type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02001996undofile( {name}) String undo file name for {name}
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02001997undotree() List undo file tree
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001998values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001999virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
2000visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
Bram Moolenaar8738fc12013-02-20 17:59:11 +01002001wildmenumode() Number whether 'wildmenu' mode is active
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002002winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
2003wincol() Number window column of the cursor
2004winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
2005winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00002006winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002007winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002008winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00002009winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002010winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002011writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002012 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01002013xor( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise XOR
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002014
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002015abs({expr}) *abs()*
2016 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
2017 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
2018 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
2019 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
2020 Examples: >
2021 echo abs(1.456)
2022< 1.456 >
2023 echo abs(-5.456)
2024< 5.456 >
2025 echo abs(-4)
2026< 4
2027 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2028
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002029
2030acos({expr}) *acos()*
2031 Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002032 |Float| in the range of [0, pi].
2033 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002034 [-1, 1].
2035 Examples: >
2036 :echo acos(0)
2037< 1.570796 >
2038 :echo acos(-0.5)
2039< 2.094395
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002040 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002041
2042
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002043add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002044 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
2045 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002046 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
2047 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002048< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002049 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002050 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002051
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002052
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01002053and({expr}, {expr}) *and()*
2054 Bitwise AND on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
2055 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
2056 Example: >
2057 :let flag = and(bits, 0x80)
2058
2059
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002060append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002061 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
2062 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002063 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
2064 the current buffer.
2065 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002066 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002067 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002068 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002069 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002070<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002071 *argc()*
2072argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
2073 current window. See |arglist|.
2074
2075 *argidx()*
2076argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
2077 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
2078
2079 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002080argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002081 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
2082 Example: >
2083 :let i = 0
2084 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002085 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002086 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
2087 : let i = i + 1
2088 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002089< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2090 returned.
2091
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002092asin({expr}) *asin()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002093 Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002094 in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002095 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002096 [-1, 1].
2097 Examples: >
2098 :echo asin(0.8)
2099< 0.927295 >
2100 :echo asin(-0.5)
2101< -0.523599
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002102 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002103
2104
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002105atan({expr}) *atan()*
2106 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2107 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2108 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2109 Examples: >
2110 :echo atan(100)
2111< 1.560797 >
2112 :echo atan(-4.01)
2113< -1.326405
2114 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2115
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002116
2117atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()*
2118 Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002119 radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi].
2120 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002121 Examples: >
2122 :echo atan2(-1, 1)
2123< -0.785398 >
2124 :echo atan2(1, -1)
2125< 2.356194
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002126 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002127
2128
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002129 *browse()*
2130browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2131 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2132 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2133 The input fields are:
2134 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2135 {title} title for the requester
2136 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2137 {default} default file name
2138 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2139 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2140
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002141 *browsedir()*
2142browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2143 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2144 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2145 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2146 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2147 to be used.
2148 The input fields are:
2149 {title} title for the requester
2150 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2151 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2152 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2153
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002154bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2155 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2156 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002157 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002158 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002159 exactly. The name can be:
2160 - Relative to the current directory.
2161 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002162 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002163 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002164 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2165 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2166 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2167 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002168 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2169 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2170 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002171 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2172 file name.
2173 *buffer_exists()*
2174 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2175
2176buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2177 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2178 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002179 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002180
2181bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2182 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2183 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002184 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002185
2186bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2187 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2188 ":ls" command.
2189 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2190 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2191 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002192 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002193 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2194 match an empty string is returned.
2195 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2196 alternate buffer.
2197 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002198 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2199 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2200 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002201 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2202 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2203 buffers are searched for.
2204 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2205 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2206 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2207< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2208 string is returned. >
2209 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2210 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2211 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2212 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2213< *buffer_name()*
2214 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2215
2216 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002217bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2218 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002219 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002220 above.
2221 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2222 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2223 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002224 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2225 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2226< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2227 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2228 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2229 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2230 *buffer_number()*
2231 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2232 *last_buffer_nr()*
2233 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2234
2235bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2236 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2237 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002238 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002239 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2240
2241 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2242
2243< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2244 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002245 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002246
2247
2248byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2249 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2250 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2251 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2252 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2253 one.
2254 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2255 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2256 feature}
2257
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002258byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2259 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2260 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2261 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2262 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2263 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2264 Example : >
2265 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2266< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2267 same: >
2268 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2269 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2270< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2271 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2272 is returned.
2273
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002274call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002275 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002276 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002277 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002278 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2279 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002280 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2281 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002282
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002283ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2284 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2285 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2286 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2287 Examples: >
2288 echo ceil(1.456)
2289< 2.0 >
2290 echo ceil(-5.456)
2291< -5.0 >
2292 echo ceil(4.0)
2293< 4.0
2294 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2295
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002296changenr() *changenr()*
2297 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2298 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2299 with the |:undo| command.
2300 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2301 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2302 one less than the number of the undone change.
2303
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002304char2nr({expr}[, {utf8}]) *char2nr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002305 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2306 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2307 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002308< When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used.
2309 Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002310 char2nr("á") returns 225
2311 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002312< With {utf8} set to 1, always treat as utf-8 characters.
2313 A combining character is a separate character.
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02002314 |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002315
2316cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2317 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2318 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2319 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2320 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2321 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2322 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002323 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002324
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002325clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2326 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2327 |:match| commands.
2328
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002329 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002330col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002331 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2332 . the cursor position
2333 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
Bram Moolenaar1aeaf8c2012-05-18 13:46:39 +02002334 number of bytes in the cursor line plus one)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002335 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2336 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002337 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2338 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002339 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002340 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002341 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002342 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002343 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2344 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2345 Examples: >
2346 col(".") column of cursor
2347 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2348 col("'t") column of mark t
2349 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002350< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002351 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2352 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002353 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2354 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2355 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2356 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2357 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2358 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2359 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2360<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002361
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002362complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2363 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2364 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002365 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2366 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002367 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2368 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2369 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2370 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2371 match.
2372 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2373 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2374 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002375 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002376 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2377 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2378 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2379 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002380 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002381
2382 func! ListMonths()
2383 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2384 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2385 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2386 return ''
2387 endfunc
2388< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2389 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2390
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002391complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2392 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2393 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2394 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2395 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2396 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002397 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002398 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002399
2400complete_check() *complete_check()*
2401 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2402 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2403 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2404 zero otherwise.
2405 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2406 'completefunc' option.
2407
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002408 *confirm()*
2409confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2410 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2411 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2412 choice this is 1.
2413 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2414 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002415
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002416 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2417 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2418 used (and translated).
2419 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2420 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002421
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002422 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2423 by '\n', e.g. >
2424 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2425< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2426 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2427 not need to be the first letter: >
2428 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2429< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2430 the default shortcut key.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002431
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002432 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2433 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2434 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2435 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002436
2437 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2438 is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32
2439 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question",
2440 "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is
2441 relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2442
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002443 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2444 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2445
2446 An example: >
2447 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2448 :if choice == 0
2449 : echo "make up your mind!"
2450 :elseif choice == 3
2451 : echo "tasteful"
2452 :else
2453 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2454 :endif
2455< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2456 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002457 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002458 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2459 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2460 the horizontal layout is always used.
2461
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002462 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002463copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002464 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002465 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2466 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002467 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2468 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002469 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002470
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002471cos({expr}) *cos()*
2472 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2473 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2474 Examples: >
2475 :echo cos(100)
2476< 0.862319 >
2477 :echo cos(-4.01)
2478< -0.646043
2479 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2480
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002481
2482cosh({expr}) *cosh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002483 Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002484 [1, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002485 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002486 Examples: >
2487 :echo cosh(0.5)
2488< 1.127626 >
2489 :echo cosh(-0.5)
2490< -1.127626
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002491 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002492
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002493
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002494count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002495 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002496 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002497 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002498 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002499 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2500
2501
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002502 *cscope_connection()*
2503cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2504 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2505 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2506 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2507 if there are no cscope connections;
2508 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2509
2510 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2511 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2512
2513 {num} Description of existence check
2514 ----- ------------------------------
2515 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2516 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2517 {dbpath}.
2518 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2519 {dbpath}.
2520 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2521 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2522 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2523 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2524
2525 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2526
2527 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2528
2529 # pid database name prepend path
2530 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2531<
2532 Invocation Return Val ~
2533 ---------- ---------- >
2534 cscope_connection() 1
2535 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2536 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2537 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2538 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2539 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2540 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2541 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2542<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002543cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2544cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002545 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2546 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002547 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002548 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2549 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002550 Does not change the jumplist.
2551 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2552 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2553 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002554 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002555 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2556 line.
2557 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002558 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2559 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002560 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002561 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002562
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002563
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002564deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002565 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002566 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002567 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2568 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002569 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002570 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002571 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2572 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2573 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2574 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2575 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2576 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002577 *E724*
2578 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002579 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2580 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002581 Also see |copy()|.
2582
2583delete({fname}) *delete()*
2584 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002585 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2586 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002587 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarac7bd632013-03-19 11:35:58 +01002588 To delete a line from the buffer use |:delete|. Use |:exe|
2589 when the line number is in a variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002590
2591 *did_filetype()*
2592did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2593 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2594 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2595 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2596 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2597 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2598 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2599 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2600 file.
2601
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002602diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2603 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2604 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2605 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2606 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2607 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2608 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2609 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2610
2611diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2612 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2613 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2614 diff change zero is returned.
2615 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2616 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2617 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2618 line.
2619 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2620 syntax information about the highlighting.
2621
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002622empty({expr}) *empty()*
2623 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002624 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002625 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002626 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002627 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002628
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002629escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2630 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2631 backslash. Example: >
2632 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2633< results in: >
2634 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002635< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002636
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002637 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002638eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2639 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002640 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2641 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2642 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002643
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002644eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2645 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2646 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2647 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2648 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2649
2650executable({expr}) *executable()*
2651 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2652 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002653 arguments.
2654 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2655 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2656 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2657 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002658 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2659 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002660 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002661 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002662 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2663 extension.
2664 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2665 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002666 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2667 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2668 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002669 The result is a Number:
2670 1 exists
2671 0 does not exist
2672 -1 not implemented on this system
2673
2674 *exists()*
2675exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2676 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2677 which contains one of these:
2678 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2679 not if it really works)
2680 +option-name Vim option that works.
2681 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2682 done by comparing with an empty
2683 string)
2684 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2685 or user defined function (see
2686 |user-functions|).
2687 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002688 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002689 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2690 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002691 that evaluating an index may cause an
2692 error message for an invalid
2693 expression. E.g.: >
2694 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2695 :echo exists("l[5]")
2696< 0 >
2697 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2698< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2699 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002700 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2701 command or command modifier |:command|.
2702 Returns:
2703 1 for match with start of a command
2704 2 full match with a command
2705 3 matches several user commands
2706 To check for a supported command
2707 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002708 :2match The |:2match| command.
2709 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002710 #event autocommand defined for this event
2711 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2712 pattern (the pattern is taken
2713 literally and compared to the
2714 autocommand patterns character by
2715 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002716 #group autocommand group exists
2717 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2718 event.
2719 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002720 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002721 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002722 ##event autocommand for this event is
2723 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002724 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2725
2726 Examples: >
2727 exists("&shortname")
2728 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2729 exists("*strftime")
2730 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2731 exists("bufcount")
2732 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002733 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002734 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002735 exists("#filetypeindent")
2736 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2737 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002738 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002739< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2740 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002741 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2742 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2743 the future, thus don't count on it!
2744 Working example: >
2745 exists(":make")
2746< NOT working example: >
2747 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002748
2749< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2750 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002751 exists(bufcount)
2752< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002753 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002754
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002755exp({expr}) *exp()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002756 Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002757 [0, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002758 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002759 Examples: >
2760 :echo exp(2)
2761< 7.389056 >
2762 :echo exp(-1)
2763< 0.367879
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002764 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002765
2766
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002767expand({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) *expand()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002768 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002769 'wildignorecase' applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002770
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002771 If {list} is given and it is non-zero, a List will be returned.
2772 Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several
2773 matches, they are separated by <NL> characters. [Note: in
2774 version 5.0 a space was used, which caused problems when a
2775 file name contains a space]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002776
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002777 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002778 for a non-existing file is not included.
2779
2780 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2781 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2782 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2783
2784 % current file name
2785 # alternate file name
2786 #n alternate file name n
2787 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2788 <afile> autocmd file name
2789 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2790 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2791 <sfile> sourced script file name
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01002792 <slnum> sourced script file line number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002793 <cword> word under the cursor
2794 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2795 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2796 message |server2client()|
2797 Modifiers:
2798 :p expand to full path
2799 :h head (last path component removed)
2800 :t tail (last path component only)
2801 :r root (one extension removed)
2802 :e extension only
2803
2804 Example: >
2805 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2806< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2807 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2808 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2809< Use this: >
2810 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2811< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2812 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2813 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2814 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2815 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2816<
2817 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2818 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2819 to modify normal file names.
2820
2821 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2822 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2823 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2824 '/' added.
2825
2826 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2827 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2828 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01002829 {nosuf} argument is given and it is non-zero.
2830 Names for non-existing files are included. The "**" item can
2831 be used to search in a directory tree. For example, to find
2832 all "README" files in the current directory and below: >
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002833 :echo expand("**/README")
2834<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002835 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2836 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002837 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002838 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002839 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002840 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2841 "$FOOBAR".
2842
2843 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2844 getting the raw output of an external command.
2845
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002846extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002847 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2848 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002849
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002850 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002851 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2852 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2853 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2854 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002855 Examples: >
2856 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2857 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002858< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2859 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2860 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2861 (where N is the original length of the List).
2862 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002863 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002864 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002865<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002866 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002867 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2868 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2869 used to decide what to do:
2870 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2871 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002872 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002873 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2874
2875 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2876 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2877 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2878 Returns {expr1}.
2879
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002880
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002881feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2882 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002883 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002884 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002885 being executed these characters come after them.
2886 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2887 {string}.
2888 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2889 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002890 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002891 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2892 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2893 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002894 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2895 'n' Do not remap keys.
2896 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2897 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2898 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002899 Return value is always 0.
2900
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002901filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2902 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2903 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2904 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2905 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002906 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2907 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002908 *file_readable()*
2909 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2910
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002911
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002912filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2913 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2914 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002915 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002916 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2917
2918
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002919filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002920 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002921 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002922 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002923 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002924 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002925 Examples: >
2926 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2927< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2928 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2929< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2930 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002931< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002932
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002933 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2934 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2935 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2936
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002937 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2938 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002939 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002940
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002941< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002942 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2943 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002944
2945
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002946finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002947 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2948 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2949 for the syntax of {path}.
2950 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2951 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2952 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002953 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2954 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002955 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002956 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002957 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002958 {only available when compiled with the |+file_in_path|
2959 feature}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002960
2961findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2962 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002963 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2964 Example: >
2965 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002966< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2967 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002968
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002969float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2970 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2971 decimal point.
2972 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2973 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2974 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2975 in -0x80000000.
2976 Examples: >
2977 echo float2nr(3.95)
2978< 3 >
2979 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2980< -23 >
2981 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2982< 2147483647 >
2983 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2984< -2147483647 >
2985 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2986< 0
2987 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2988
2989
2990floor({expr}) *floor()*
2991 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2992 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2993 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2994 Examples: >
2995 echo floor(1.856)
2996< 1.0 >
2997 echo floor(-5.456)
2998< -6.0 >
2999 echo floor(4.0)
3000< 4.0
3001 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3002
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003003
3004fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()*
3005 Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the
3006 division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2}
3007 for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the
3008 result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than
3009 the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02003010 returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|.
3011 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003012 Examples: >
3013 :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22)
3014< 0.13 >
3015 :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22)
3016< -0.13
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003017 {only available when compiled with |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003018
3019
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003020fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003021 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003022 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
3023 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003024 For most systems the characters escaped are
3025 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
3026 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003027 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
3028 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003029 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003030 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003031 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
3032< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003033 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003034
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003035fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
3036 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
3037 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
3038 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
3039 Example: >
3040 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
3041< results in: >
3042 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003043< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003044 |expand()| first then.
3045
3046foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
3047 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3048 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
3049 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3050
3051foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
3052 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3053 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
3054 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3055
3056foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
3057 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003058 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003059 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
3060 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
3061 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
3062 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
3063 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
3064 previous line is usually available.
3065
3066 *foldtext()*
3067foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
3068 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
3069 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
3070 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
3071 The returned string looks like this: >
3072 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003073< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003074 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
3075 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
3076 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
3077 options is removed.
3078 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3079
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00003080foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
3081 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
3082 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
3083 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
3084 returned.
3085 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
3086 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
3087 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
3088 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3089
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003090 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003091foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003092 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
3093 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
3094 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
3095 |remote_foreground()| instead.
3096 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3097 Win32 console version}
3098
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003099
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003100function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003101 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003102 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
3103
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003104
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003105garbagecollect([{atexit}]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003106 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003107 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
3108 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
3109 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
3110 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
3111 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003112 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
3113 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
3114 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003115 When the optional {atexit} argument is one, garbage
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003116 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
3117 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003118
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003119get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003120 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003121 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
3122 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003123get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003124 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003125 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
3126 {default} is omitted.
3127
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003128 *getbufline()*
3129getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003130 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
3131 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
3132 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003133
3134 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3135
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003136 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
3137 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003138
3139 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003140 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003141
3142 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
3143 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003144 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003145 returned.
3146
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003147 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003148 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003149
3150 Example: >
3151 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003152
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003153getbufvar({expr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getbufvar()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003154 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
3155 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
3156 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003157 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
3158 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003159 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
3160 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
3161 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003162 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003163 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty
3164 string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003165 Examples: >
3166 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
3167 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
3168<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003169getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003170 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003171 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3172 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003173 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003174 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003175 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3176
3177 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3178 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3179 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3180 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3181 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003182 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3183 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3184 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3185 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003186
3187 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003188 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3189 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003190
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003191 Use getcharmod() to obtain any additional modifiers.
3192
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003193 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3194 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3195 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3196 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3197 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003198 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003199 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3200 exe v:mouse_lnum
3201 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3202 endif
3203<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003204 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3205 user that a character has to be typed.
3206 There is no mapping for the character.
3207 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3208 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3209 sequence. Examples: >
3210 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3211 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3212< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3213 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3214 :function FindChar()
3215 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3216 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3217 : normal l
3218 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3219 : break
3220 : endif
3221 : endwhile
3222 :endfunction
3223
3224getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3225 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3226 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3227 These values are added together:
3228 2 shift
3229 4 control
3230 8 alt (meta)
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003231 16 meta (when it's different from ALT)
3232 32 mouse double click
3233 64 mouse triple click
3234 96 mouse quadruple click (== 32 + 64)
3235 128 command (Macintosh only)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003236 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003237 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003238 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003239
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003240getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3241 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3242 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3243 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3244 Example: >
3245 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003246< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003247
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003248getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003249 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3250 byte count. The first column is 1.
3251 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +02003252 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping.
3253 Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003254 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3255
3256getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3257 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3258 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003259 : normal Ex command
3260 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3261 / forward search command
3262 ? backward search command
3263 @ |input()| command
3264 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003265 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +02003266 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping.
3267 Returns an empty string otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003268 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003269
3270 *getcwd()*
3271getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3272 working directory.
3273
3274getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3275 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3276 given file {fname}.
3277 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3278 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003279 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3280 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003281
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003282getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3283 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3284 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3285 |hl-Normal|.
3286 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3287 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3288 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3289 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003290 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003291 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3292 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003293 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3294 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003295
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003296getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3297 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3298 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3299 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3300 empty string is returned.
3301 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3302 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3303 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3304 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02003305 is replaced with the string "-". Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003306 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02003307 :echo getfperm(expand("~/.vimrc"))
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003308< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3309 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003310
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003311getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3312 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3313 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3314 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3315 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3316 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3317
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003318getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3319 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3320 file of the given file {fname}.
3321 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3322 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3323 results:
3324 Normal file "file"
3325 Directory "dir"
3326 Symbolic link "link"
3327 Block device "bdev"
3328 Character device "cdev"
3329 Socket "socket"
3330 FIFO "fifo"
3331 All other "other"
3332 Example: >
3333 getftype("/home")
3334< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3335 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3336 "file" are returned.
3337
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003338 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003339getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3340 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3341 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003342 getline(1)
3343< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3344 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3345 To get the line under the cursor: >
3346 getline(".")
3347< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3348 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3349
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003350 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3351 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003352 including line {end}.
3353 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3354 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003355 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003356 Example: >
3357 :let start = line('.')
3358 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3359 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3360
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003361< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3362
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003363getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3364 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3365 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3366 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003367 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003368 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003369
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003370getmatches() *getmatches()*
3371 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3372 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3373 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3374 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3375 Example: >
3376 :echo getmatches()
3377< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3378 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3379 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3380 :let m = getmatches()
3381 :call clearmatches()
3382 :echo getmatches()
3383< [] >
3384 :call setmatches(m)
3385 :echo getmatches()
3386< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3387 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3388 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3389 :unlet m
3390<
3391
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003392getqflist() *getqflist()*
3393 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3394 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3395 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3396 bufname() to get the name
3397 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3398 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003399 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3400 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003401 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003402 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003403 text description of the error
3404 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3405 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3406
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003407 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003408 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3409 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003410
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003411 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3412 do something with them: >
3413 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3414 :for d in getqflist()
3415 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3416 :endfor
3417
3418
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003419getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003420 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003421 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003422 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3423< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003424 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003425 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3426 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3427 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003428 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3429
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003430
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003431getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3432 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3433 The value will be one of:
3434 "v" for |characterwise| text
3435 "V" for |linewise| text
3436 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3437 0 for an empty or unknown register
3438 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3439 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3440
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003441gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabvar()*
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003442 Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page
3443 {tabnr}. |t:var|
3444 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
3445 Note that the name without "t:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003446 When the tab or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty
3447 string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003448
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003449gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003450 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3451 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3452 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3453 option.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003454 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3455 variables is returned.
3456 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003457 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3458 use |getwinvar()|.
3459 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3460 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3461 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3462 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003463 When the tab, window or variable doesn't exist {def} or an
3464 empty string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003465 Examples: >
3466 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3467 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003468<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003469 *getwinposx()*
3470getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3471 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3472 -1 if the information is not available.
3473
3474 *getwinposy()*
3475getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003476 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003477 information is not available.
3478
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003479getwinvar({winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003480 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003481 Examples: >
3482 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3483 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3484<
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003485glob({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) *glob()*
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003486 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003487 use of special characters.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003488
3489 Unless the optional {nosuf} argument is given and is non-zero,
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003490 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3491 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3492 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01003493 'wildignorecase' always applies.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003494
3495 When {list} is present and it is non-zero the result is a List
3496 with all matching files. The advantage of using a List is,
3497 you also get filenames containing newlines correctly.
3498 Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several
3499 matches, they are separated by <NL> characters.
3500
3501 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty String or List.
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02003502 A name for a non-existing file is not included. A symbolic
3503 link is only included if it points to an existing file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003504
3505 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3506 any external command. Example: >
3507 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3508 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3509< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003510 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003511
3512 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3513 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3514
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003515globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003516 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3517 the results. Example: >
3518 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3519< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3520 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003521 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003522 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3523 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3524 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3525 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3526 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003527 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3528 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3529 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3530 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003531
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003532 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3533 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3534 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3535 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003536< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3537 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3538
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003539 *has()*
3540has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3541 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3542 string. See |feature-list| below.
3543 Also see |exists()|.
3544
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003545
3546has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003547 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3548 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003549
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003550haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3551 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003552 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003553
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003554hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003555 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3556 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3557 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3558 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003559 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003560 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3561 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003562 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3563 buffer are checked for a match.
3564 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3565 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3566 n Normal mode
3567 v Visual mode
3568 o Operator-pending mode
3569 i Insert mode
3570 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3571 c Command-line mode
3572 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3573
3574 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003575 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003576 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3577 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3578 :endif
3579< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3580 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3581
3582histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3583 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3584 one of: *hist-names*
3585 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3586 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003587 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003588 "input" or "@" input line history
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02003589 "debug" or ">" debug command history
3590 The {history} string does not need to be the whole name, one
3591 character is sufficient.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003592 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3593 shifted to become the newest entry.
3594 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3595 otherwise 0 is returned.
3596
3597 Example: >
3598 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3599 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3600< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3601
3602histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003603 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003604 for the possible values of {history}.
3605
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003606 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3607 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3608 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003609 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003610 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3611 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3612 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003613
3614 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3615 otherwise 0 is returned.
3616
3617 Examples:
3618 Clear expression register history: >
3619 :call histdel("expr")
3620<
3621 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3622 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3623<
3624 The following three are equivalent: >
3625 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3626 :call histdel("search", -1)
3627 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3628<
3629 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3630 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3631 :call histdel("search", -1)
3632 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3633
3634histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3635 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3636 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3637 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3638 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3639 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3640
3641 Examples:
3642 Redo the second last search from history. >
3643 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3644
3645< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3646 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3647 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3648<
3649histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3650 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3651 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3652 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3653
3654 Example: >
3655 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3656<
3657hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3658 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3659 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3660 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3661 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3662 item.
3663 *highlight_exists()*
3664 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3665
3666 *hlID()*
3667hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3668 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3669 zero is returned.
3670 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003671 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003672 "Comment" group: >
3673 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3674< *highlightID()*
3675 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3676
3677hostname() *hostname()*
3678 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003679 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003680 256 characters long are truncated.
3681
3682iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3683 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3684 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003685 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3686 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3687 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003688 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3689 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3690 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3691 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3692 can be done.
3693 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3694 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3695 UTF-8 and use: >
3696 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3697< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3698 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3699 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003700 {only available when compiled with the |+multi_byte| feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003701
3702 *indent()*
3703indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3704 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3705 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3706 |getline()|.
3707 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3708
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003709
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003710index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003711 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003712 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3713 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3714 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3715 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003716 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3717 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003718 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3719 case must match.
3720 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3721 Example: >
3722 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003723 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003724
3725
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003726input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003727 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003728 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3729 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3730 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003731 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3732 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003733 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003734 for lines typed for input().
3735 Example: >
3736 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3737 : echo "Cheers!"
3738 :endif
3739<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003740 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3741 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3742 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003743 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3744
3745< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3746 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003747 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003748 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003749 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003750 more information. Example: >
3751 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3752<
3753 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3754 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003755 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3756 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3757 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3758 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3759 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3760 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3761 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3762
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003763 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003764 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3765 :function GetFoo()
3766 : call inputsave()
3767 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3768 : call inputrestore()
3769 :endfunction
3770
3771inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003772 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3773 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003774 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02003775 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", shiftwidth())
3776 :if n != ""
3777 : let &sw = n
3778 :endif
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003779< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3780 omitted an empty string is returned.
3781 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3782 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003783 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003784
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003785inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003786 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3787 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3788 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003789 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003790 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003791 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3792 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3793 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003794 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003795 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003796 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3797 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003798 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3799 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3800
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003801inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003802 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003803 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3804 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3805 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3806
3807inputsave() *inputsave()*
3808 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3809 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3810 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3811 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3812 many inputrestore() calls.
3813 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3814
3815inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3816 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3817 two exceptions:
3818 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3819 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3820 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3821 |history| stack.
3822 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3823 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003824 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003825
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003826insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003827 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003828 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003829 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003830 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3831 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003832 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003833 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3834 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3835 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003836< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003837 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003838 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003839
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01003840invert({expr}) *invert()*
3841 Bitwise invert. The argument is converted to a number. A
3842 List, Dict or Float argument causes an error. Example: >
3843 :let bits = invert(bits)
3844
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003845isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3846 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3847 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3848 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3849 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3850
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003851islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003852 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3853 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003854 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3855 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003856 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3857 :lockvar 1 alist
3858 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3859 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3860
3861< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003862 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003863
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003864items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003865 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3866 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3867 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3868 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003869
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003870
3871join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3872 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3873 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3874 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3875 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3876 add it there too: >
3877 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003878< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003879 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3880 The opposite function is |split()|.
3881
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003882keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003883 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003884 arbitrary order.
3885
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003886 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003887len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3888 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3889 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003890 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003891 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003892 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3893 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003894 Otherwise an error is given.
3895
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003896 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3897libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3898 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3899 with single argument {argument}.
3900 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3901 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3902 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3903 limited.
3904 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3905 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3906 to Vim.
3907 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3908 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3909 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3910 null-terminated string.
3911 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3912
3913 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3914 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3915 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3916 very probably crash.
3917
3918 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3919 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3920 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3921 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3922 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3923 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3924 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3925 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3926 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3927 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3928
3929 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003930 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003931 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3932 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3933 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3934 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3935 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3936 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003937 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003938 feature is present}
3939 Examples: >
3940 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003941<
3942 *libcallnr()*
3943libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003944 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003945 int instead of a string.
3946 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3947 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003948 Examples: >
3949 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003950 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3951 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3952<
3953 *line()*
3954line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3955 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3956 . the cursor position
3957 $ the last line in the current buffer
3958 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3959 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003960 w0 first line visible in current window
3961 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003962 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3963 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3964 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3965 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003966 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3967 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003968 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3969 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003970 Examples: >
3971 line(".") line number of the cursor
3972 line("'t") line number of mark t
3973 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3974< *last-position-jump*
3975 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3976 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003977 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003978
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003979line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3980 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3981 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3982 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaarb6b046b2011-12-30 13:11:27 +01003983 line returns 1. 'encoding' matters, 'fileencoding' is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003984 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3985 below the last line: >
3986 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
Bram Moolenaarb6b046b2011-12-30 13:11:27 +01003987< This is the buffer size plus one. If 'fileencoding' is empty
3988 it is the file size plus one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003989 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3990 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3991 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3992
3993lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3994 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3995 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3996 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3997 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3998 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3999 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
4000
4001localtime() *localtime()*
4002 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
4003 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
4004
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004005
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004006log({expr}) *log()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02004007 Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|.
4008 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004009 (0, inf].
4010 Examples: >
4011 :echo log(10)
4012< 2.302585 >
4013 :echo log(exp(5))
4014< 5.0
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004015 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004016
4017
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004018log10({expr}) *log10()*
4019 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
4020 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4021 Examples: >
4022 :echo log10(1000)
4023< 3.0 >
4024 :echo log10(0.01)
4025< -2.0
4026 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4027
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02004028luaeval({expr}[, {expr}]) *luaeval()*
4029 Evaluate Lua expression {expr} and return its result converted
4030 to Vim data structures. Second {expr} may hold additional
4031 argument accessible as _A inside first {expr}.
4032 Strings are returned as they are.
4033 Boolean objects are converted to numbers.
4034 Numbers are converted to |Float| values if vim was compiled
4035 with |+float| and to numbers otherwise.
4036 Dictionaries and lists obtained by vim.eval() are returned
4037 as-is.
4038 Other objects are returned as zero without any errors.
4039 See |lua-luaeval| for more details.
4040 {only available when compiled with the |+lua| feature}
4041
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004042map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004043 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004044 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
4045 {string}.
4046 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00004047 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
4048 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004049 Example: >
4050 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004051< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004052
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004053 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004054 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004055 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
4056 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004057
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004058 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
4059 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004060 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' v:val . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004061
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004062< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004063 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
4064 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004065
4066
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004067maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) *maparg()*
4068 When {dict} is omitted or zero: Return the rhs of mapping
4069 {name} in mode {mode}. The returned String has special
4070 characters translated like in the output of the ":map" command
4071 listing.
4072
4073 When there is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is
4074 returned.
4075
4076 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
4077 command.
4078
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004079 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004080 "n" Normal
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004081 "v" Visual (including Select)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004082 "o" Operator-pending
4083 "i" Insert
4084 "c" Cmd-line
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004085 "s" Select
4086 "x" Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004087 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
4088 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004089 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004090
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004091 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4092 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004093
4094 When {dict} is there and it is non-zero return a dictionary
4095 containing all the information of the mapping with the
4096 following items:
4097 "lhs" The {lhs} of the mapping.
4098 "rhs" The {rhs} of the mapping as typed.
4099 "silent" 1 for a |:map-silent| mapping, else 0.
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004100 "noremap" 1 if the {rhs} of the mapping is not remappable.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004101 "expr" 1 for an expression mapping (|:map-<expr>|).
4102 "buffer" 1 for a buffer local mapping (|:map-local|).
4103 "mode" Modes for which the mapping is defined. In
4104 addition to the modes mentioned above, these
4105 characters will be used:
4106 " " Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
4107 "!" Insert and Commandline mode
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01004108 (|mapmode-ic|)
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004109 "sid" The script local ID, used for <sid> mappings
4110 (|<SID>|).
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004111
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004112 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4113 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00004114 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
4115 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
4116 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
4117
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004118
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004119mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004120 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
4121 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
4122 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004123 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4124 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004125 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
4126 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
4127
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004128 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004129 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
4130 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
4131 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
4132 mapcheck("b") no no no
4133
4134 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
4135 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
4136 mapping for {name} exactly.
4137 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
4138 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
4139 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
4140 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
4141 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4142 then the global mappings.
4143 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
4144 without being ambiguous. Example: >
4145 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
4146 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
4147 :endif
4148< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
4149 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
4150
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004151match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004152 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
4153 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004154 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004155 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004156 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
4157 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004158 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004159 If there is no match -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02004160 For getting submatches see |matchlist()|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004161 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004162 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004163 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004164< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004165 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004166 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004167 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
4168< *strcasestr()*
4169 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
4170 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
4171 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
4172<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004173 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004174 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004175 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004176 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004177 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
4178< result is again "4". >
4179 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
4180< result is again "4". >
4181 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
4182< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004183 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004184 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
4185 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
4186 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
4187 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004188 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
4189 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004190 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
4191 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004192
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004193 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004194 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004195 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
4196 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
4197< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004198 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
4199 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004200
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004201 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
4202 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004203 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004204 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
4205
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004206 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
4207matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
4208 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
4209 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
4210 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
4211 match using |matchdelete()|.
4212
4213 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004214 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004215 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
4216 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
4217 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
4218 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
4219 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
4220 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
4221 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
4222 always overrule syntax highlighting.
4223
4224 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
4225 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
4226 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
4227 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
4228 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
4229 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
4230 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
4231
4232 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
4233 the |:match| commands.
4234
4235 Example: >
4236 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
4237 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
4238< Deletion of the pattern: >
4239 :call matchdelete(m)
4240
4241< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004242 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004243 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004244
4245matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004246 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004247 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
4248 Return a |List| with two elements:
4249 The name of the highlight group used
4250 The pattern used.
4251 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
4252 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004253 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
4254 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
4255 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004256
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004257matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4258 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004259 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004260 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4261 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004262
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004263matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004264 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4265 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004266 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4267< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004268 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4269 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4270 do it with matchend(): >
4271 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4272 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4273< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4274
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004275 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004276 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4277< results in "7". >
4278 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4279< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004280 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004281
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004282matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004283 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004284 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4285 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004286 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4287 empty string is used. Example: >
4288 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4289< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004290 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4291
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004292matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004293 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004294 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4295< results in "ing".
4296 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004297 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004298 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4299< results in "ing". >
4300 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4301< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004302 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004303 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004304
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004305 *max()*
4306max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4307 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4308 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004309 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004310
4311 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004312min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004313 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4314 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004315 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004316
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004317 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004318mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4319 Create directory {name}.
4320 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4321 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4322 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4323 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004324 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004325 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4326 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4327 with 0755.
4328 Example: >
4329 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4330< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004331 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4332 :if exists("*mkdir")
4333<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004334 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004335mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004336 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4337 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4338 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4339 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004340
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004341 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004342 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004343 v Visual by character
4344 V Visual by line
4345 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4346 s Select by character
4347 S Select by line
4348 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4349 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004350 R Replace |R|
4351 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004352 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004353 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4354 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004355 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004356 rm The -- more -- prompt
4357 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4358 ! Shell or external command is executing
4359 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4360 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4361 "c" or "n".
4362 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004363
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004364mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4365 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02004366 converted to Vim data structures.
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004367 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4368 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4369 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4370 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4371 converted to strings.
4372 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4373 Examples: >
4374 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4375 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4376 :echo mzeval("l")
4377 :echo mzeval("h")
4378<
4379 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4380
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004381nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4382 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4383 that is not blank. Example: >
4384 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4385< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4386 below it, zero is returned.
4387 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4388
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004389nr2char({expr}[, {utf8}]) *nr2char()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004390 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4391 value {expr}. Examples: >
4392 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4393 nr2char(32) returns " "
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004394< When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used.
4395 Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004396 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004397< With {utf8} set to 1, always return utf-8 characters.
4398 Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004399 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4400 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004401 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004402
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004403 *getpid()*
4404getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004405 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4406 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004407
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004408 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004409getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4410 see |line()|.
4411 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4412 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4413 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4414 is the buffer number of the mark.
4415 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4416 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004417 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4418 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004419 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004420 character.
4421 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4422 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4423 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004424 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004425< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004426
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01004427or({expr}, {expr}) *or()*
4428 Bitwise OR on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
4429 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
4430 Example: >
4431 :let bits = or(bits, 0x80)
4432
4433
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004434pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4435 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4436 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4437 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4438 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4439 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4440< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4441 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4442
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004443pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4444 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4445 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4446 Examples: >
4447 :echo pow(3, 3)
4448< 27.0 >
4449 :echo pow(2, 16)
4450< 65536.0 >
4451 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4452< 2.0
4453 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4454
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004455prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4456 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4457 that is not blank. Example: >
4458 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4459< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4460 above it, zero is returned.
4461 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4462
4463
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004464printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4465 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4466 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004467 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004468< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004469 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004470
4471 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004472 %s string
Bram Moolenaar3ab72c52012-11-14 18:10:56 +01004473 %6S string right-aligned in 6 display cells
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004474 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004475 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4476 %c single byte
4477 %d decimal number
4478 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4479 %x hex number
4480 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4481 %X hex number using upper case letters
4482 %o octal number
4483 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4484 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4485 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4486 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4487 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4488 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004489
4490 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4491 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4492 the result.
4493
4494 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004495 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004496
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004497 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004498
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004499 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004500 Zero or more of the following flags:
4501
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004502 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4503 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4504 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4505 of the number is increased to force the first
4506 character of the output string to a zero (except
4507 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4508 precision of zero).
4509 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4510 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4511 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004512
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004513 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4514 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4515 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4516 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4517 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004518
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004519 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4520 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4521 The converted value is padded on the right with
4522 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4523 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004524
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004525 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4526 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004527
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004528 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004529 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004530 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004531
4532 field-width
4533 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004534 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4535 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4536 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4537 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004538
4539 .precision
4540 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4541 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4542 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4543 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4544 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004545 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004546 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4547 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004548
4549 type
4550 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4551 be applied, see below.
4552
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004553 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4554 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004555 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004556 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4557 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4558 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004559 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004560< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004561 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004562
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004563 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004564
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004565 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4566 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004567 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4568 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4569 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004570 conversions.
4571 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4572 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4573 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4574 zeros.
4575 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4576 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4577 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4578 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4579
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004580 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004581 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4582 resulting character is written.
4583
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004584 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004585 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4586 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4587 specified are used.
Bram Moolenaar3ab72c52012-11-14 18:10:56 +01004588 S The text of the String argument is used. If a
4589 precision is specified, no more display cells than the
4590 number specified are used. Without the |+multi_byte|
4591 feature works just like 's'.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004592
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004593 *printf-f* *E807*
4594 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4595 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4596 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4597 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4598 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4599 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4600 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4601 Example: >
4602 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4603< 12.12
4604 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4605 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4606
4607 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4608 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4609 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4610 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4611 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4612
4613 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4614 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4615 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4616 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4617 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4618 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4619 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4620 results in 1.0e7.
4621
4622 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004623 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4624 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004625
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004626 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4627 accepted and automatically converted.
4628 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4629 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4630 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004631
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004632 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004633 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4634 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004635 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004636
4637
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004638pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4639 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4640 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004641 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4642 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004643
Bram Moolenaare6ae6222013-05-21 21:01:10 +02004644 *E860*
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004645py3eval({expr}) *py3eval()*
4646 Evaluate Python expression {expr} and return its result
4647 converted to Vim data structures.
4648 Numbers and strings are returned as they are (strings are
4649 copied though, unicode strings are additionally converted to
4650 'encoding').
4651 Lists are represented as Vim |List| type.
4652 Dictionaries are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with
4653 keys converted to strings.
4654 {only available when compiled with the |+python3| feature}
4655
4656 *E858* *E859*
4657pyeval({expr}) *pyeval()*
4658 Evaluate Python expression {expr} and return its result
4659 converted to Vim data structures.
4660 Numbers and strings are returned as they are (strings are
4661 copied though).
4662 Lists are represented as Vim |List| type.
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +02004663 Dictionaries are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type,
4664 non-string keys result in error.
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004665 {only available when compiled with the |+python| feature}
4666
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004667 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004668range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004669 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004670 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4671 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4672 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4673 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4674 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004675 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4676 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4677 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004678 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004679 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004680 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4681 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004682 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004683 range(0) " []
4684 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004685<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004686 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004687readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004688 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4689 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004690 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4691 NL appears somewhere).
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004692 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004693 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4694 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4695 added.
4696 - No CR characters are removed.
4697 Otherwise:
4698 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4699 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004700 - When 'encoding' is Unicode any UTF-8 byte order mark is
4701 removed from the text.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004702 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4703 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4704 lines of a file: >
4705 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4706 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4707 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004708< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4709 are returned, or as many as there are.
4710 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004711 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4712 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4713 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004714 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4715 the result is an empty list.
4716 Also see |writefile()|.
4717
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004718reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4719 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4720 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4721 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4722 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4723 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4724 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004725 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004726 and {end}.
4727 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4728 reltime().
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004729 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004730
4731reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4732 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4733 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4734 microseconds. Example: >
4735 let start = reltime()
4736 call MyFunction()
4737 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4738< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4739 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004740 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4741 can use split() to remove it. >
4742 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4743< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004744 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004745
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004746 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4747remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004748 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004749 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004750 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4751 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4752 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004753 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4754 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4755 remote_read() is stored there.
4756 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4757 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4758 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4759 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4760 and the result will be the empty string.
4761 Examples: >
4762 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4763 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4764<
4765
4766remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4767 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4768 This works like: >
4769 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4770< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4771 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4772 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004773 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4774 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004775 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4776 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4777 Win32 console version}
4778
4779
4780remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4781 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4782 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004783 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004784 name of a variable.
4785 Returns zero if none are available.
4786 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4787 See also |clientserver|.
4788 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4789 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4790 Examples: >
4791 :let repl = ""
4792 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4793
4794remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4795 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4796 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4797 See also |clientserver|.
4798 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4799 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4800 Example: >
4801 :echo remote_read(id)
4802<
4803 *remote_send()* *E241*
4804remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004805 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004806 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4807 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004808 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4809 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4810 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004811 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4812 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4813 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4814 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4815 up the display.
4816 Examples: >
4817 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4818 \ remote_read(serverid)
4819
4820 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4821 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4822 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4823 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004824<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004825remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004826 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004827 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004828 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004829 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004830 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4831 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4832 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004833 Example: >
4834 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004835 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004836remove({dict}, {key})
4837 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4838 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4839< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4840
4841 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004842
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004843rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4844 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4845 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4846 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4847 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004848 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004849 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4850
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004851repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4852 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4853 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004854 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004855< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004856 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004857 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004858 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4859< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004860
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004861
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004862resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4863 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4864 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4865 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4866 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4867 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4868 stopped after 100 iterations.
4869 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4870 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4871 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4872 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4873 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4874
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004875 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004876reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004877 {list}.
4878 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4879 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4880
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004881round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004882 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004883 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4884 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4885 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4886 Examples: >
4887 echo round(0.456)
4888< 0.0 >
4889 echo round(4.5)
4890< 5.0 >
4891 echo round(-4.5)
4892< -5.0
4893 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaar34feacb2012-12-05 19:01:43 +01004894
Bram Moolenaar9a773482013-06-11 18:40:13 +02004895screenattr(row, col) *screenattr()*
4896 Like screenchar(), but return the attribute. This is a rather
4897 arbitrary number that can only be used to compare to the
4898 attribute at other positions.
4899
4900screenchar(row, col) *screenchar()*
4901 The result is a Number, which is the character at position
4902 [row, col] on the screen. This works for every possible
4903 screen position, also status lines, window separators and the
4904 command line. The top left position is row one, column one
4905 The character excludes composing characters. For double-byte
4906 encodings it may only be the first byte.
4907 This is mainly to be used for testing.
4908 Returns -1 when row or col is out of range.
4909
Bram Moolenaar34feacb2012-12-05 19:01:43 +01004910screencol() *screencol()*
4911 The result is a Number, which is the current screen column of
4912 the cursor. The leftmost column has number 1.
4913 This function is mainly used for testing.
4914
4915 Note: Always returns the current screen column, thus if used
4916 in a command (e.g. ":echo screencol()") it will return the
4917 column inside the command line, which is 1 when the command is
4918 executed. To get the cursor position in the file use one of
4919 the following mappings: >
4920 nnoremap <expr> GG ":echom ".screencol()."\n"
4921 nnoremap <silent> GG :echom screencol()<CR>
4922<
4923screenrow() *screenrow()*
4924 The result is a Number, which is the current screen row of the
4925 cursor. The top line has number one.
4926 This function is mainly used for testing.
4927
4928 Note: Same restrictions as with |screencol()|.
4929
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004930search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004931 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004932 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004933
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01004934 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01004935 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4936 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01004937
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004938 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4939 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004940 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004941 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004942 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004943 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4944 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004945 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4946 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4947 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4948
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004949 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4950 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4951 flag.
4952
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004953 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4954
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004955 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4956 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4957 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4958 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4959 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4960< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4961 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004962 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4963
4964 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar1aeaf8c2012-05-18 13:46:39 +02004965 more than this many milliseconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004966 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4967 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4968 giving the argument.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004969 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004970
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004971 *search()-sub-match*
4972 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4973 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4974 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004975 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004976
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004977 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4978 flag is used.
4979
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004980 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4981 :let n = 1
4982 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4983 : exe "argument " . n
4984 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4985 : " first search to find match at start of file
4986 : normal G$
4987 : let flags = "w"
4988 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004989 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004990 : let flags = "W"
4991 : endwhile
4992 : update " write the file if modified
4993 : let n = n + 1
4994 :endwhile
4995<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004996 Example for using some flags: >
4997 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4998< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4999 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
5000 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
5001 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
5002 line:
5003 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
5004 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
5005 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
5006 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
5007 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
5008
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005009
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00005010searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
5011 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005012
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00005013 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
5014 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
5015 first match in the function.
5016
5017 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
5018 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
5019 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
5020
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005021 Moves the cursor to the found match.
5022 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
5023 Example: >
5024 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
5025 echo getline('.')
5026 endif
5027<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005028 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005029searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
5030 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005031 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
5032 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
5033 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005034 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
5035 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
5036 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
5037 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
5038 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
5039 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005040
5041 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
5042 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
5043 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
5044 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
5045 typical use is: >
5046 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
5047< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
5048
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005049 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
5050 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005051 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005052 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
5053 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005054 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005055 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
5056 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005057
5058 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
5059 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
5060 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
5061 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
5062 or a string.
5063 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
5064 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
5065 and -1 returned.
5066
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005067 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005068
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005069 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
5070 patterns are used like it's on.
5071
5072 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
5073 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
5074 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
5075 if 1
5076 if 2
5077 endif 2
5078 endif 1
5079< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
5080 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
5081 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005082 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005083 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
5084 "endif 2".
5085 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
5086 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
5087 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
5088 the matching start.
5089
5090 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
5091
5092 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
5093 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
5094
5095< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
5096 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
5097 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
5098 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
5099 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
5100 match.
5101 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
5102
5103 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
5104
5105< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
5106 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
5107 highlighting recognized as strings: >
5108
5109 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
5110 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
5111<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005112 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005113searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
5114 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005115 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005116 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
5117 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005118 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005119 returns [0, 0]. >
5120
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005121 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
5122<
5123 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
5124
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005125searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005126 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005127 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
5128 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
5129 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
5130 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00005131 Example: >
5132 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
5133
5134< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
5135 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
5136 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
5137< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
5138 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
5139
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005140server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
5141 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
5142 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
5143 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5144 Note:
5145 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005146 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005147 before calling any commands that waits for input.
5148 See also |clientserver|.
5149 Example: >
5150 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
5151<
5152serverlist() *serverlist()*
5153 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
5154 When there are no servers or the information is not available
5155 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
5156 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5157 Example: >
5158 :echo serverlist()
5159<
5160setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
5161 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
5162 {val}.
5163 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
5164 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
5165 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
5166 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
5167 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
5168 Examples: >
5169 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
5170 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
5171< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5172
5173setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
5174 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005175 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005176 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
5177 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005178 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
5179 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
5180 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
5181 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
5182 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005183 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
5184 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
5185 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
5186 line.
5187
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005188setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01005189 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}. To insert
5190 lines use |append()|.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005191 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005192 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005193 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005194 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
5195 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005196 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005197< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005198 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
5199 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
5200< This is equivalent to: >
Bram Moolenaar53bfca22012-04-13 23:04:47 +02005201 :for [n, l] in [[5, 'aaa'], [6, 'bbb'], [7, 'ccc']]
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005202 : call setline(n, l)
5203 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005204< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
5205
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005206setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
5207 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
5208 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005209 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
5210 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005211 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
5212 Also see |location-list|.
5213
5214setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
5215 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005216 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005217 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005218
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005219 *setpos()*
5220setpos({expr}, {list})
5221 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
5222 . the cursor
5223 'x mark x
5224
5225 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
5226 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
5227
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005228 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005229 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005230 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
5231 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
5232 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005233 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005234
5235 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005236 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
5237 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005238
5239 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
5240 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005241 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005242 character.
5243
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00005244 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
5245 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
5246
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005247 Also see |getpos()|
5248
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005249 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
5250 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
5251
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005252
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005253setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005254 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
5255 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
5256 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
5257 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005258
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005259 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005260 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005261 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005262 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005263 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005264 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005265 col column number
5266 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005267 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005268 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005269 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005270 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005271
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005272 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
5273 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
5274 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005275 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
5276 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
5277 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005278 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
5279 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02005280 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
5281 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005282 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
5283 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005284
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005285 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
5286 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
5287 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
5288 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
5289 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
5290 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
5291
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005292 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
5293
5294 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
5295 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
5296 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
5297
5298
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005299 *setreg()*
5300setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
5301 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
5302 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
5303 then the value is appended.
Bram Moolenaarc6485bc2010-07-28 17:02:55 +02005304 {options} can also contain a register type specification:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005305 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
5306 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
5307 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
5308 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
5309 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
5310 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005311 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005312
5313 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
5314 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +02005315 Setting the '=' register is not possible, but you can use >
5316 :let @= = var_expr
5317< Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005318
5319 Examples: >
5320 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
5321 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
5322 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
5323
5324< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
5325 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005326 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005327 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
5328 ....
5329 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
5330
5331< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5332 nothing: >
5333 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5334
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005335settabvar({tabnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabvar()*
5336 Set tab-local variable {varname} to {val} in tab page {tabnr}.
5337 |t:var|
5338 Note that the variable name without "t:" must be used.
5339 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005340 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5341
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005342settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5343 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5344 {val}.
5345 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5346 use |setwinvar()|.
5347 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005348 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5349 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5350 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5351 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005352 Examples: >
5353 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5354 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5355< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5356
5357setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5358 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005359 Examples: >
5360 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5361 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005362
Bram Moolenaaraf9aeb92013-02-13 17:35:04 +01005363sha256({string}) *sha256()*
5364 Returns a String with 64 hex charactes, which is the SHA256
5365 checksum of {string}.
5366 {only available when compiled with the |+cryptv| feature}
5367
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005368shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005369 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005370 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005371 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005372 quotes within {string}.
5373 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5374 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005375 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5376 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005377 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5378 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005379 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005380 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5381 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5382 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5383 even when inside single quotes.
5384 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5385 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5386 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005387 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5388 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5389< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5390 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5391 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005392
5393
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02005394shiftwidth() *shiftwidth()*
5395 Returns the effective value of 'shiftwidth'. This is the
5396 'shiftwidth' value unless it is zero, in which case it is the
5397 'tabstop' value. To be backwards compatible in indent
5398 plugins, use this: >
5399 if exists('*shiftwidth')
5400 func s:sw()
5401 return shiftwidth()
5402 endfunc
5403 else
5404 func s:sw()
5405 return &sw
5406 endfunc
5407 endif
5408< And then use s:sw() instead of &sw.
5409
5410
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005411simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5412 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5413 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5414 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5415 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5416 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5417 not removed either.
5418 Example: >
5419 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5420< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5421 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5422 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5423 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5424 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5425
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005426
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005427sin({expr}) *sin()*
5428 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5429 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5430 Examples: >
5431 :echo sin(100)
5432< -0.506366 >
5433 :echo sin(-4.01)
5434< 0.763301
5435 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5436
5437
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005438sinh({expr}) *sinh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005439 Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005440 [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005441 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005442 Examples: >
5443 :echo sinh(0.5)
5444< 0.521095 >
5445 :echo sinh(-0.9)
5446< -1.026517
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005447 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005448
5449
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005450sort({list} [, {func} [, {dict}]]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005451 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5452 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5453 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5454< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005455 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005456 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005457 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005458 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
5459 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005460 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5461 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005462 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5463 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5464 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5465 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005466 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5467 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5468 endfunc
5469 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005470< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5471 ignores overflow: >
5472 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5473 return a:i1 - a:i2
5474 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005475<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005476 *soundfold()*
5477soundfold({word})
5478 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005479 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005480 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5481 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005482 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5483 the method can be quite slow.
5484
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005485 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005486spellbadword([{sentence}])
5487 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5488 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5489 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5490 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5491
5492 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5493 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5494 result is an empty string.
5495
5496 The return value is a list with two items:
5497 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5498 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005499 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005500 "rare" rare word
5501 "local" word only valid in another region
5502 "caps" word should start with Capital
5503 Example: >
5504 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5505< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5506
5507 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5508 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5509 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005510
5511 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005512spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005513 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005514 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5515 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5516
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005517 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5518 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5519 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5520
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005521 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5522 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005523 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5524 replace a line.
5525
5526 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005527 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5528 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005529
5530 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005531 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5532 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005533
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005534
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005535split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005536 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5537 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5538 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005539 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar97d62492012-11-15 21:28:22 +01005540 removing the matched characters. 'ignorecase' is not used
5541 here, add \c to ignore case. |/\c|
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005542 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5543 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005544 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5545 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005546 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005547 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005548< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005549 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005550< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5551 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5552< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005553 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5554 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5555< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005556
5557
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005558sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5559 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5560 |Float|.
5561 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5562 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5563 Examples: >
5564 :echo sqrt(100)
5565< 10.0 >
5566 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5567< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005568 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005569 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5570
5571
5572str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5573 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5574 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5575 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5576 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5577 write "1.0e40".
5578 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5579 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5580 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5581 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5582 |substitute()|: >
5583 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5584< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5585
5586
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005587str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5588 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5589 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5590 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5591 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5592 with the default String to Number conversion.
5593 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5594 different base the result will be zero.
5595 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005596
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005597
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005598strchars({expr}) *strchars()*
5599 The result is a Number, which is the number of characters
5600 String {expr} occupies. Composing characters are counted
5601 separately.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005602 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strwidth()|.
5603
5604strdisplaywidth({expr}[, {col}]) *strdisplaywidth()*
5605 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5606 String {expr} occupies on the screen.
5607 When {col} is omitted zero is used. Otherwise it is the
5608 screen column where to start. This matters for Tab
5609 characters.
Bram Moolenaar4d32c2d2010-07-18 22:10:01 +02005610 The option settings of the current window are used. This
5611 matters for anything that's displayed differently, such as
5612 'tabstop' and 'display'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005613 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5614 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
5615 Also see |strlen()|, |strwidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005616
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005617strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5618 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5619 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5620 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5621 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5622 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5623 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5624 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5625 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5626 Examples: >
5627 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5628 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5629 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5630 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5631 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5632 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005633< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5634 :if exists("*strftime")
5635
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005636stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5637 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5638 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005639 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5640 This can be used to find a second match: >
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01005641 :let colon1 = stridx(line, ":")
5642 :let colon2 = stridx(line, ":", colon1 + 1)
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005643< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005644 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005645 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005646 See also |strridx()|.
5647 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005648 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5649 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5650 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005651< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005652 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5653 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5654
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005655 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005656string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005657 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5658 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005659 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005660 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005661 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005662 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005663 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005664 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005665 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005666 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005667 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005668
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005669 *strlen()*
5670strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005671 {expr} in bytes.
5672 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5673 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005674
5675 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005676<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005677 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5678 For other types an error is given.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005679 Also see |len()|, |strchars()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and
5680 |strwidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005681
5682strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5683 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005684 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005685 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5686 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5687 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5688 end of the {src}. >
5689 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5690 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5691 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005692 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005693< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5694 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005695 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005696<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005697strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5698 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5699 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5700 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5701 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5702 match: >
5703 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5704 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5705< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005706 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5707 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005708 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005709 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005710 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005711< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005712 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5713 function strrchr().
5714
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005715strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5716 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5717 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5718 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5719 echo strtrans(@a)
5720< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5721 starting a new line.
5722
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005723strwidth({expr}) *strwidth()*
5724 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5725 String {expr} occupies. A Tab character is counted as one
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005726 cell, alternatively use |strdisplaywidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005727 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5728 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005729 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005730
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005731submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005732 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command or
5733 substitute() function.
5734 Returns the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr}
5735 is 0 the whole matched text is returned.
5736 Also see |sub-replace-expression|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005737 Example: >
5738 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5739< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5740 A line break is included as a newline character.
5741
5742substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5743 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005744 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}.
5745 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5746 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5747
5748 This works like the ":substitute" command (without any flags).
5749 But the matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic'
5750 option is set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01005751 portable). 'ignorecase' is still relevant, use |/\c| or |/\C|
5752 if you want to ignore or match case and ignore 'ignorecase'.
5753 'smartcase' is not used. See |string-match| for how {pat} is
5754 used.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005755
5756 A "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005757 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005758 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005759 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005760
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005761 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5762 unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005763
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005764 Example: >
5765 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5766< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5767 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5768< results in "TESTING".
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005769
5770 When {sub} starts with "\=", the remainder is interpreted as
5771 an expression. See |sub-replace-expression|. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02005772 :echo substitute(s, '%\(\x\x\)',
5773 \ '\=nr2char("0x" . submatch(1))', 'g')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005774
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005775synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005776 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005777 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005778 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5779 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005780
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005781 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005782 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5783
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005784 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005785 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005786 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5787 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5788 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5789 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5790 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5791
5792 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5793 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5794<
Bram Moolenaar7510fe72010-07-25 12:46:44 +02005795
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005796synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5797 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5798 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5799 about a syntax item.
5800 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005801 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005802 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5803 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5804 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5805 {what} result
5806 "name" the name of the syntax item
5807 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5808 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5809 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005810 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005811 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5812 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005813 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005814 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5815 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5816 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005817 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005818 "bold" "1" if bold
5819 "italic" "1" if italic
5820 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5821 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005822 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005823 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005824 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005825
5826 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5827 cursor): >
5828 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5829<
5830synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5831 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5832 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5833 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5834 ":highlight link" are followed.
5835
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02005836synconcealed({lnum}, {col}) *synconcealed()*
5837 The result is a List. The first item in the list is 0 if the
5838 character at the position {lnum} and {col} is not part of a
5839 concealable region, 1 if it is. The second item in the list is
5840 a string. If the first item is 1, the second item contains the
5841 text which will be displayed in place of the concealed text,
5842 depending on the current setting of 'conceallevel'. The third
5843 and final item in the list is a unique number representing the
5844 specific syntax region matched. This allows detection of the
5845 beginning of a new concealable region if there are two
5846 consecutive regions with the same replacement character.
5847 For an example use see $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/2html.vim .
5848
5849
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005850synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5851 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5852 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5853 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005854 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5855 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5856 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5857 transparent item.
5858 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5859 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5860 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5861 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5862 endfor
Bram Moolenaar0bc380a2010-07-10 13:52:13 +02005863< When the position specified with {lnum} and {col} is invalid
5864 nothing is returned. The position just after the last
5865 character in a line and the first column in an empty line are
5866 valid positions.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005867
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005868system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5869 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5870 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5871 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5872 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005873 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005874 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5875 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5876 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5877 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005878 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005879
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005880 The result is a String. Example: >
5881 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005882
5883< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5884 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5885 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5886 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5887 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5888 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5889 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5890 concatenated commands.
5891
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005892 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5893 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5894
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005895 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5896 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005897
5898 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5899 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5900 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005901 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5902 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5903
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005904
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005905tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005906 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005907 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5908 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5909 omitted the current tab page is used.
5910 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5911 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02005912 let buflist = []
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005913 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02005914 call extend(buflist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005915 endfor
5916< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5917
5918
5919tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005920 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5921 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5922 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5923 page is returned (the tab page count).
5924 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5925
5926
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005927tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
Bram Moolenaard04f4402010-08-15 13:30:34 +02005928 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {tabarg}.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005929 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5930 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5931 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5932 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5933 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5934 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5935 Useful examples: >
5936 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5937 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5938< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5939
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005940 *tagfiles()*
5941tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5942 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5943
5944
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005945taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5946 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005947 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5948 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005949 name Name of the tag.
5950 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005951 defined. It is either relative to the
5952 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005953 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5954 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005955 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005956 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005957 kind values. Only available when
5958 using a tags file generated by
5959 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005960 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005961 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005962 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5963 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5964 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5965 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5966 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5967 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005968
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005969 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5970 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005971
5972 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5973
5974 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
Bram Moolenaara3e6bc92013-01-30 14:18:00 +01005975 used in {expr}. This also make the function work faster.
5976 Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information about the tag
5977 search regular expression pattern.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005978
5979 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5980 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5981 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5982
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005983tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5984 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005985 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005986 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5987 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5988 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005989< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005990 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5991 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5992
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005993
5994tan({expr}) *tan()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005995 Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005996 in the range [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005997 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005998 Examples: >
5999 :echo tan(10)
6000< 0.648361 >
6001 :echo tan(-4.01)
6002< -1.181502
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02006003 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02006004
6005
6006tanh({expr}) *tanh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02006007 Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a |Float| in the
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02006008 range [-1, 1].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02006009 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02006010 Examples: >
6011 :echo tanh(0.5)
6012< 0.462117 >
6013 :echo tanh(-1)
6014< -0.761594
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02006015 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02006016
6017
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006018tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
6019 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
6020 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
6021 the string).
6022
6023toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
6024 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
6025 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
6026 the string).
6027
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00006028tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
6029 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
6030 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
6031 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
6032 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
6033 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
6034 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
6035
6036 Examples: >
6037 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
6038< returns "Hello THere" >
6039 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
6040< returns "{blob}"
6041
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006042trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006043 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006044 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
6045 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
6046 Examples: >
6047 echo trunc(1.456)
6048< 1.0 >
6049 echo trunc(-5.456)
6050< -5.0 >
6051 echo trunc(4.0)
6052< 4.0
6053 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
6054
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006055 *type()*
6056type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006057 Number: 0
6058 String: 1
6059 Funcref: 2
6060 List: 3
6061 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006062 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006063 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006064 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
6065 :if type(myvar) == type("")
6066 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
6067 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006068 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006069 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006070
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02006071undofile({name}) *undofile()*
6072 Return the name of the undo file that would be used for a file
6073 with name {name} when writing. This uses the 'undodir'
6074 option, finding directories that exist. It does not check if
Bram Moolenaar860cae12010-06-05 23:22:07 +02006075 the undo file exists.
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02006076 {name} is always expanded to the full path, since that is what
6077 is used internally.
Bram Moolenaar80716072012-05-01 21:14:34 +02006078 If {name} is empty undofile() returns an empty string, since a
6079 buffer without a file name will not write an undo file.
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02006080 Useful in combination with |:wundo| and |:rundo|.
6081 When compiled without the +persistent_undo option this always
6082 returns an empty string.
6083
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02006084undotree() *undotree()*
6085 Return the current state of the undo tree in a dictionary with
6086 the following items:
6087 "seq_last" The highest undo sequence number used.
6088 "seq_cur" The sequence number of the current position in
6089 the undo tree. This differs from "seq_last"
6090 when some changes were undone.
6091 "time_cur" Time last used for |:earlier| and related
6092 commands. Use |strftime()| to convert to
6093 something readable.
6094 "save_last" Number of the last file write. Zero when no
6095 write yet.
Bram Moolenaar730cde92010-06-27 05:18:54 +02006096 "save_cur" Number of the current position in the undo
6097 tree.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02006098 "synced" Non-zero when the last undo block was synced.
6099 This happens when waiting from input from the
6100 user. See |undo-blocks|.
6101 "entries" A list of dictionaries with information about
6102 undo blocks.
6103
6104 The first item in the "entries" list is the oldest undo item.
6105 Each List item is a Dictionary with these items:
6106 "seq" Undo sequence number. Same as what appears in
6107 |:undolist|.
6108 "time" Timestamp when the change happened. Use
6109 |strftime()| to convert to something readable.
6110 "newhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
6111 that was added. This marks the last change
6112 and where further changes will be added.
6113 "curhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
6114 that was undone. This marks the current
6115 position in the undo tree, the block that will
6116 be used by a redo command. When nothing was
6117 undone after the last change this item will
6118 not appear anywhere.
6119 "save" Only appears on the last block before a file
6120 write. The number is the write count. The
6121 first write has number 1, the last one the
6122 "save_last" mentioned above.
6123 "alt" Alternate entry. This is again a List of undo
6124 blocks. Each item may again have an "alt"
6125 item.
6126
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006127values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006128 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006129 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006130
6131
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006132virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
6133 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
6134 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
6135 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
6136 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
6137 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
6138 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02006139 set to 8, it returns 8. |conceal| is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00006140 For the byte position use |col()|.
6141 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
6142 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00006143 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00006144 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02006145 character. When "off" is omitted zero is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006146 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
6147 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
6148 The accepted positions are:
6149 . the cursor position
6150 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
6151 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
6152 plus one)
6153 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
6154 returned)
6155 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
6156 Examples: >
6157 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
6158 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006159 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
6160< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006161 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
6162 all lines: >
6163 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
6164
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006165
6166visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
6167 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006168 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
6169 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
6170 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
6171 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
6172 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006173 Example: >
6174 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
6175< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
6176 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
6177 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006178 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
6179 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006180 *non-zero-arg*
6181 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
6182 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006183 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006184 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
6185 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
6186 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006187
Bram Moolenaar8738fc12013-02-20 17:59:11 +01006188wildmenumode() *wildmenumode()*
6189 Returns non-zero when the wildmenu is active and zero
6190 otherwise. See 'wildmenu' and 'wildmode'.
6191 This can be used in mappings to handle the 'wildcharm' option
6192 gracefully. (Makes only sense with |mapmode-c| mappings).
6193
6194 For example to make <c-j> work like <down> in wildmode, use: >
6195 :cnoremap <expr> <C-j> wildmenumode() ? "\<Down>\<Tab>" : "\<c-j>"
6196<
6197 (Note, this needs the 'wildcharm' option set appropriately).
6198
6199
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006200 *winbufnr()*
6201winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006202 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006203 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
6204 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6205 Example: >
6206 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
6207<
6208 *wincol()*
6209wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
6210 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
6211 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
6212
6213winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
6214 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
6215 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
6216 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6217 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
6218 Examples: >
6219 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
6220<
6221 *winline()*
6222winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006223 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006224 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00006225 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
6226 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006227
6228 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006229winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
6230 window. The top window has number 1.
6231 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01006232 last window is returned (the window count). >
6233 let window_count = winnr('$')
6234< When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006235 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006236 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
6237 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006238 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
6239 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006240 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006241
6242 *winrestcmd()*
6243winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
6244 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006245 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
6246 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006247 Example: >
6248 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
6249 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
6250 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006251<
6252 *winrestview()*
6253winrestview({dict})
6254 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
6255 the view of the current window.
6256 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
6257 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
6258
6259 *winsaveview()*
6260winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
6261 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
6262 restore the view.
6263 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
6264 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
6265 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00006266 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
6267 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006268 The return value includes:
6269 lnum cursor line number
6270 col cursor column
6271 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
6272 curswant column for vertical movement
6273 topline first line in the window
6274 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
6275 leftcol first column displayed
6276 skipcol columns skipped
6277 Note that no option values are saved.
6278
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006279
6280winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
6281 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
6282 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
6283 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6284 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
6285 Examples: >
6286 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
6287 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
6288 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
6289 :endif
6290<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006291 *writefile()*
6292writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006293 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006294 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
6295 Number.
6296 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
6297 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
6298 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
6299 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
6300 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
6301 to writefile().
6302 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
6303 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
6304 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
6305 fails.
6306 Also see |readfile()|.
6307 To copy a file byte for byte: >
6308 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
6309 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01006310
6311
6312xor({expr}, {expr}) *xor()*
6313 Bitwise XOR on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
6314 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
6315 Example: >
6316 :let bits = xor(bits, 0x80)
Bram Moolenaar6ee8d892012-01-10 14:55:01 +01006317<
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01006318
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006319
6320 *feature-list*
6321There are three types of features:
63221. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
6323 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
6324 :if has("cindent")
63252. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
6326 Example: >
6327 :if has("gui_running")
6328< *has-patch*
63293. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
6330 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
6331 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
6332 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006333< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
6334 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006335
6336all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
6337amiga Amiga version of Vim.
6338arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
6339arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00006340autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006341balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00006342balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006343beos BeOS version of Vim.
6344browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
6345 work.
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02006346browsefilter Compiled with support for |browsefilter|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006347builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
6348byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
6349cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
6350clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
6351clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
6352cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
6353cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
6354cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
6355comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006356compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006357cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
6358cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006359debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
6360dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
6361dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
6362diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
6363digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
6364dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006365dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006366dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006367ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
6368emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
6369eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
6370 true, of course!
6371ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
6372extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
6373 |'hlsearch'|
6374farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
6375file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006376filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
6377 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006378find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
6379 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006380float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006381fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
6382 Windows this is not present).
6383folding Compiled with |folding| support.
6384footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
6385fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
6386gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
6387gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
6388gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006389gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006390gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
6391gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
6392gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
6393gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
6394gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006395gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006396gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
6397gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006398hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
6399iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
6400insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
6401 Insert mode.
6402jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
6403keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
6404langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
6405libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
6406linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
6407 support.
6408lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
6409listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
6410 and the argument list |arglist|.
6411localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
Bram Moolenaar0ba04292010-07-14 23:23:17 +02006412lua Compiled with Lua interface |Lua|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006413mac Macintosh version of Vim.
6414macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
6415menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
6416mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
6417modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
6418mouse Compiled with support mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006419mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
6420mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
6421mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
6422mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006423mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02006424mouse_sgr Compiled with support for sgr mouse.
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01006425mouse_urxvt Compiled with support for urxvt mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006426mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006427mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00006428multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
6429multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006430multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
6431multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00006432mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaarb26e6322010-05-22 21:34:09 +02006433netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and connected.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006434netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006435ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
6436os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006437path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
6438perl Compiled with Perl interface.
Bram Moolenaar55debbe2010-05-23 23:34:36 +02006439persistent_undo Compiled with support for persistent undo history.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006440postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
6441printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006442profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02006443python Compiled with Python 2.x interface. |has-python|
6444python3 Compiled with Python 3.x interface. |has-python|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006445qnx QNX version of Vim.
6446quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00006447reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006448rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
6449ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
6450scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
6451showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
6452signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
6453smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00006454sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006455spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00006456startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006457statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
6458 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
6459sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00006460syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006461syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
6462 current buffer.
6463system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
6464tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
6465 |tag-binary-search|.
6466tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
6467 |tag-old-static|.
6468tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
6469 files |tag-any-white|.
6470tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
6471terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
6472termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
6473textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
6474tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
6475 or terminfo file.
6476title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
6477toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
6478unix Unix version of Vim.
6479user_commands User-defined commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006480vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006481vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place. |startup|
6482viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006483virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
6484visual Compiled with Visual mode.
6485visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
6486 |blockwise-operators|.
6487vms VMS version of Vim.
6488vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
6489wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
6490wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006491win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01006492win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95 and later, 32 or
6493 64 bits)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006494win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006495win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006496win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006497winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
6498windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006499writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
6500xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
6501xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
Bram Moolenaar6ee8d892012-01-10 14:55:01 +01006502xpm_w32 Compiled with pixmap support for Win32.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006503xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
6504xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
6505xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
6506xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
6507 xterm screen.
6508x11 Compiled with X11 support.
6509
6510 *string-match*
6511Matching a pattern in a String
6512
6513A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
6514the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
6515everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
6516like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
6517line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
6518with ".". Example: >
6519 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
6520 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
6521 aa
6522 xx
6523 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
6524 a
6525 x
6526
6527Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
6528"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
6529"\n".
6530
6531==============================================================================
65325. Defining functions *user-functions*
6533
6534New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
6535functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
6536commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
6537
6538The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
6539builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
6540avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
6541the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
6542
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006543It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6544|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006545
6546 *local-function*
6547A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6548can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6549and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006550function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006551instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6552
6553 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6554:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6555
6556:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006557 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6558 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006559 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006560
6561:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6562 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6563 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006564<
6565 *:function-verbose*
6566When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6567last defined. Example: >
6568
6569 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6570 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6571 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6572<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006573See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006574
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +02006575 *E124* *E125* *E853*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006576:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006577 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6578 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6579 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006580
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006581 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6582 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006583 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006584< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006585 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006586 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006587 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6588 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6589 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006590 *E127* *E122*
6591 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6592 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6593 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6594 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006595
6596 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6597
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006598 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6599 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6600 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6601 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6602 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6603 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6604 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01006605 The cursor is still moved to the first line of the
6606 range, as is the case with all Ex commands.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006607
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006608 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6609 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006610
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006611 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006612 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006613 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6614 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006615
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006616 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006617 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006618 will not be changed by the function. This also
6619 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6620 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006621
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006622 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6623:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6624 by its own, without other commands.
6625
6626 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6627:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006628 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6629 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006630 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006631< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006632 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6633 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006634 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6635:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6636 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6637 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6638 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6639 the number 0 is returned.
6640 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6641 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6642
6643 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6644 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6645 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6646 are executed first. This process applies to all
6647 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6648 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6649
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006650 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006651An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006652be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006653 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006654Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6655arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6656may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6657as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006658can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6659that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006660 *E742*
6661The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006662However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006663Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6664it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6665|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006666
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006667When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6668to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6669may be larger.
6670
6671It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6672still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6673until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6674inside a function body.
6675
6676 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006677Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6678will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6679accessed with "g:".
6680
6681Example: >
6682 :function Table(title, ...)
6683 : echohl Title
6684 : echo a:title
6685 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006686 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6687 : for s in a:000
6688 : echon ' ' . s
6689 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006690 :endfunction
6691
6692This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006693 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6694 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006695
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006696To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6697 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006698 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006699 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006700 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006701 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006702 :endfunction
6703
6704This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006705 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006706 :if success == "ok"
6707 : echo div
6708 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006709<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006710 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006711:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6712 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6713 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006714 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006715 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6716 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6717 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6718 function.
6719 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6720 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6721 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6722 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006723 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006724 this works:
6725 *function-range-example* >
6726 :function Mynumber(arg)
6727 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6728 :endfunction
6729 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6730<
6731 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6732 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6733 the range.
6734
6735 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6736
6737 :function Cont() range
6738 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6739 :endfunction
6740 :4,8call Cont()
6741<
6742 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6743 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6744
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006745 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6746 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6747 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6748< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6749
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006750 *E132*
6751The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6752option.
6753
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006754
6755AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006756 *autoload-functions*
6757When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006758only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6759the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6760
6761
6762Using an autocommand ~
6763
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006764This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6765
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006766The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6767You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006768That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006769again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6770
6771Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6772function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006773
6774 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6775
6776The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6777"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6778
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006779
6780Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006781 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006782This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6783
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006784Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6785exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6786like this: >
6787
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006788 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006789
6790When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6791"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6792"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6793then define the function like this: >
6794
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006795 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006796 echo "Done!"
6797 endfunction
6798
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006799The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006800exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6801called.
6802
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006803It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6804a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006805
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006806 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006807
6808Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6809
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006810This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6811
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006812 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006813
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006814However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6815for an unknown variable.
6816
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006817When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6818be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6819
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006820 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6821 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006822
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006823Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6824defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6825function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006826And you will get an error message every time.
6827
6828Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006829other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006830Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006831
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006832Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6833|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6834
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006835==============================================================================
68366. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6837
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01006838In most places where you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name"
6839variable. This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions
6840wrapped in braces {} like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006841 my_{adjective}_variable
6842
6843When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6844that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6845name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6846"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6847"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6848
6849One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006850value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006851 echo my_{&background}_message
6852
6853would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6854on the current value of 'background'.
6855
6856You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6857 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6858..or even nest them: >
6859 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6860where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6861
6862However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006863variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006864 :let foo='a + b'
6865 :echo c{foo}d
6866.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6867
6868 *curly-braces-function-names*
6869You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6870Example: >
6871 :let func_end='whizz'
6872 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6873
6874This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6875
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01006876This does NOT work: >
6877 :let i = 3
6878 :let @{i} = '' " error
6879 :echo @{i} " error
6880
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006881==============================================================================
68827. Commands *expression-commands*
6883
6884:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6885 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6886 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6887 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6888 is created.
6889
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006890:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6891 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6892 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6893 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6894 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006895 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6896 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6897 can do that like this: >
6898 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6899<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006900 *E711* *E719*
6901:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006902 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6903 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006904 correct number of items.
6905 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6906 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6907 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6908 end of the list, items will be added.
6909
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006910 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006911:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6912:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6913:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6914 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6915 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6916
6917
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006918:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6919 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6920 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006921:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6922 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6923 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6924 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006925
6926:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6927 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6928 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6929 must be the name of a writable register (see
6930 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6931 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6932 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6933 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6934 characterwise.
6935 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6936 :let @/ = ""
6937< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6938 that would match everywhere.
6939
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006940:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006941 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006942 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6943
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006944:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006945 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006946 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6947 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006948 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6949 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006950 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006951 Example: >
6952 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006953
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006954:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6955 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6956 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6957
6958:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6959:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6960 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6961 {expr1}.
6962
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006963:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006964:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6965:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6966:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006967 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6968 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6969
6970:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006971:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6972:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6973:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006974 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6975 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6976
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006977:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006978 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006979 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6980 {name2}, etc.
6981 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006982 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006983 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6984 command as mentioned above.
6985 Example: >
6986 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006987< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6988 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6989 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6990 :let x = [0, 1]
6991 :let i = 0
6992 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6993 :echo x
6994< The result is [0, 2].
6995
6996:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6997:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6998:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6999 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007000 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00007001
7002:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007003 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007004 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
7005 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
7006 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00007007 Example: >
7008 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
7009<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007010:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
7011:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
7012:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
7013 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007014 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02007015
7016 *E121*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007017:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00007018 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
7019 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00007020 g: global variables
7021 b: local buffer variables
7022 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00007023 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00007024 s: script-local variables
7025 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00007026 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007027
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00007028:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
7029 variable is indicated before the value:
7030 <nothing> String
7031 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00007032 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007033
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007034
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007035:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007036 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
7037 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007038 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007039 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
7040 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007041 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00007042 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
7043 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007044< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00007045 :unlet dict['two']
7046 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00007047< This is especially useful to clean up used global
7048 variables and script-local variables (these are not
7049 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
7050 variables are automatically deleted when the function
7051 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007052
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007053:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
7054 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
7055 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
7056 A locked variable can be deleted: >
7057 :lockvar v
7058 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
7059 :unlet v
7060< *E741*
7061 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
7062 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
7063
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007064 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
7065 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
7066 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007067 cannot add or remove items, but can
7068 still change their values.
7069 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007070 the items. If an item is a |List| or
7071 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007072 items, but can still change the
7073 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007074 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
7075 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
7076 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
7077 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
7078 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007079 *E743*
7080 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
7081 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
7082 loops.
7083
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007084 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
7085 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00007086 locked when used through the other variable.
7087 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007088 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
7089 :let cl = l
7090 :lockvar l
7091 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
7092< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
7093 See |deepcopy()|.
7094
7095
7096:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
7097 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
7098 opposite of |:lockvar|.
7099
7100
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007101:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
7102:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
7103 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
7104
7105 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
7106 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
7107 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
7108 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
7109 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
7110 part was not executed either.
7111
7112 You can use this to remain compatible with older
7113 versions: >
7114 :if version >= 500
7115 : version-5-specific-commands
7116 :endif
7117< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
7118 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
7119 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
7120 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
7121 avoid problems: >
7122 :if version >= 600
7123 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
7124 :endif
7125<
7126 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
7127 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
7128
7129 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
7130:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
7131 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
7132 executed.
7133
7134 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
7135:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
7136 is no extra ":endif".
7137
7138:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007139 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007140:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
7141 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
7142 When an error is detected from a command inside the
7143 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007144 Example: >
7145 :let lnum = 1
7146 :while lnum <= line("$")
7147 :call FixLine(lnum)
7148 :let lnum = lnum + 1
7149 :endwhile
7150<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007151 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007152 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007153
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007154:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007155:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
7156 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00007157 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007158 value of each item.
7159 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007160 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00007161 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
7162 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007163 :for item in copy(mylist)
7164< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
7165 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007166 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007167 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
7168 it will not be found. Thus the following example
7169 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007170 for item in mylist
7171 call remove(mylist, 0)
7172 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00007173< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
7174 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
7175 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007176 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
7177 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007178 to allow multiple item types: >
7179 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
7180 echo item
7181 unlet item " E706 without this
7182 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007183
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007184:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
7185:endfo[r]
7186 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
7187 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
7188 {var2}, etc. Example: >
7189 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
7190 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
7191 :endfor
7192<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007193 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007194:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
7195 to the start of the loop.
7196 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
7197 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
7198 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
7199 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
7200 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
7201 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007202
7203 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007204:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
7205 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
7206 ":endfor".
7207 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
7208 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
7209 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
7210 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
7211 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
7212 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007213
7214:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
7215:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
7216 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
7217 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
7218 or autocommand invocations.
7219
7220 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
7221 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
7222 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
7223 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
7224 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
7225 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
7226 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
7227 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
7228 Example: >
7229 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
7230 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
7231<
7232 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
7233 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
7234 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
7235 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
7236 processing is not terminated.
7237
7238 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
7239 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
7240 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
7241 other errors are converted to a value of the form
7242 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
7243 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
7244 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
7245 the error number.
7246 Examples: >
7247 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
7248 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
7249<
7250 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007251:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007252 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
7253 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
7254 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
7255 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
7256 commands are skipped.
7257 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
7258 Examples: >
7259 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
7260 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
7261 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
7262 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
7263 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
7264 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
7265 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
7266 :catch " same as /.*/
7267<
7268 Another character can be used instead of / around the
7269 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
7270 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
7271 {pattern}.
7272 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
7273 an error message because it may vary in different
7274 locales.
7275
7276 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
7277:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
7278 are executed whenever the part between the matching
7279 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
7280 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
7281 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
7282 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
7283
7284 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
7285:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
7286 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
7287 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
7288 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
7289 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
7290 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
7291 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
7292 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
7293 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
7294 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
7295 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
7296 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
7297 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
7298 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
7299 is terminated.
7300 Example: >
7301 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
Bram Moolenaar662db672011-03-22 14:05:35 +01007302< Note that "catch" may need to be on a separate line
7303 for when an error causes the parsing to skip the whole
7304 line and not see the "|" that separates the commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007305
7306 *:ec* *:echo*
7307:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
7308 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
7309 Also see |:comment|.
7310 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
7311 cursor to the first column.
7312 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7313 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7314 Example: >
7315 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007316< *:echo-redraw*
7317 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
7318 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
7319 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
7320 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
7321 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
7322 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
7323 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007324 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
7325<
7326 *:echon*
7327:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
7328 |:comment|.
7329 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7330 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7331 Example: >
7332 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
7333<
7334 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
7335 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
7336 command: >
7337 :!echo % --> filename
7338< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
7339 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
7340< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
7341 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
7342 :echo % --> nothing
7343< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
7344 :echo "%" --> %
7345< This just echoes the '%' character. >
7346 :echo expand("%") --> filename
7347< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
7348
7349 *:echoh* *:echohl*
7350:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
7351 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
7352 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
7353 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
7354< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
7355 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
7356
7357 *:echom* *:echomsg*
7358:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
7359 message in the |message-history|.
7360 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
7361 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
7362 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007363 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
7364 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
7365 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
7366 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
7367 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007368 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7369 Example: >
7370 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007371< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
7372 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007373 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
7374:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
7375 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
7376 script or function the line number will be added.
7377 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007378 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007379 the message is raised as an error exception instead
7380 (see |try-echoerr|).
7381 Example: >
7382 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
7383< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
7384 And to get a beep: >
7385 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
7386<
7387 *:exe* *:execute*
7388:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007389 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
7390 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
7391 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
7392 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
7393 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
7394 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007395 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7396 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007397 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
7398 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007399<
7400 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
7401 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
7402 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
7403
7404< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
7405 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
7406 command: >
7407 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
7408< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
7409
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007410 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
7411 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007412 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
7413 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007414 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007415 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007416<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007417 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007418 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
7419 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007420 :execute 'while i > 5'
7421 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
7422<
7423 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
7424 completely in the executed string: >
7425 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
7426<
7427
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007428 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007429 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
7430 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
7431 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
7432 comment. Example: >
7433 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
7434
7435==============================================================================
74368. Exception handling *exception-handling*
7437
7438The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
7439explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
7440
7441Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
7442|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
7443exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
7444
7445
7446TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
7447
7448Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
7449use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
7450a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
7451 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
7452|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
7453a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
7454be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
7455which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
7456clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
7457
7458 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007459 : ...
7460 : ... TRY BLOCK
7461 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007462 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007463 : ...
7464 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7465 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007466 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007467 : ...
7468 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7469 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007470 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007471 : ...
7472 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
7473 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007474 :endtry
7475
7476The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
7477appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
7478from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
7479 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
7480is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
7481script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
7482 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
7483lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
7484patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
7485after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
7486executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
7487":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
7488(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
7489continues in the following line as usual.
7490 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
7491":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
7492that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
7493finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
7494the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
7495the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
7496see |try-nesting|.
7497 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007498remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007499not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
7500try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
7501a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
7502execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
7503exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7504 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007505thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007506clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
7507catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
7508following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
7509clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7510
7511The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
7512a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
7513try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
7514from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
7515sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
7516":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
7517":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
7518from the finally clause.
7519 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
7520try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
7521clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
7522":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
7523clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
7524":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
7525this pending exception or command is discarded.
7526
7527For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
7528
7529
7530NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
7531
7532Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
7533conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
7534clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
7535catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
7536of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
7537checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
7538try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007539otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007540nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
7541one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
7542the inner try conditional.
7543
7544When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
7545finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
7546An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
7547thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
7548implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
7549as usual.
7550
7551For examples see |throw-catch|.
7552
7553
7554EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7555
7556Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7557'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7558script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7559finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7560a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7561(see |debug-scripts|).
7562
7563
7564THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7565
7566You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7567and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7568 :throw 4711
7569 :throw "string"
7570< *throw-expression*
7571You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7572first, and the result is thrown: >
7573 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7574 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7575
7576An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7577command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7578The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7579 Example: >
7580
7581 :function! Foo(arg)
7582 : try
7583 : throw a:arg
7584 : catch /foo/
7585 : endtry
7586 : return 1
7587 :endfunction
7588 :
7589 :function! Bar()
7590 : echo "in Bar"
7591 : return 4710
7592 :endfunction
7593 :
7594 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7595
7596This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7597executed. >
7598 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7599however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7600
7601Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007602abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007603exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7604 Example: >
7605
7606 :if Foo("arrgh")
7607 : echo "then"
7608 :else
7609 : echo "else"
7610 :endif
7611
7612Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7613
7614 *catch-order*
7615Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7616commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7617command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7618gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7619 Example: >
7620
7621 :function! Foo(value)
7622 : try
7623 : throw a:value
7624 : catch /^\d\+$/
7625 : echo "Number thrown"
7626 : catch /.*/
7627 : echo "String thrown"
7628 : endtry
7629 :endfunction
7630 :
7631 :call Foo(0x1267)
7632 :call Foo('string')
7633
7634The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7635An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7636specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7637specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7638
7639 : catch /.*/
7640 : echo "String thrown"
7641 : catch /^\d\+$/
7642 : echo "Number thrown"
7643
7644The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7645never taken.
7646
7647 *throw-variables*
7648If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7649in the variable |v:exception|: >
7650
7651 : catch /^\d\+$/
7652 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7653
7654You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7655|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7656exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7657 Example: >
7658
7659 :function! Caught()
7660 : if v:exception != ""
7661 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7662 : else
7663 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7664 : endif
7665 :endfunction
7666 :
7667 :function! Foo()
7668 : try
7669 : try
7670 : try
7671 : throw 4711
7672 : finally
7673 : call Caught()
7674 : endtry
7675 : catch /.*/
7676 : call Caught()
7677 : throw "oops"
7678 : endtry
7679 : catch /.*/
7680 : call Caught()
7681 : finally
7682 : call Caught()
7683 : endtry
7684 :endfunction
7685 :
7686 :call Foo()
7687
7688This displays >
7689
7690 Nothing caught
7691 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7692 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7693 Nothing caught
7694
7695A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7696number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7697
7698 :function! LineNumber()
7699 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7700 :endfunction
7701 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7702<
7703 *try-nested*
7704An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7705a surrounding try conditional: >
7706
7707 :try
7708 : try
7709 : throw "foo"
7710 : catch /foobar/
7711 : echo "foobar"
7712 : finally
7713 : echo "inner finally"
7714 : endtry
7715 :catch /foo/
7716 : echo "foo"
7717 :endtry
7718
7719The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7720clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7721conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7722
7723 *throw-from-catch*
7724You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7725catch clause: >
7726
7727 :function! Foo()
7728 : throw "foo"
7729 :endfunction
7730 :
7731 :function! Bar()
7732 : try
7733 : call Foo()
7734 : catch /foo/
7735 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7736 : throw "bar"
7737 : endtry
7738 :endfunction
7739 :
7740 :try
7741 : call Bar()
7742 :catch /.*/
7743 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7744 :endtry
7745
7746This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7747
7748 *rethrow*
7749There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7750"v:exception" instead: >
7751
7752 :function! Bar()
7753 : try
7754 : call Foo()
7755 : catch /.*/
7756 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7757 : throw v:exception
7758 : endtry
7759 :endfunction
7760< *try-echoerr*
7761Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7762exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7763Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7764denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7765the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7766
7767 :try
7768 : try
7769 : asdf
7770 : catch /.*/
7771 : echoerr v:exception
7772 : endtry
7773 :catch /.*/
7774 : echo v:exception
7775 :endtry
7776
7777This code displays
7778
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007779 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007780
7781
7782CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7783
7784Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7785user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007786an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007787a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7788catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7789a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7790normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7791(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007792to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007793clause has been executed.)
7794Example: >
7795
7796 :try
7797 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7798 : set ts=17
7799 :
7800 : " Do the hard work here.
7801 :
7802 :finally
7803 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7804 : unlet s:saved_ts
7805 :endtry
7806
7807This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7808changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7809that function or script part.
7810
7811 *break-finally*
7812Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7813a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7814 Example: >
7815
7816 :let first = 1
7817 :while 1
7818 : try
7819 : if first
7820 : echo "first"
7821 : let first = 0
7822 : continue
7823 : else
7824 : throw "second"
7825 : endif
7826 : catch /.*/
7827 : echo v:exception
7828 : break
7829 : finally
7830 : echo "cleanup"
7831 : endtry
7832 : echo "still in while"
7833 :endwhile
7834 :echo "end"
7835
7836This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7837
7838 :function! Foo()
7839 : try
7840 : return 4711
7841 : finally
7842 : echo "cleanup\n"
7843 : endtry
7844 : echo "Foo still active"
7845 :endfunction
7846 :
7847 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7848
7849This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007850extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007851return value.)
7852
7853 *except-from-finally*
7854Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7855a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7856cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7857exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7858 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7859working correctly: >
7860
7861 :try
7862 : try
7863 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7864 : while 1
7865 : endwhile
7866 : finally
7867 : unlet novar
7868 : endtry
7869 :catch /novar/
7870 :endtry
7871 :echo "Script still running"
7872 :sleep 1
7873
7874If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7875think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7876|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7877
7878
7879CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7880
7881If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7882watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7883presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7884exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7885the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7886the error exception is.
7887 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7888
7889 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7890or >
7891 Vim:{errmsg}
7892
7893{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007894the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007895when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7896a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7897a space.
7898
7899Examples:
7900
7901The command >
7902 :unlet novar
7903normally produces the error message >
7904 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7905which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7906 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7907
7908The command >
7909 :dwim
7910normally produces the error message >
7911 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7912which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7913 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7914
7915You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7916 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7917or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7918 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7919
7920Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7921 :function nofunc
7922and >
7923 :delfunction nofunc
7924both produce the error message >
7925 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7926which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7927 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7928or >
7929 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7930respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7931command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7932 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7933
7934Some commands like >
7935 :let x = novar
7936produce multiple error messages, here: >
7937 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7938 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7939Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7940one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7941 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7942
7943You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7944 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7945
7946You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7947 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7948
7949You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7950 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7951<
7952 *catch-text*
7953NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7954 :catch /No such variable/
7955only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7956a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7957cite the message text in a comment: >
7958 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7959
7960
7961IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7962
7963You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7964
7965 :try
7966 : write
7967 :catch
7968 :endtry
7969
7970But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7971catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7972be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7973
7974 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7975
7976There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7977writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7978then hide the error from the user.
7979 It is much better to use >
7980
7981 :try
7982 : write
7983 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7984 :endtry
7985
7986which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7987intentionally.
7988
7989For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7990even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7991command: >
7992 :silent! nunmap k
7993This works also when a try conditional is active.
7994
7995
7996CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7997
7998When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007999the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008000script is not terminated, then.
8001 Example: >
8002
8003 :function! TASK1()
8004 : sleep 10
8005 :endfunction
8006
8007 :function! TASK2()
8008 : sleep 20
8009 :endfunction
8010
8011 :while 1
8012 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
8013 : try
8014 : if command == ""
8015 : continue
8016 : elseif command == "END"
8017 : break
8018 : elseif command == "TASK1"
8019 : call TASK1()
8020 : elseif command == "TASK2"
8021 : call TASK2()
8022 : else
8023 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
8024 : continue
8025 : endif
8026 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
8027 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
8028 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
8029 : endtry
8030 :endwhile
8031
8032You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008033a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008034
8035For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
8036your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
8037command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
8038
8039
8040CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
8041
8042The commands >
8043
8044 :catch /.*/
8045 :catch //
8046 :catch
8047
8048catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
8049explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
8050a script in order to catch unexpected things.
8051 Example: >
8052
8053 :try
8054 :
8055 : " do the hard work here
8056 :
8057 :catch /MyException/
8058 :
8059 : " handle known problem
8060 :
8061 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
8062 : echo "Script interrupted"
8063 :catch /.*/
8064 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
8065 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
8066 :endtry
8067 :" end of script
8068
8069Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
8070strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
8071specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
8072 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
8073by pressing CTRL-C: >
8074
8075 :while 1
8076 : try
8077 : sleep 1
8078 : catch
8079 : endtry
8080 :endwhile
8081
8082
8083EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
8084
8085Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
8086
8087 :autocmd User x try
8088 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
8089 :autocmd User x catch
8090 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
8091 :autocmd User x endtry
8092 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
8093 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
8094 :
8095 :try
8096 : doautocmd User x
8097 :catch
8098 : echo v:exception
8099 :endtry
8100
8101This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
8102
8103 *except-autocmd-Pre*
8104For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
8105command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
8106of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
8107abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
8108 Example: >
8109
8110 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
8111 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
8112 :
8113 :try
8114 : write
8115 :catch
8116 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
8117 :endtry
8118
8119Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
8120you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
8121autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
8122script displays: >
8123
8124 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
8125<
8126 *except-autocmd-Post*
8127For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
8128command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
8129an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
8130is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
8131 Example: >
8132
8133 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
8134 :
8135 :try
8136 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8137 :catch
8138 : echo v:exception
8139 :endtry
8140
8141This just displays: >
8142
8143 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
8144
8145If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
8146fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
8147 Example: >
8148
8149 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
8150 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
8151 :
8152 :try
8153 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8154 :catch
8155 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8156 :endtry
8157<
8158You can also use ":silent!": >
8159
8160 :let x = "ok"
8161 :let v:errmsg = ""
8162 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
8163 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
8164 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
8165 :try
8166 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8167 :catch
8168 :endtry
8169 :echo x
8170
8171This displays "after fail".
8172
8173If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
8174autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
8175
8176 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
8177 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
8178 :
8179 :try
8180 : write
8181 :catch
8182 : echo v:exception
8183 :endtry
8184<
8185 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
8186For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
8187autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
8188of the command.
8189 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008190had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008191some way. >
8192
8193 :if !exists("cnt")
8194 : let cnt = 0
8195 :
8196 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
8197 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
8198 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
8199 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
8200 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8201 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
8202 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
8203 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
8204 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8205 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
8206 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8207 :endif
8208 :
8209 :try
8210 : write
8211 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
8212 : if &modified
8213 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
8214 : else
8215 : echo "Error after writing"
8216 : endif
8217 :catch /^Vim(write):/
8218 : echo "Error on writing"
8219 :endtry
8220
8221When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
8222first >
8223 File successfully written!
8224then >
8225 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
8226then >
8227 Error after writing
8228etc.
8229
8230 *except-autocmd-ill*
8231You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
8232The following code is ill-formed: >
8233
8234 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
8235 :
8236 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
8237 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
8238 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
8239 :
8240 :write
8241
8242
8243EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
8244
8245Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
8246pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
8247similar things in Vim.
8248 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
8249class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
8250string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
8251 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
8252it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
8253for an error when writing "myfile".
8254 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
8255base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
8256parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
8257 Example: >
8258
8259 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
8260 : if a:a < 0
8261 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
8262 : endif
8263 :endfunction
8264 :
8265 :function! Add(a, b)
8266 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
8267 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
8268 : let c = a:a + a:b
8269 : if c < 0
8270 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
8271 : endif
8272 : return c
8273 :endfunction
8274 :
8275 :function! Div(a, b)
8276 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
8277 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
8278 : if (a:b == 0)
8279 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
8280 : endif
8281 : return a:a / a:b
8282 :endfunction
8283 :
8284 :function! Write(file)
8285 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008286 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008287 : catch /^Vim(write):/
8288 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
8289 : endtry
8290 :endfunction
8291 :
8292 :try
8293 :
8294 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
8295 :
8296 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
8297 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8298 : echo "Range error in" function
8299 :
8300 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
8301 : echo "Math error"
8302 :
8303 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
8304 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
8305 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8306 : if file !~ '^/'
8307 : let file = dir . "/" . file
8308 : endif
8309 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
8310 :
8311 :catch /^EXCEPT/
8312 : echo "Unspecified error"
8313 :
8314 :endtry
8315
8316The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
8317a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
8318exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
8319 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
8320failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
8321
8322
8323PECULIARITIES
8324 *except-compat*
8325The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
8326exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
8327and/or a catch clause.
8328
8329In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
8330continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
8331after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
8332functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
8333or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
8334(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
8335
8336This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
8337immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008338conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
8339be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008340termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
8341catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
8342by specifying a finally clause.)
8343
8344When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
8345behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
8346scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
8347
8348However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
8349commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
8350conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
8351script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
8352error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
8353messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008354|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
8355not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008356where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
8357error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
8358scripts.
8359
8360 *except-syntax-err*
8361Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
8362the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
8363clauses, however, is executed.
8364 Example: >
8365
8366 :try
8367 : try
8368 : throw 4711
8369 : catch /\(/
8370 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
8371 : catch
8372 : echo "inner catch-all"
8373 : finally
8374 : echo "inner finally"
8375 : endtry
8376 :catch
8377 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
8378 : finally
8379 : echo "outer finally"
8380 :endtry
8381
8382This displays: >
8383 inner finally
8384 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
8385 outer finally
8386The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
8387
8388 *except-single-line*
8389The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
8390a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
8391"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
8392 Example: >
8393 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
8394raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
8395argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
8396error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
8397displayed.
8398
8399 *except-several-errors*
8400When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
8401usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
8402 Example: >
8403 echo novar
8404causes >
8405 E121: Undefined variable: novar
8406 E15: Invalid expression: novar
8407The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8408 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
8409< *except-syntax-error*
8410But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
8411the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
8412 Example: >
8413 unlet novar #
8414causes >
8415 E108: No such variable: "novar"
8416 E488: Trailing characters
8417The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8418 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
8419This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
8420not intended by the user. Example: >
8421 try
8422 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
8423 catch /.*/
8424 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
8425 endtry
8426This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
8427a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
8428
8429==============================================================================
84309. Examples *eval-examples*
8431
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008432Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008433>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01008434 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008435 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008436 : let n = a:nr
8437 : let r = ""
8438 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008439 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
8440 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008441 : endwhile
8442 : return r
8443 :endfunc
8444
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008445 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
8446 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
8447 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008448 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008449 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
8450 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
8451 : endfor
8452 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008453 :endfunc
8454
8455Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008456 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
8457result: "100000" >
8458 :echo String2Bin("32")
8459result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008460
8461
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008462Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008463
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008464This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
8465
8466 :func SortBuffer()
8467 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
8468 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
8469 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008470 :endfunction
8471
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008472As a one-liner: >
8473 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008474
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008475
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008476scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008477 *sscanf*
8478There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
8479line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
8480how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
8481"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
8482 :" Set up the match bit
8483 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
8484 :"get the part matching the whole expression
8485 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
8486 :"get each item out of the match
8487 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
8488 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
8489 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
8490
8491The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
8492"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
8493
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008494
8495getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
8496 *scriptnames-dictionary*
8497The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
8498have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
8499(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
8500code can be used: >
8501 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
8502 let scriptnames_output = ''
8503 redir => scriptnames_output
8504 silent scriptnames
8505 redir END
8506
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008507 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008508 " "scripts" dictionary.
8509 let scripts = {}
8510 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
8511 " Only do non-blank lines.
8512 if line =~ '\S'
8513 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008514 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008515 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008516 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008517 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008518 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008519 endif
8520 endfor
8521 unlet scriptnames_output
8522
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008523==============================================================================
852410. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
8525
8526When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
8527evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
8528to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
8529recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
8530and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
8531only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
8532recognized.
8533
8534Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
8535missing: >
8536
8537 :if 1
8538 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
8539 :else
8540 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
8541 :endif
8542
8543==============================================================================
854411. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
8545
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02008546The 'foldexpr', 'formatexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and
8547'foldtext' options may be evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are
8548protected from these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some
8549safety for when these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when
8550the command from a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008551The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008552
8553These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8554 - changing the buffer text
8555 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8556 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008557 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008558 - executing a shell command
8559 - reading or writing a file
8560 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008561 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008562This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8563
8564 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008565:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008566 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8567 'foldexpr'.
8568
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008569 *sandbox-option*
8570A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008571have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008572restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8573location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008574- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008575- while executing in the sandbox
8576- value coming from a modeline
8577
8578Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8579option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8580
8581==============================================================================
858212. Textlock *textlock*
8583
8584In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8585to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8586is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008587actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008588happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8589
8590This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8591 - changing the buffer text
8592 - jumping to another buffer or window
8593 - editing another file
8594 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8595 - etc.
8596
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008597
8598 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: