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Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.2. Last change: 2008 Nov 27
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
66the Number. Examples: >
67 Number 123 --> String "123"
68 Number 0 --> String "0"
69 Number -1 --> String "-1"
70
71Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
73the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
74 String "456" --> Number 456
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6
76 String "foo" --> Number 0
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
78 String "0100" --> Number 64
79 String "-8" --> Number -8
80 String "+8" --> Number 0
81
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
538
539Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000540 *E715*
541Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
543 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
544 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
545 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
546 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
547 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
548 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
549 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000550
551
5521.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000553 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000554If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
555function.
556
557When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
558start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
559stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
560
561When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
563stored in the session file |session-file|.
564
565variable name can be stored where ~
566my_var_6 not
567My_Var_6 session file
568MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
569
570
571It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
572|curly-braces-names|.
573
574==============================================================================
5752. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
576
577Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
578
579|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
580
581|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
582
583|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
584
585|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
586 expr5 != expr5 not equal
587 expr5 > expr5 greater than
588 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
589 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
590 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
591 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
592 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
593
594 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
595 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
596 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
597 matching case
598
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000599 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
600 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000601
602|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000603 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
604 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
605
606|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
607 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
608 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
609
610|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
611 - expr7 unary minus
612 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000614
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000615|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
616 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
617 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
618 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000619
620|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000621 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000622 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000623 [expr1, ...] |List|
624 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000625 &option option value
626 (expr1) nested expression
627 variable internal variable
628 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
629 $VAR environment variable
630 @r contents of register 'r'
631 function(expr1, ...) function call
632 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
633
634
635".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
636Example: >
637 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
638
639All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
640
641
642expr1 *expr1* *E109*
643-----
644
645expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
646
647The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
648non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
649otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
650Example: >
651 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
652
653Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
654other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
655Example: >
656 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
657
658To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
659 :echo lnum == 1
660 :\ ? "top"
661 :\ : lnum == 1000
662 :\ ? "last"
663 :\ : lnum
664
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000665You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
666use in a variable such as "a:1".
667
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000668
669expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
670---------------
671
672 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
673The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
674are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
675
676 input output ~
677n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
678zero zero zero zero
679zero non-zero non-zero zero
680non-zero zero non-zero zero
681non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
682
683The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
684
685 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
686
687Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
688
689 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
690
691Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
692arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
693
694 let a = 1
695 echo a || b
696
697This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
698so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
699
700 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
701
702This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
703only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
704
705
706expr4 *expr4*
707-----
708
709expr5 {cmp} expr5
710
711Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
712if it evaluates to true.
713
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000714 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000715 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
716 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
717 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
718 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
719 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000720 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000721 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
722equal == ==# ==?
723not equal != !=# !=?
724greater than > ># >?
725greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
726smaller than < <# <?
727smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
728regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
729regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000730same instance is
731different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000732
733Examples:
734"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
735"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
736"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
737
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000738 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000739A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
740"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
741Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000742
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000743 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000744A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
745equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000746recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
747
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000748 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000749A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
750equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000751
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000752When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000753referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000754the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
755using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000756different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000757is false.
758
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000759When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000760and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000761because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
762
763When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
764results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
765necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
766
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000767When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000768'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000769
770When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000771'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
772
773'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000774
775The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
776argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
777This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
778matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
779portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
780single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
781Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
782(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
783can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
784 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
785 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
786
787
788expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
789---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000790expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000791expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
792expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000793
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000794For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000795result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000796
797expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
798expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
799expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
801For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
802
803Note the difference between "+" and ".":
804 "123" + "456" = 579
805 "123" . "456" = "123456"
806
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000807Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
808 1 . 90 + 90.0
809As: >
810 (1 . 90) + 90.0
811That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
812190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
813 1 . 90 * 90.0
814Should be read as: >
815 1 . (90 * 90.0)
816Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
817attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
818
819When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
820 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
821 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
822 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
823 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
824
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000825When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
826
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000827None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000828
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000829. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000831
832expr7 *expr7*
833-----
834! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
835- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
836+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
837
838For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
839For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
840For '+' the number is unchanged.
841
842A String will be converted to a Number first.
843
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000844These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000845 !-1 == 0
846 !!8 == 1
847 --9 == 9
848
849
850expr8 *expr8*
851-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000852expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
855expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000856Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000857
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000858Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
859text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
860cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000861 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
863If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000864String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
865compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
866
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000867If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000868for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000869error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000870 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
871
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000872Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
873|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
874error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000875
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000876
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000877expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000878
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000879If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
880from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000881expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
882encodings.
883
884If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
885string minus one is used.
886
887A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
888the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
889
890If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
891expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
892
893Examples: >
894 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
895 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
896 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
897 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
898
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000899If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000900the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000901just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000902 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
903 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
904 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
905
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000906Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
907error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000908
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000909
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000910expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000911
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000912If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
913name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
914expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000915
916The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
917but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
918
919There must not be white space before or after the dot.
920
921Examples: >
922 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
923 :echo dict.one
924 :echo dict .2
925
926Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
927always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
928
929
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000930expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000931
932When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
933
934
935
936 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000937number
938------
939number number constant *expr-number*
940
941Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
942
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000943 *floating-point-format*
944Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
945
946 [-+]{N}.{M}
947 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
948
949{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
950contain digits.
951[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
952{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
953Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
954locale is.
955{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
956
957Examples:
958 123.456
959 +0.0001
960 55.0
961 -0.123
962 1.234e03
963 1.0E-6
964 -3.1416e+88
965
966These are INVALID:
967 3. empty {M}
968 1e40 missing .{M}
969
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000970 *float-pi* *float-e*
971A few useful values to copy&paste: >
972 :let pi = 3.14159265359
973 :let e = 2.71828182846
974
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000975Rationale:
976Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
977the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
978resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000979could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000980incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
981for floating point numbers.
982
983 *floating-point-precision*
984The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
985means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
986runtime.
987
988The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
989printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
990function. Example: >
991 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
992< 7.853981633974483e-01
993
994
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000995
996string *expr-string* *E114*
997------
998"string" string constant *expr-quote*
999
1000Note that double quotes are used.
1001
1002A string constant accepts these special characters:
1003\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1004\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1005\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1006\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1007\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1008\X.. same as \x..
1009\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001010\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001011 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1012\U.... same as \u....
1013\b backspace <BS>
1014\e escape <Esc>
1015\f formfeed <FF>
1016\n newline <NL>
1017\r return <CR>
1018\t tab <Tab>
1019\\ backslash
1020\" double quote
1021\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
1022
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001023Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1024encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1025of 'encoding'.
1026
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001027Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1028
1029
1030literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1031---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001032'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001033
1034Note that single quotes are used.
1035
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001036This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001037meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001038
1039Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001040to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001041 if a =~ "\\s*"
1042 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001043
1044
1045option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1046------
1047&option option value, local value if possible
1048&g:option global option value
1049&l:option local option value
1050
1051Examples: >
1052 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1053 if &insertmode
1054
1055Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1056and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1057anyway.
1058
1059
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001060register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001061--------
1062@r contents of register 'r'
1063
1064The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1065Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001066register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001067registers.
1068
1069When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1070evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001071
1072
1073nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1074-------
1075(expr1) nested expression
1076
1077
1078environment variable *expr-env*
1079--------------------
1080$VAR environment variable
1081
1082The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1083result is an empty string.
1084 *expr-env-expand*
1085Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1086expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1087are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1088the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1089fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1090does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1091 :echo $version
1092 :echo expand("$version")
1093The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1094variable (if your shell supports it).
1095
1096
1097internal variable *expr-variable*
1098-----------------
1099variable internal variable
1100See below |internal-variables|.
1101
1102
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001103function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104-------------
1105function(expr1, ...) function call
1106See below |functions|.
1107
1108
1109==============================================================================
11103. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1111 *E461*
1112An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1113cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1114|curly-braces-names|.
1115
1116An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001117An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1118|:unlet|.
1119Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1120been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001121
1122There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1123specified by what is prepended:
1124
1125 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1126|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1127|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001128|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001129|global-variable| g: Global.
1130|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1131|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1132|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001133|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001134
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001135The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1136delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001137 :for k in keys(s:)
1138 : unlet s:[k]
1139 :endfor
1140<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001141 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1142A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1143Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1144This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1145|:bdelete|.
1146
1147One local buffer variable is predefined:
1148 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1149b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1150 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1151 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1152 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1153 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001154 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1155 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001156 :endif
1157<
1158 *window-variable* *w:var*
1159A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1160is deleted when the window is closed.
1161
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001162 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1163A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1164It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1165without the +windows feature}
1166
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001167 *global-variable* *g:var*
1168Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001169access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170place if you like.
1171
1172 *local-variable* *l:var*
1173Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001174But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1175you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1176refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1177same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001178
1179 *script-variable* *s:var*
1180In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1181accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1182
1183They can be used in:
1184- commands executed while the script is sourced
1185- functions defined in the script
1186- autocommands defined in the script
1187- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1188 defined in the script (recursively)
1189- user defined commands defined in the script
1190Thus not in:
1191- other scripts sourced from this one
1192- mappings
1193- etc.
1194
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001195Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1196Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001197
1198 let s:counter = 0
1199 function MyCounter()
1200 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1201 echo s:counter
1202 endfunction
1203 command Tick call MyCounter()
1204
1205You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1206that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1207"Tick" was defined is used.
1208
1209Another example that does the same: >
1210
1211 let s:counter = 0
1212 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1213
1214When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001215script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001216defined.
1217
1218The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1219function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1220
1221 let s:counter = 0
1222 function StartCounting(incr)
1223 if a:incr
1224 function MyCounter()
1225 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1226 endfunction
1227 else
1228 function MyCounter()
1229 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1230 endfunction
1231 endif
1232 endfunction
1233
1234This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1235when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1236called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1237
1238When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1239They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1240maintain a counter: >
1241
1242 if !exists("s:counter")
1243 let s:counter = 1
1244 echo "script executed for the first time"
1245 else
1246 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1247 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1248 endif
1249
1250Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1251variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1252
1253
1254Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1255
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001256 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1257v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1258 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1259 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1260
1261 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1262v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1263 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1264
1265 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1266v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1267 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1268
1269 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001270v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1271 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1272 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1273 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001274 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1275 highlighted text is used.
1276 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1277
1278 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1279v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1280 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1281
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001282 *v:char* *char-variable*
1283v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'.
1284
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001285 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1286v:charconvert_from
1287 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1288 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1289
1290 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1291v:charconvert_to
1292 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1293 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1294
1295 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1296v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1297 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1298 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1299 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1300 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1301 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001302 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001303 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1304 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1305 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1306 in 'printexpr'.
1307
1308 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1309v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1310 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1311 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1312 can be used.
1313
1314 *v:count* *count-variable*
1315v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001316 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001317 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1318< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1319 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001320 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001321 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1322
1323 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1324v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1325 used.
1326
1327 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1328v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1329 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1330 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1331 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1332 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1333 command.
1334 See |multi-lang|.
1335
1336 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001337v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001338 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1339 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1340 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1341 Example: >
1342 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1343<
1344 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1345v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1346 Example: >
1347 :let v:errmsg = ""
1348 :silent! next
1349 :if v:errmsg != ""
1350 : ... handle error
1351< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1352
1353 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1354v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1355 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1356 Example: >
1357 :try
1358 : throw "oops"
1359 :catch /.*/
1360 : echo "caught" v:exception
1361 :endtry
1362< Output: "caught oops".
1363
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001364 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1365v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1366 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1367 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1368 deleted file no longer exists
1369 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1370 changed and buffer is modified
1371 changed file contents has changed
1372 mode mode of file changed
1373 time only file timestamp changed
1374
1375 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1376v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1377 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1378 do with the affected buffer:
1379 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1380 the file was deleted).
1381 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1382 was no autocommand. Except that when
1383 only the timestamp changed nothing
1384 will happen.
1385 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1386 everything that needs to be done.
1387 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1388 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1389
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001390 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001391v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001392 option used for ~
1393 'charconvert' file to be converted
1394 'diffexpr' original file
1395 'patchexpr' original file
1396 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001397 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001398
1399 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1400v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1401 evaluating:
1402 option used for ~
1403 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1404 'diffexpr' output of diff
1405 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1406 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001407 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001408 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1409 file and different from v:fname_in.
1410
1411 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1412v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1413 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1414
1415 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1416v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1417 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1418
1419 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1420v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1421 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001422 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001423
1424 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1425v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001426 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001427
1428 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1429v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001430 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001431
1432 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1433v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001434 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001435
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001436 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1437v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1438 events. Values:
1439 i Insert mode
1440 r Replace mode
1441 v Virtual Replace mode
1442
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001443 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001444v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001445 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1446 Read-only.
1447
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1449v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1450 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1451 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1452 The value is system dependent.
1453 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1454 command.
1455 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1456 in a different language than what is used for character
1457 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1458
1459 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1460v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1461 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1462 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1463 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1464 command. See |multi-lang|.
1465
1466 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001467v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001468 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1469 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1470 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001471
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001472 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1473v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1474 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1475 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1476
1477 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1478v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1479 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1480 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1481
1482 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1483v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1484 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1485 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1486
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001487 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1488v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1489 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1490 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1491 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1492 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1493 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1494 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1495 than String this will cause trouble.
1496 {only when compiled with the +viminfo feature}
1497
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001498 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1499v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1500 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1501 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1502 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1503 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1504 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1505< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1506 don't expect it to be empty.
1507 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1508 commands.
1509 Read-only.
1510
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001511 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1512v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1513 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001514 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1515 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001516 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1517< Read-only.
1518
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001519 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001520v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001521 See |profiling|.
1522
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001523 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1524v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1525 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1526 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1527 Read-only.
1528
1529 *v:register* *register-variable*
1530v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1531 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1532
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001533 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1534v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1535 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1536 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1537 typed command.
1538 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1539 hit-enter prompt.
1540
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001541 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1542v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1543 Read-only.
1544
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001545
1546v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1547 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1548 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1549 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1550 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1551 function. |function-search-undo|.
1552 Read-write.
1553
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001554 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1555v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1556 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1557 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1558 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1559 executed. Read-only.
1560 Example: >
1561 :!mv foo bar
1562 :if v:shell_error
1563 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1564 :endif
1565< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1566
1567 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1568v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1569
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001570 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1571v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1572 the swap file found. Read-only.
1573
1574 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1575v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1576 for handling an existing swap file:
1577 'o' Open read-only
1578 'e' Edit anyway
1579 'r' Recover
1580 'd' Delete swapfile
1581 'q' Quit
1582 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001583 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001584 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1585 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1586
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001587 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001588v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001589 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001590 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001591 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001592 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001594 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1595v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001596 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001597 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1598 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1599 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1600 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1601 terminal.
1602 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1603 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1604 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1605 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1606 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1607
1608 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1609v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1610 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1611 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1612 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1613
1614 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1615v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001616 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001617 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1618 Example: >
1619 :try
1620 : throw "oops"
1621 :catch /.*/
1622 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1623 :endtry
1624< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1625
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001626 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001627v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001628 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001629 |filter()|. Read-only.
1630
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001631 *v:version* *version-variable*
1632v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1633 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1634 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1635 compatibility.
1636 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1637 if has("patch123")
1638< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1639 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1640 completely different.
1641
1642 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1643v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1644
1645==============================================================================
16464. Builtin Functions *functions*
1647
1648See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1649
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001650(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001651
1652USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1653
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001654abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001655add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001656append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001657append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001658argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001659argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001660argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001661argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001662atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1664 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001665browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001667buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1668bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001669bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1670bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1671bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1672byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001673byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001674call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1675 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001676ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1677changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001678char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001679cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001680clearmatches() None clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001681col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001682complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001683complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001684complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001685confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1686 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001687copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001688cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001689count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1690 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001691cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1692 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001693cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1694 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1695cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001696deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001697delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1698did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001699diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1700diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001701empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001702escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001703eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001704eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001705executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1706exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001707extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1708 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001709expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001710feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001712filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001713filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1714 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001715finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001716 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001717findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001718 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001719float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1720floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001721fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001723foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1724foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001725foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001726foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001727foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001728foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001729function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001730garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001731get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001732get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001733getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1734 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001735getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001736getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1737getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001738getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1739getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001740getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001741getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001742getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1743getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001744getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001745getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001746getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001747getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1748getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001749getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001750getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001751getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001752getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001753getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001754getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001755getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001756gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1757 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001758getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1759getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001760getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001761glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1762globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1763 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001764has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001765has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001766haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001767hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1768 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001769histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1770histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1771histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1772histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1773hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1774hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1775hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001776iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1777indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001778index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1779 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001780input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1781 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001782inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001783inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001784inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1785inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001786inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001787insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001788isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001789islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001790items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001791join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001792keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001793len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1794libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001795libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1796line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1797line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001798lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001799localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001800log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001801map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001802maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1803 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1804mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1805 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001806match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001807 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001808matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1809 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001810matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001811matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001812matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001813 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001814matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1815 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001816matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1817 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001818max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00001819min({list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001820mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1821 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001822mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001823nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1824nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001825pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001826pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001827prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001828printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1829pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001830range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1831 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001832readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1833 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001834reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1835reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001836remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1837 String send expression
1838remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1839remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1840 Number check for reply string
1841remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1842remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1843 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001844remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001845remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001846rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1847repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1848resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001849reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001850round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001851search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1852 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001853searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001854 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001855searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001856 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001857searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001858 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001859searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001860 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001861server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1862 Number send reply string
1863serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1864setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1865setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1866setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001867setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1868 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001869setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001870setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001871setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001872setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001873settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1874 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001875setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001876shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1877 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001878 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001879simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001880sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001881sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001882soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001883spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001884spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1885 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001886split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001887 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001888sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr}
1889str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1890str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001891strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001892stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1893 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001894string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001895strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1896strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1897 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001898strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1899 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001900strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001901submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001902substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1903 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001904synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001905synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1906 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1907synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001908synstack({lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001909system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001910tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1911tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1912tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1913 Number number of current window in tab page
1914taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001915tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001916tempname() String name for a temporary file
1917tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1918toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001919tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1920 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001921trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001922type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001923values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001924virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1925visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1926winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1927wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1928winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1929winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001930winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001931winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001932winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1933winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001934winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001935writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1936 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001937
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001938abs({expr}) *abs()*
1939 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1940 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1941 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1942 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1943 Examples: >
1944 echo abs(1.456)
1945< 1.456 >
1946 echo abs(-5.456)
1947< 5.456 >
1948 echo abs(-4)
1949< 4
1950 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
1951
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001952add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001953 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1954 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001955 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1956 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001957< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001958 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001959 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001960
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001961
1962append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001963 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1964 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001965 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1966 the current buffer.
1967 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001968 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001969 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001970 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001971 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001972<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001973 *argc()*
1974argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1975 current window. See |arglist|.
1976
1977 *argidx()*
1978argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1979 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1980
1981 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001982argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001983 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1984 Example: >
1985 :let i = 0
1986 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001987 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001988 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1989 : let i = i + 1
1990 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001991< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1992 returned.
1993
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001994atan({expr}) *atan()*
1995 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
1996 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
1997 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
1998 Examples: >
1999 :echo atan(100)
2000< 1.560797 >
2001 :echo atan(-4.01)
2002< -1.326405
2003 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2004
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002005 *browse()*
2006browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2007 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2008 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2009 The input fields are:
2010 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2011 {title} title for the requester
2012 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2013 {default} default file name
2014 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2015 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2016
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002017 *browsedir()*
2018browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2019 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2020 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2021 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2022 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2023 to be used.
2024 The input fields are:
2025 {title} title for the requester
2026 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2027 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2028 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2029
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002030bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2031 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2032 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002033 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002034 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002035 exactly. The name can be:
2036 - Relative to the current directory.
2037 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002038 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002039 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002040 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2041 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2042 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2043 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002044 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2045 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2046 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002047 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2048 file name.
2049 *buffer_exists()*
2050 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2051
2052buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2053 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2054 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002055 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002056
2057bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2058 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2059 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002060 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002061
2062bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2063 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2064 ":ls" command.
2065 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2066 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2067 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002068 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002069 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2070 match an empty string is returned.
2071 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2072 alternate buffer.
2073 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002074 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2075 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2076 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002077 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2078 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2079 buffers are searched for.
2080 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2081 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2082 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2083< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2084 string is returned. >
2085 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2086 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2087 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2088 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2089< *buffer_name()*
2090 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2091
2092 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002093bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2094 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002095 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002096 above.
2097 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2098 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2099 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002100 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2101 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2102< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2103 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2104 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2105 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2106 *buffer_number()*
2107 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2108 *last_buffer_nr()*
2109 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2110
2111bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2112 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2113 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002114 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002115 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2116
2117 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2118
2119< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2120 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002121 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002122
2123
2124byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2125 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2126 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2127 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2128 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2129 one.
2130 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2131 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2132 feature}
2133
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002134byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2135 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2136 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2137 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2138 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2139 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2140 Example : >
2141 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2142< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2143 same: >
2144 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2145 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2146< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2147 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2148 is returned.
2149
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002150call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002151 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002152 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002153 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002154 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2155 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002156 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2157 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002158
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002159ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2160 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2161 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2162 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2163 Examples: >
2164 echo ceil(1.456)
2165< 2.0 >
2166 echo ceil(-5.456)
2167< -5.0 >
2168 echo ceil(4.0)
2169< 4.0
2170 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2171
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002172changenr() *changenr()*
2173 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2174 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2175 with the |:undo| command.
2176 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2177 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2178 one less than the number of the undone change.
2179
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002180char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2181 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2182 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2183 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2184< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002185 char2nr("á") returns 225
2186 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002187< |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002188
2189cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2190 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2191 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2192 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2193 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2194 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2195 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002196 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002197
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002198clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2199 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2200 |:match| commands.
2201
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002202 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002203col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002204 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2205 . the cursor position
2206 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2207 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2208 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2209 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002210 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2211 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002212 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002213 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002214 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002215 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002216 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2217 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2218 Examples: >
2219 col(".") column of cursor
2220 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2221 col("'t") column of mark t
2222 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002223< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002224 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2225 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002226 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2227 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2228 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2229 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2230 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2231 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2232 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2233<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002234
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002235complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2236 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2237 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002238 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2239 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002240 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2241 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2242 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2243 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2244 match.
2245 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2246 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2247 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2248 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2249 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2250 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2251 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2252 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002253 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002254
2255 func! ListMonths()
2256 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2257 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2258 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2259 return ''
2260 endfunc
2261< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2262 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2263
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002264complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2265 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2266 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2267 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2268 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2269 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002270 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002271 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002272
2273complete_check() *complete_check()*
2274 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2275 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2276 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2277 zero otherwise.
2278 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2279 'completefunc' option.
2280
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002281 *confirm()*
2282confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2283 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2284 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2285 choice this is 1.
2286 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2287 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2288 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2289 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2290 used (and translated).
2291 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2292 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2293 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2294 by '\n', e.g. >
2295 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2296< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2297 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2298 not need to be the first letter: >
2299 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2300< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2301 the default shortcut key.
2302 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2303 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2304 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2305 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002306 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002307 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2308 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2309 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2310 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2311 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2312 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2313
2314 An example: >
2315 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2316 :if choice == 0
2317 : echo "make up your mind!"
2318 :elseif choice == 3
2319 : echo "tasteful"
2320 :else
2321 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2322 :endif
2323< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2324 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002325 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002326 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2327 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2328 the horizontal layout is always used.
2329
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002330 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002331copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002332 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002333 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2334 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002335 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2336 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002337 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002338
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002339cos({expr}) *cos()*
2340 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2341 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2342 Examples: >
2343 :echo cos(100)
2344< 0.862319 >
2345 :echo cos(-4.01)
2346< -0.646043
2347 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2348
2349
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002350count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002351 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002352 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002353 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002354 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002355 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2356
2357
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002358 *cscope_connection()*
2359cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2360 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2361 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2362 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2363 if there are no cscope connections;
2364 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2365
2366 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2367 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2368
2369 {num} Description of existence check
2370 ----- ------------------------------
2371 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2372 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2373 {dbpath}.
2374 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2375 {dbpath}.
2376 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2377 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2378 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2379 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2380
2381 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2382
2383 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2384
2385 # pid database name prepend path
2386 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2387<
2388 Invocation Return Val ~
2389 ---------- ---------- >
2390 cscope_connection() 1
2391 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2392 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2393 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2394 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2395 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2396 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2397 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2398<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002399cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2400cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002401 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2402 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002403 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002404 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2405 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002406 Does not change the jumplist.
2407 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2408 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2409 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002410 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002411 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2412 line.
2413 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002414 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2415 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002416 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002417 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002418
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002419
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002420deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002421 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002422 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002423 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2424 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002425 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002426 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002427 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2428 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2429 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2430 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2431 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2432 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002433 *E724*
2434 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002435 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2436 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002437 Also see |copy()|.
2438
2439delete({fname}) *delete()*
2440 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002441 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2442 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002443 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002444
2445 *did_filetype()*
2446did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2447 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2448 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2449 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2450 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2451 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2452 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2453 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2454 file.
2455
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002456diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2457 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2458 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2459 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2460 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2461 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2462 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2463 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2464
2465diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2466 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2467 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2468 diff change zero is returned.
2469 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2470 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2471 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2472 line.
2473 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2474 syntax information about the highlighting.
2475
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002476empty({expr}) *empty()*
2477 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002478 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002479 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002480 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2481 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002482
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002483escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2484 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2485 backslash. Example: >
2486 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2487< results in: >
2488 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002489< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002490
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002491 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002492eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2493 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002494 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2495 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2496 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002497
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002498eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2499 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2500 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2501 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2502 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2503
2504executable({expr}) *executable()*
2505 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2506 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002507 arguments.
2508 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2509 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2510 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2511 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002512 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2513 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002514 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002515 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002516 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2517 extension.
2518 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2519 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002520 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2521 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2522 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002523 The result is a Number:
2524 1 exists
2525 0 does not exist
2526 -1 not implemented on this system
2527
2528 *exists()*
2529exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2530 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2531 which contains one of these:
2532 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2533 not if it really works)
2534 +option-name Vim option that works.
2535 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2536 done by comparing with an empty
2537 string)
2538 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2539 or user defined function (see
2540 |user-functions|).
2541 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002542 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002543 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2544 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002545 that evaluating an index may cause an
2546 error message for an invalid
2547 expression. E.g.: >
2548 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2549 :echo exists("l[5]")
2550< 0 >
2551 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2552< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2553 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002554 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2555 command or command modifier |:command|.
2556 Returns:
2557 1 for match with start of a command
2558 2 full match with a command
2559 3 matches several user commands
2560 To check for a supported command
2561 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002562 :2match The |:2match| command.
2563 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002564 #event autocommand defined for this event
2565 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2566 pattern (the pattern is taken
2567 literally and compared to the
2568 autocommand patterns character by
2569 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002570 #group autocommand group exists
2571 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2572 event.
2573 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002574 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002575 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002576 ##event autocommand for this event is
2577 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002578 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2579
2580 Examples: >
2581 exists("&shortname")
2582 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2583 exists("*strftime")
2584 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2585 exists("bufcount")
2586 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002587 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002588 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002589 exists("#filetypeindent")
2590 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2591 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002592 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002593< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2594 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002595 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2596 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2597 the future, thus don't count on it!
2598 Working example: >
2599 exists(":make")
2600< NOT working example: >
2601 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002602
2603< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2604 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002605 exists(bufcount)
2606< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002607 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002608
2609expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2610 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2611 The result is a String.
2612
2613 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2614 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2615 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2616
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002617 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002618 for a non-existing file is not included.
2619
2620 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2621 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2622 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2623
2624 % current file name
2625 # alternate file name
2626 #n alternate file name n
2627 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2628 <afile> autocmd file name
2629 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2630 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2631 <sfile> sourced script file name
2632 <cword> word under the cursor
2633 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2634 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2635 message |server2client()|
2636 Modifiers:
2637 :p expand to full path
2638 :h head (last path component removed)
2639 :t tail (last path component only)
2640 :r root (one extension removed)
2641 :e extension only
2642
2643 Example: >
2644 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2645< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2646 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2647 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2648< Use this: >
2649 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2650< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2651 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2652 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2653 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2654 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2655<
2656 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2657 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2658 to modify normal file names.
2659
2660 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2661 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2662 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2663 '/' added.
2664
2665 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2666 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2667 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2668 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002669 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2670 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2671 files in the current directory and below: >
2672 :echo expand("**/README")
2673<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002674 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2675 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002676 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002677 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002678 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002679 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2680 "$FOOBAR".
2681
2682 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2683 getting the raw output of an external command.
2684
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002685extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002686 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2687 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002688
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002689 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002690 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2691 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2692 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2693 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002694 Examples: >
2695 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2696 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002697< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2698 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2699 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2700 (where N is the original length of the List).
2701 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002702 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002703 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002704<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002705 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002706 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2707 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2708 used to decide what to do:
2709 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2710 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002711 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002712 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2713
2714 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2715 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2716 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2717 Returns {expr1}.
2718
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002719
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002720feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2721 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002722 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002723 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002724 being executed these characters come after them.
2725 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2726 {string}.
2727 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2728 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002729 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002730 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2731 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2732 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002733 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2734 'n' Do not remap keys.
2735 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2736 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2737 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002738 Return value is always 0.
2739
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002740filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2741 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2742 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2743 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2744 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002745 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2746 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002747 *file_readable()*
2748 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2749
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002750
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002751filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2752 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2753 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002754 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002755 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2756
2757
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002758filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002759 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002760 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002761 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002762 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002763 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002764 Examples: >
2765 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2766< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2767 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2768< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2769 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002770< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002771
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002772 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2773 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2774 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2775
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002776 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2777 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002778 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002779
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002780< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002781 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2782 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002783
2784
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002785finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002786 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2787 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2788 for the syntax of {path}.
2789 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2790 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2791 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002792 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2793 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002794 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002795 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002796 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002797 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2798
2799findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2800 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002801 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2802 Example: >
2803 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002804< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2805 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002806
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002807float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2808 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2809 decimal point.
2810 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2811 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2812 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2813 in -0x80000000.
2814 Examples: >
2815 echo float2nr(3.95)
2816< 3 >
2817 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2818< -23 >
2819 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2820< 2147483647 >
2821 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2822< -2147483647 >
2823 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2824< 0
2825 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2826
2827
2828floor({expr}) *floor()*
2829 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2830 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2831 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2832 Examples: >
2833 echo floor(1.856)
2834< 1.0 >
2835 echo floor(-5.456)
2836< -6.0 >
2837 echo floor(4.0)
2838< 4.0
2839 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2840
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002841fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002842 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002843 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2844 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002845 For most systems the characters escaped are
2846 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2847 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002848 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2849 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002850 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002851 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002852 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2853< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002854 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002855
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002856fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2857 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2858 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2859 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2860 Example: >
2861 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2862< results in: >
2863 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002864< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002865 |expand()| first then.
2866
2867foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2868 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2869 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2870 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2871
2872foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2873 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2874 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2875 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2876
2877foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2878 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002879 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002880 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2881 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2882 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2883 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2884 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2885 previous line is usually available.
2886
2887 *foldtext()*
2888foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2889 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2890 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2891 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2892 The returned string looks like this: >
2893 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002894< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002895 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2896 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2897 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2898 options is removed.
2899 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2900
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002901foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2902 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2903 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2904 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2905 returned.
2906 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2907 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2908 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2909 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2910
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002911 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002912foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002913 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2914 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2915 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2916 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2917 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2918 Win32 console version}
2919
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002920
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002921function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002922 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002923 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2924
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002925
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002926garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002927 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002928 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2929 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2930 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2931 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2932 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002933 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2934 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2935 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002936 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
2937 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
2938 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002939
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002940get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002941 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002942 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2943 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002944get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002945 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002946 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2947 {default} is omitted.
2948
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002949 *getbufline()*
2950getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002951 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2952 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2953 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002954
2955 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2956
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002957 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2958 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002959
2960 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002961 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002962
2963 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2964 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002965 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002966 returned.
2967
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002968 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002969 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002970
2971 Example: >
2972 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002973
2974getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2975 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2976 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2977 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002978 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
2979 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002980 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2981 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2982 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002983 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2984 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2985 returned, there is no error message.
2986 Examples: >
2987 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2988 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2989<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002990getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002991 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002992 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2993 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002994 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002995 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002996 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
2997
2998 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
2999 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3000 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3001 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3002 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003003 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3004 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3005 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3006 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003007
3008 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003009 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3010 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003011
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003012 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3013 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3014 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3015 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3016 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003017 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003018 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3019 exe v:mouse_lnum
3020 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3021 endif
3022<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003023 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3024 user that a character has to be typed.
3025 There is no mapping for the character.
3026 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3027 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3028 sequence. Examples: >
3029 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3030 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3031< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3032 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3033 :function FindChar()
3034 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3035 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3036 : normal l
3037 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3038 : break
3039 : endif
3040 : endwhile
3041 :endfunction
3042
3043getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3044 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3045 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3046 These values are added together:
3047 2 shift
3048 4 control
3049 8 alt (meta)
3050 16 mouse double click
3051 32 mouse triple click
3052 64 mouse quadruple click
3053 128 Macintosh only: command
3054 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003055 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003056 with no modifier.
3057
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003058getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3059 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3060 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3061 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3062 Example: >
3063 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003064< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003065
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003066getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003067 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3068 byte count. The first column is 1.
3069 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3070 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003071 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3072
3073getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3074 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3075 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003076 : normal Ex command
3077 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3078 / forward search command
3079 ? backward search command
3080 @ |input()| command
3081 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003082 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3083 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3084 otherwise.
3085 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003086
3087 *getcwd()*
3088getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3089 working directory.
3090
3091getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3092 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3093 given file {fname}.
3094 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3095 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003096 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3097 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003098
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003099getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3100 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3101 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3102 |hl-Normal|.
3103 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3104 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3105 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3106 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003107 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003108 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3109 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003110 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3111 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003112
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003113getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3114 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3115 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3116 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3117 empty string is returned.
3118 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3119 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3120 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3121 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3122 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3123 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3124< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3125 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003126
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003127getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3128 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3129 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3130 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3131 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3132 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3133
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003134getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3135 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3136 file of the given file {fname}.
3137 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3138 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3139 results:
3140 Normal file "file"
3141 Directory "dir"
3142 Symbolic link "link"
3143 Block device "bdev"
3144 Character device "cdev"
3145 Socket "socket"
3146 FIFO "fifo"
3147 All other "other"
3148 Example: >
3149 getftype("/home")
3150< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3151 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3152 "file" are returned.
3153
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003154 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003155getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3156 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3157 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003158 getline(1)
3159< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3160 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3161 To get the line under the cursor: >
3162 getline(".")
3163< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3164 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3165
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003166 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3167 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003168 including line {end}.
3169 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3170 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003171 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003172 Example: >
3173 :let start = line('.')
3174 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3175 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3176
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003177< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3178
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003179getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3180 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3181 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3182 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003183 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
3184 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003185
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003186getmatches() *getmatches()*
3187 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3188 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3189 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3190 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3191 Example: >
3192 :echo getmatches()
3193< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3194 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3195 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3196 :let m = getmatches()
3197 :call clearmatches()
3198 :echo getmatches()
3199< [] >
3200 :call setmatches(m)
3201 :echo getmatches()
3202< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3203 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3204 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3205 :unlet m
3206<
3207
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003208getqflist() *getqflist()*
3209 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3210 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3211 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3212 bufname() to get the name
3213 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3214 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003215 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3216 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003217 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003218 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003219 text description of the error
3220 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3221 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3222
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003223 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003224 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3225 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003226
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003227 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3228 do something with them: >
3229 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3230 :for d in getqflist()
3231 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3232 :endfor
3233
3234
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003235getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003236 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003237 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003238 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3239< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003240 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003241 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3242 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3243 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003244 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3245
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003246
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003247getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3248 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3249 The value will be one of:
3250 "v" for |characterwise| text
3251 "V" for |linewise| text
3252 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3253 0 for an empty or unknown register
3254 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3255 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3256
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003257gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003258 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3259 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3260 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3261 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003262 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3263 use |getwinvar()|.
3264 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3265 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3266 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3267 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003268 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3269 variables is returned.
3270 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003271 Examples: >
3272 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3273 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003274<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003275 *getwinposx()*
3276getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3277 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3278 -1 if the information is not available.
3279
3280 *getwinposy()*
3281getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003282 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003283 information is not available.
3284
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003285getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3286 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003287 Examples: >
3288 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3289 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3290<
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003291glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()*
3292 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003293 use of special characters.
3294 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003295 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3296 characters.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003297 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3298 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3299 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3300 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003301 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3302 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3303
3304 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3305 any external command. Example: >
3306 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3307 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3308< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003309 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003310
3311 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3312 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3313
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003314globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003315 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3316 the results. Example: >
3317 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3318< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3319 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003320 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003321 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3322 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3323 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3324 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3325 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003326 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3327 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3328 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3329 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003330
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003331 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3332 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3333 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3334 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003335< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3336 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3337
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003338 *has()*
3339has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3340 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3341 string. See |feature-list| below.
3342 Also see |exists()|.
3343
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003344
3345has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003346 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3347 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003348
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003349haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3350 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003351 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003352
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003353hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003354 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3355 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3356 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3357 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003358 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003359 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3360 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003361 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3362 buffer are checked for a match.
3363 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3364 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3365 n Normal mode
3366 v Visual mode
3367 o Operator-pending mode
3368 i Insert mode
3369 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3370 c Command-line mode
3371 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3372
3373 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003374 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003375 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3376 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3377 :endif
3378< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3379 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3380
3381histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3382 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3383 one of: *hist-names*
3384 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3385 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003386 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003387 "input" or "@" input line history
3388 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3389 shifted to become the newest entry.
3390 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3391 otherwise 0 is returned.
3392
3393 Example: >
3394 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3395 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3396< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3397
3398histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003399 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003400 for the possible values of {history}.
3401
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003402 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3403 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3404 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003405 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003406 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3407 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3408 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003409
3410 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3411 otherwise 0 is returned.
3412
3413 Examples:
3414 Clear expression register history: >
3415 :call histdel("expr")
3416<
3417 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3418 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3419<
3420 The following three are equivalent: >
3421 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3422 :call histdel("search", -1)
3423 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3424<
3425 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3426 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3427 :call histdel("search", -1)
3428 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3429
3430histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3431 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3432 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3433 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3434 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3435 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3436
3437 Examples:
3438 Redo the second last search from history. >
3439 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3440
3441< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3442 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3443 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3444<
3445histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3446 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3447 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3448 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3449
3450 Example: >
3451 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3452<
3453hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3454 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3455 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3456 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3457 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3458 item.
3459 *highlight_exists()*
3460 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3461
3462 *hlID()*
3463hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3464 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3465 zero is returned.
3466 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003467 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003468 "Comment" group: >
3469 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3470< *highlightID()*
3471 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3472
3473hostname() *hostname()*
3474 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003475 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003476 256 characters long are truncated.
3477
3478iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3479 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3480 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3481 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3482 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3483 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3484 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3485 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3486 can be done.
3487 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3488 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3489 UTF-8 and use: >
3490 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3491< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3492 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3493 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3494 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3495
3496 *indent()*
3497indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3498 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3499 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3500 |getline()|.
3501 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3502
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003503
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003504index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003505 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003506 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003507 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3508 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003509 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3510 case must match.
3511 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3512 Example: >
3513 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003514 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003515
3516
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003517input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003518 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3519 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3520 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003521 prompt to start a new line.
3522 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3523 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003524 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003525 for lines typed for input().
3526 Example: >
3527 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3528 : echo "Cheers!"
3529 :endif
3530<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003531 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3532 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003533 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3534
3535< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3536 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003537 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003538 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003539 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003540 more information. Example: >
3541 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3542<
3543 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3544 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003545 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3546 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3547 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3548 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3549 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3550 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3551 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3552
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003553 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003554 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3555 :function GetFoo()
3556 : call inputsave()
3557 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3558 : call inputrestore()
3559 :endfunction
3560
3561inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3562 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3563 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3564 Example: >
3565 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3566 :if n != ""
3567 : let &sw = n
3568 :endif
3569< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3570 omitted an empty string is returned.
3571 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3572 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003573 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003574
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003575inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003576 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3577 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3578 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003579 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003580 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003581 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3582 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3583 is returned.
3584 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003585 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003586 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3587 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003588 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3589 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3590
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003591inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3592 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3593 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3594 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3595 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3596
3597inputsave() *inputsave()*
3598 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3599 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3600 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3601 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3602 many inputrestore() calls.
3603 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3604
3605inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3606 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3607 two exceptions:
3608 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3609 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3610 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3611 |history| stack.
3612 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3613 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003614 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003615
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003616insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003617 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003618 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003619 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003620 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3621 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003622 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003623 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3624 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3625 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003626< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003627 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003628 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003629
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003630isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3631 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3632 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3633 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3634 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3635
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003636islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003637 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3638 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003639 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3640 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003641 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3642 :lockvar 1 alist
3643 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3644 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3645
3646< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003647 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003648
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003649items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003650 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3651 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3652 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3653 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003654
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003655
3656join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3657 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3658 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3659 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3660 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3661 add it there too: >
3662 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003663< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003664 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3665 The opposite function is |split()|.
3666
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003667keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003668 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003669 arbitrary order.
3670
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003671 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003672len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3673 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3674 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003675 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003676 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003677 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3678 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003679 Otherwise an error is given.
3680
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003681 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3682libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3683 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3684 with single argument {argument}.
3685 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3686 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3687 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3688 limited.
3689 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3690 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3691 to Vim.
3692 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3693 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3694 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3695 null-terminated string.
3696 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3697
3698 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3699 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3700 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3701 very probably crash.
3702
3703 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3704 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3705 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3706 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3707 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3708 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3709 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3710 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3711 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3712 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3713
3714 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003715 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003716 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3717 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3718 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3719 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3720 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3721 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3722 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3723 feature is present}
3724 Examples: >
3725 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003726<
3727 *libcallnr()*
3728libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3729 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3730 int instead of a string.
3731 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3732 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003733 Examples: >
3734 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003735 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3736 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3737<
3738 *line()*
3739line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3740 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3741 . the cursor position
3742 $ the last line in the current buffer
3743 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3744 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003745 w0 first line visible in current window
3746 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003747 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3748 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3749 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3750 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003751 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3752 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003753 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3754 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003755 Examples: >
3756 line(".") line number of the cursor
3757 line("'t") line number of mark t
3758 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3759< *last-position-jump*
3760 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3761 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003762 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003763
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003764line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3765 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3766 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3767 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3768 line returns 1.
3769 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3770 below the last line: >
3771 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3772< This is the file size plus one.
3773 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3774 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3775 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3776
3777lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3778 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3779 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3780 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3781 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3782 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3783 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3784
3785localtime() *localtime()*
3786 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3787 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3788
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003789
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003790log10({expr}) *log10()*
3791 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3792 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3793 Examples: >
3794 :echo log10(1000)
3795< 3.0 >
3796 :echo log10(0.01)
3797< -2.0
3798 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3799
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003800map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003801 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003802 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3803 {string}.
3804 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003805 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003806 Example: >
3807 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003808< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003809
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003810 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003811 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003812 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3813 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003814
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003815 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3816 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003817 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003818
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003819< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003820 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3821 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003822
3823
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003824maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003825 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3826 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003827 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003828 "n" Normal
3829 "v" Visual
3830 "o" Operator-pending
3831 "i" Insert
3832 "c" Cmd-line
3833 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3834 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003835 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003836 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3837 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003838 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3839 command. The returned String has special characters
3840 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3841 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3842 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003843 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3844 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3845 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3846
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003847
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003848mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003849 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3850 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3851 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003852 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3853 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003854 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3855 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3856
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003857 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003858 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3859 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3860 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3861 mapcheck("b") no no no
3862
3863 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3864 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3865 mapping for {name} exactly.
3866 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3867 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3868 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3869 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3870 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3871 then the global mappings.
3872 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3873 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3874 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3875 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3876 :endif
3877< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3878 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3879
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003880match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003881 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3882 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003883 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003884 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003885 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3886 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003887 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003888 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3889 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003890 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003891 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003892< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003893 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003894 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003895 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3896< *strcasestr()*
3897 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3898 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3899 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3900<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003901 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003902 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003903 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003904 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003905 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3906< result is again "4". >
3907 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3908< result is again "4". >
3909 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3910< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003911 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003912 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3913 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3914 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3915 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003916 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3917 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003918 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3919 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003920
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003921 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003922 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003923 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3924 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3925< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003926 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3927 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003928
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003929 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3930 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003931 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003932 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3933
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003934 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
3935matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
3936 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
3937 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
3938 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
3939 match using |matchdelete()|.
3940
3941 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003942 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003943 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
3944 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
3945 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
3946 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
3947 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
3948 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
3949 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
3950 always overrule syntax highlighting.
3951
3952 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
3953 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
3954 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
3955 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
3956 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
3957 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
3958 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
3959
3960 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
3961 the |:match| commands.
3962
3963 Example: >
3964 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
3965 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
3966< Deletion of the pattern: >
3967 :call matchdelete(m)
3968
3969< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003970 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003971 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003972
3973matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003974 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003975 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3976 Return a |List| with two elements:
3977 The name of the highlight group used
3978 The pattern used.
3979 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3980 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003981 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
3982 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
3983 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003984
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003985matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
3986 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003987 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003988 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
3989 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003990
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003991matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003992 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3993 the match. Example: >
3994 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3995< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003996 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3997 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3998 do it with matchend(): >
3999 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4000 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4001< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4002
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004003 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
4004 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4005< results in "7". >
4006 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4007< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004008 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004009
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004010matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004011 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004012 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4013 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004014 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4015 empty string is used. Example: >
4016 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4017< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004018 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4019
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004020matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004021 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004022 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4023< results in "ing".
4024 When there is no match "" is returned.
4025 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
4026 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4027< results in "ing". >
4028 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4029< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004030 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004031 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004032
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004033 *max()*
4034max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4035 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4036 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004037 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004038
4039 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004040min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004041 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4042 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004043 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004044
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004045 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004046mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4047 Create directory {name}.
4048 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4049 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4050 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4051 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004052 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004053 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4054 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4055 with 0755.
4056 Example: >
4057 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4058< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004059 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4060 :if exists("*mkdir")
4061<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004062 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004063mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004064 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4065 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4066 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4067 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004068
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004069 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004070 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004071 v Visual by character
4072 V Visual by line
4073 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4074 s Select by character
4075 S Select by line
4076 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4077 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004078 R Replace |R|
4079 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004080 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004081 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4082 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004083 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004084 rm The -- more -- prompt
4085 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4086 ! Shell or external command is executing
4087 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4088 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4089 "c" or "n".
4090 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004091
4092nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4093 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4094 that is not blank. Example: >
4095 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4096< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4097 below it, zero is returned.
4098 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4099
4100nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4101 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4102 value {expr}. Examples: >
4103 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4104 nr2char(32) returns " "
4105< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4106 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4107< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4108 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4109 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004110 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004111
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004112 *getpid()*
4113getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004114 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4115 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004116
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004117 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004118getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4119 see |line()|.
4120 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4121 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4122 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4123 is the buffer number of the mark.
4124 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4125 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004126 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4127 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004128 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004129 character.
4130 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4131 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4132 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004133 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004134< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004135
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004136pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4137 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4138 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4139 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4140 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4141 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4142< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4143 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4144
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004145pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4146 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4147 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4148 Examples: >
4149 :echo pow(3, 3)
4150< 27.0 >
4151 :echo pow(2, 16)
4152< 65536.0 >
4153 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4154< 2.0
4155 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4156
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004157prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4158 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4159 that is not blank. Example: >
4160 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4161< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4162 above it, zero is returned.
4163 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4164
4165
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004166printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4167 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4168 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004169 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004170< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004171 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004172
4173 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004174 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004175 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004176 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4177 %c single byte
4178 %d decimal number
4179 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4180 %x hex number
4181 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4182 %X hex number using upper case letters
4183 %o octal number
4184 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4185 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4186 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4187 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4188 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4189 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004190
4191 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4192 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4193 the result.
4194
4195 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004196 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004197
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004198 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004199
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004200 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004201 Zero or more of the following flags:
4202
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004203 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4204 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4205 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4206 of the number is increased to force the first
4207 character of the output string to a zero (except
4208 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4209 precision of zero).
4210 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4211 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4212 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004213
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004214 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4215 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4216 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4217 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4218 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004219
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004220 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4221 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4222 The converted value is padded on the right with
4223 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4224 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004225
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004226 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4227 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004228
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004229 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004230 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004231 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004232
4233 field-width
4234 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004235 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4236 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4237 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4238 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004239
4240 .precision
4241 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4242 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4243 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4244 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4245 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004246 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004247 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4248 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004249
4250 type
4251 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4252 be applied, see below.
4253
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004254 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4255 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004256 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004257 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4258 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4259 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004260 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004261< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004262 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004263
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004264 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004265
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004266 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4267 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004268 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4269 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4270 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004271 conversions.
4272 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4273 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4274 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4275 zeros.
4276 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4277 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4278 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4279 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4280
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004281 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004282 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4283 resulting character is written.
4284
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004285 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004286 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4287 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4288 specified are used.
4289
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004290 *printf-f* *E807*
4291 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4292 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4293 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4294 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4295 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4296 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4297 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4298 Example: >
4299 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4300< 12.12
4301 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4302 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4303
4304 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4305 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4306 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4307 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4308 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4309
4310 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4311 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4312 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4313 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4314 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4315 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4316 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4317 results in 1.0e7.
4318
4319 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004320 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4321 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004322
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004323 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4324 accepted and automatically converted.
4325 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4326 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4327 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004328
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004329 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004330 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4331 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004332 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004333
4334
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004335pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4336 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4337 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004338 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4339 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004340
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004341 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004342range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004343 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004344 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4345 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4346 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4347 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4348 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004349 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4350 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4351 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004352 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004353 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004354 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4355 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004356 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004357 range(0) " []
4358 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004359<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004360 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004361readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004362 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4363 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004364 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4365 NL appears somewhere).
4366 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4367 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4368 added.
4369 - No CR characters are removed.
4370 Otherwise:
4371 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4372 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
4373 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004374 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4375 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4376 lines of a file: >
4377 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4378 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4379 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004380< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4381 are returned, or as many as there are.
4382 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004383 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4384 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4385 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004386 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4387 the result is an empty list.
4388 Also see |writefile()|.
4389
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004390reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4391 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4392 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4393 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4394 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4395 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4396 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004397 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004398 and {end}.
4399 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4400 reltime().
4401 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4402
4403reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4404 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4405 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4406 microseconds. Example: >
4407 let start = reltime()
4408 call MyFunction()
4409 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4410< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4411 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004412 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4413 can use split() to remove it. >
4414 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4415< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004416 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4417
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004418 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4419remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004420 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004421 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004422 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4423 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4424 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004425 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4426 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4427 remote_read() is stored there.
4428 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4429 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4430 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4431 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4432 and the result will be the empty string.
4433 Examples: >
4434 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4435 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4436<
4437
4438remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4439 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4440 This works like: >
4441 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4442< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4443 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4444 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004445 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4446 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004447 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4448 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4449 Win32 console version}
4450
4451
4452remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4453 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4454 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004455 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004456 name of a variable.
4457 Returns zero if none are available.
4458 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4459 See also |clientserver|.
4460 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4461 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4462 Examples: >
4463 :let repl = ""
4464 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4465
4466remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4467 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4468 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4469 See also |clientserver|.
4470 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4471 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4472 Example: >
4473 :echo remote_read(id)
4474<
4475 *remote_send()* *E241*
4476remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004477 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004478 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4479 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004480 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4481 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4482 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004483 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4484 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4485 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4486 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4487 up the display.
4488 Examples: >
4489 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4490 \ remote_read(serverid)
4491
4492 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4493 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4494 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4495 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004496<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004497remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004498 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004499 return it.
4500 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
4501 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
4502 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4503 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4504 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004505 Example: >
4506 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004507 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004508remove({dict}, {key})
4509 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4510 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4511< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4512
4513 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004514
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004515rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4516 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4517 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4518 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4519 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004520 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004521 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4522
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004523repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4524 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4525 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004526 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004527< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004528 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004529 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004530 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4531< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004532
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004533
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004534resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4535 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4536 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4537 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4538 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4539 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4540 stopped after 100 iterations.
4541 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4542 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4543 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4544 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4545 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4546
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004547 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004548reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004549 {list}.
4550 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4551 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4552
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004553round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004554 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004555 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4556 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4557 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4558 Examples: >
4559 echo round(0.456)
4560< 0.0 >
4561 echo round(4.5)
4562< 5.0 >
4563 echo round(-4.5)
4564< -5.0
4565 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4566
4567
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004568search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004569 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004570 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004571
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004572 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4573 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004574 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004575 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004576 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004577 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4578 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004579 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4580 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4581 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4582
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004583 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4584 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4585 flag.
4586
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004587 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4588
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004589 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4590 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4591 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4592 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4593 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4594< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4595 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004596 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4597
4598 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004599 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004600 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4601 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4602 giving the argument.
4603 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004604
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004605 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4606 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004607 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4608 *search()-sub-match*
4609 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4610 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4611 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004612 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004613
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004614 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4615 flag is used.
4616
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004617 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4618 :let n = 1
4619 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4620 : exe "argument " . n
4621 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4622 : " first search to find match at start of file
4623 : normal G$
4624 : let flags = "w"
4625 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004626 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004627 : let flags = "W"
4628 : endwhile
4629 : update " write the file if modified
4630 : let n = n + 1
4631 :endwhile
4632<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004633 Example for using some flags: >
4634 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4635< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4636 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4637 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4638 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4639 line:
4640 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4641 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4642 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4643 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4644 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4645
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004646
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004647searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4648 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004649
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004650 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4651 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4652 first match in the function.
4653
4654 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4655 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4656 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4657
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004658 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4659 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4660 Example: >
4661 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4662 echo getline('.')
4663 endif
4664<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004665 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004666searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4667 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004668 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4669 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4670 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004671 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4672 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4673 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4674 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4675 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4676 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004677
4678 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4679 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4680 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4681 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4682 typical use is: >
4683 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4684< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4685
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004686 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4687 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004688 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004689 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4690 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004691 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004692 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4693 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004694
4695 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4696 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4697 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4698 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4699 or a string.
4700 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4701 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4702 and -1 returned.
4703
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004704 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004705
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004706 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4707 patterns are used like it's on.
4708
4709 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4710 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4711 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4712 if 1
4713 if 2
4714 endif 2
4715 endif 1
4716< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4717 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4718 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004719 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004720 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4721 "endif 2".
4722 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4723 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4724 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4725 the matching start.
4726
4727 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4728
4729 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4730 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4731
4732< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4733 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4734 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4735 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4736 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4737 match.
4738 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4739
4740 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4741
4742< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4743 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4744 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4745
4746 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4747 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4748<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004749 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004750searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4751 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004752 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4753 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4754 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004755 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4756 returns [0, 0].
4757>
4758 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4759<
4760 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4761
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004762searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004763 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004764 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4765 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4766 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4767 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004768 Example: >
4769 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4770
4771< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4772 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4773 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4774< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4775 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4776
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004777server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4778 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4779 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4780 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4781 Note:
4782 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004783 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004784 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4785 See also |clientserver|.
4786 Example: >
4787 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4788<
4789serverlist() *serverlist()*
4790 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4791 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4792 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4793 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4794 Example: >
4795 :echo serverlist()
4796<
4797setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4798 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4799 {val}.
4800 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4801 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4802 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4803 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4804 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4805 Examples: >
4806 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4807 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4808< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4809
4810setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4811 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004812 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004813 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4814 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004815 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4816 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4817 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4818 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4819 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004820 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4821 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4822 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4823 line.
4824
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004825setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
4826 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004827 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004828 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004829 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004830 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4831 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004832 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004833< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004834 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4835 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4836< This is equivalent to: >
4837 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4838 : call setline(n, l)
4839 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004840< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4841
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004842setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4843 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4844 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004845 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4846 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004847 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
4848 Also see |location-list|.
4849
4850setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
4851 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004852 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004853 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004854
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004855 *setpos()*
4856setpos({expr}, {list})
4857 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4858 . the cursor
4859 'x mark x
4860
4861 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4862 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4863
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004864 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004865 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004866 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4867 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4868 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004869 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004870
4871 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4872 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4873
4874 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4875 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004876 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004877 character.
4878
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00004879 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
4880 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
4881
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004882 Also see |getpos()|
4883
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004884 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
4885 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
4886
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004887
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004888setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004889 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4890 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4891 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4892 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004893
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004894 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004895 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004896 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004897 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004898 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004899 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004900 col column number
4901 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004902 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004903 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004904 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004905 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004906
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004907 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4908 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4909 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004910 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
4911 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
4912 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004913 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4914 be used.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004915 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
4916 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004917
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004918 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4919 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4920 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4921 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4922 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4923 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4924
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004925 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4926
4927 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4928 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4929 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4930
4931
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004932 *setreg()*
4933setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4934 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4935 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4936 then the value is appended.
4937 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4938 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4939 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4940 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4941 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4942 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4943 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004944 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004945
4946 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4947 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4948 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4949 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4950
4951 Examples: >
4952 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4953 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4954 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4955
4956< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4957 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004958 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004959 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4960 ....
4961 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4962
4963< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4964 nothing: >
4965 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4966
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004967settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4968 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4969 {val}.
4970 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4971 use |setwinvar()|.
4972 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004973 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4974 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4975 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4976 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004977 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4978 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4979 Examples: >
4980 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4981 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4982< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4983
4984setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4985 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004986 Examples: >
4987 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4988 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004989
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004990shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00004991 Escape {string} for use as shell command argument.
4992 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004993 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00004994 quotes within {string}.
4995 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
4996 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004997 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
4998 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00004999 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5000 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005001 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005002 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5003 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5004 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5005 even when inside single quotes.
5006 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5007 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5008 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005009 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5010 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5011< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5012 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5013 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005014
5015
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005016simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5017 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5018 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5019 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5020 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5021 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5022 not removed either.
5023 Example: >
5024 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5025< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5026 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5027 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5028 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5029 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5030
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005031
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005032sin({expr}) *sin()*
5033 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5034 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5035 Examples: >
5036 :echo sin(100)
5037< -0.506366 >
5038 :echo sin(-4.01)
5039< 0.763301
5040 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5041
5042
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005043sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005044 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5045 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5046 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5047< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005048 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005049 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005050 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005051 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5052 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005053 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
5054 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
5055 sorts before the second one. Example: >
5056 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5057 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5058 endfunc
5059 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005060<
5061
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005062 *soundfold()*
5063soundfold({word})
5064 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005065 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005066 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5067 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005068 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5069 the method can be quite slow.
5070
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005071 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005072spellbadword([{sentence}])
5073 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5074 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5075 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5076 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5077
5078 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5079 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5080 result is an empty string.
5081
5082 The return value is a list with two items:
5083 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5084 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005085 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005086 "rare" rare word
5087 "local" word only valid in another region
5088 "caps" word should start with Capital
5089 Example: >
5090 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5091< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5092
5093 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5094 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5095 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005096
5097 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005098spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005099 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005100 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5101 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5102
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005103 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5104 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5105 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5106
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005107 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5108 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005109 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5110 replace a line.
5111
5112 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005113 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5114 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005115
5116 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005117 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5118 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005119
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005120
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005121split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005122 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5123 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5124 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005125 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005126 removing the matched characters.
5127 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5128 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005129 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5130 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005131 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005132 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005133< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005134 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005135< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5136 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5137< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005138 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5139 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5140< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005141
5142
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005143sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5144 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5145 |Float|.
5146 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5147 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5148 Examples: >
5149 :echo sqrt(100)
5150< 10.0 >
5151 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5152< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005153 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005154 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5155
5156
5157str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5158 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5159 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5160 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5161 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5162 write "1.0e40".
5163 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5164 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5165 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5166 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5167 |substitute()|: >
5168 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5169< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5170
5171
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005172str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5173 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5174 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5175 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5176 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5177 with the default String to Number conversion.
5178 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5179 different base the result will be zero.
5180 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005181
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005182
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005183strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5184 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5185 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5186 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5187 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5188 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5189 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5190 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5191 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5192 Examples: >
5193 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5194 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5195 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5196 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5197 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5198 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005199< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5200 :if exists("*strftime")
5201
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005202stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5203 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5204 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005205 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5206 This can be used to find a second match: >
5207 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
5208 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
5209< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005210 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005211 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005212 See also |strridx()|.
5213 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005214 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5215 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5216 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005217< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005218 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5219 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5220
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005221 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005222string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005223 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5224 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005225 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005226 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005227 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005228 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005229 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005230 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005231 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005232 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005233 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005234
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005235 *strlen()*
5236strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005237 {expr} in bytes.
5238 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5239 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005240
5241 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005242<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005243 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5244 For other types an error is given.
5245 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005246
5247strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5248 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005249 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005250 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5251 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5252 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5253 end of the {src}. >
5254 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5255 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5256 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005257 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005258< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5259 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005260 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005261<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005262strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5263 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5264 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5265 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5266 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5267 match: >
5268 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5269 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5270< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005271 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5272 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005273 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005274 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005275 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005276< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005277 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5278 function strrchr().
5279
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005280strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5281 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5282 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5283 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5284 echo strtrans(@a)
5285< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5286 starting a new line.
5287
5288submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
5289 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
5290 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
5291 the whole matched text is returned.
5292 Example: >
5293 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5294< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5295 A line break is included as a newline character.
5296
5297substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5298 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
5299 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
5300 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
5301 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
5302 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005303 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005304 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5305 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
5306 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005307 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005308 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
5309 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5310 unmodified.
5311 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5312 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5313 Example: >
5314 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5315< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5316 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5317< results in "TESTING".
5318
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005319synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005320 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005321 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005322 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5323 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005324
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005325 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005326 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5327
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005328 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005329 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005330 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5331 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5332 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5333 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5334 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5335
5336 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5337 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5338<
5339synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5340 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5341 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5342 about a syntax item.
5343 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005344 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005345 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5346 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5347 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5348 {what} result
5349 "name" the name of the syntax item
5350 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5351 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5352 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005353 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
5354 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005355 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5356 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5357 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005358 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005359 "bold" "1" if bold
5360 "italic" "1" if italic
5361 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5362 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
5363 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005364 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005365
5366 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5367 cursor): >
5368 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5369<
5370synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5371 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5372 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5373 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5374 ":highlight link" are followed.
5375
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005376synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5377 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5378 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5379 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005380 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5381 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5382 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5383 transparent item.
5384 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5385 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5386 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5387 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5388 endfor
5389
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005390system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5391 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5392 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5393 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5394 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005395 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005396 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5397 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5398 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5399 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005400 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005401
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005402 The result is a String. Example: >
5403 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005404
5405< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5406 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5407 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5408 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5409 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5410 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5411 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5412 concatenated commands.
5413
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005414 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5415 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5416
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005417 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5418 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005419
5420 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5421 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5422 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005423 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5424 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5425
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005426
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005427tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005428 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005429 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5430 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5431 omitted the current tab page is used.
5432 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5433 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5434 tablist = []
5435 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5436 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5437 endfor
5438< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5439
5440
5441tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005442 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5443 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5444 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5445 page is returned (the tab page count).
5446 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5447
5448
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005449tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
5450 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
5451 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5452 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5453 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5454 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5455 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5456 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5457 Useful examples: >
5458 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5459 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5460< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5461
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005462 *tagfiles()*
5463tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5464 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5465
5466
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005467taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5468 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005469 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5470 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005471 name Name of the tag.
5472 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005473 defined. It is either relative to the
5474 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005475 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5476 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005477 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005478 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005479 kind values. Only available when
5480 using a tags file generated by
5481 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005482 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005483 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005484 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5485 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5486 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5487 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5488 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5489 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005490
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005491 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5492 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005493
5494 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5495
5496 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5497 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5498 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5499
5500 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5501 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5502 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5503
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005504tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5505 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005506 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005507 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5508 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5509 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
5510< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
5511 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
5512 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
5513 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
5514 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5515 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5516
5517tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5518 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5519 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5520 the string).
5521
5522toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5523 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5524 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5525 the string).
5526
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005527tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5528 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5529 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5530 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5531 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5532 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5533 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5534
5535 Examples: >
5536 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5537< returns "Hello THere" >
5538 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5539< returns "{blob}"
5540
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005541trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005542 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005543 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5544 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5545 Examples: >
5546 echo trunc(1.456)
5547< 1.0 >
5548 echo trunc(-5.456)
5549< -5.0 >
5550 echo trunc(4.0)
5551< 4.0
5552 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5553
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005554 *type()*
5555type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005556 Number: 0
5557 String: 1
5558 Funcref: 2
5559 List: 3
5560 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005561 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005562 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005563 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5564 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5565 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5566 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005567 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005568 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005569
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005570values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005571 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005572 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005573
5574
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005575virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5576 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5577 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5578 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5579 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5580 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5581 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5582 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005583 For the byte position use |col()|.
5584 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5585 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005586 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005587 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005588 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005589 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5590 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5591 The accepted positions are:
5592 . the cursor position
5593 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5594 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5595 plus one)
5596 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5597 returned)
5598 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5599 Examples: >
5600 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5601 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005602 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5603< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005604 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5605 all lines: >
5606 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5607
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005608
5609visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5610 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005611 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5612 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5613 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5614 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5615 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005616 Example: >
5617 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5618< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5619 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5620 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005621 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
5622 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005623 *non-zero-arg*
5624 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
5625 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005626 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005627 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
5628 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
5629 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005630
5631 *winbufnr()*
5632winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005633 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005634 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5635 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5636 Example: >
5637 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5638<
5639 *wincol()*
5640wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5641 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5642 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5643
5644winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5645 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5646 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5647 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5648 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5649 Examples: >
5650 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5651<
5652 *winline()*
5653winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005654 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005655 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005656 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5657 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005658
5659 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005660winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5661 window. The top window has number 1.
5662 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005663 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005664 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5665 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005666 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
5667 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005668 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5669 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005670 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005671
5672 *winrestcmd()*
5673winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5674 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005675 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5676 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005677 Example: >
5678 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5679 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5680 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005681<
5682 *winrestview()*
5683winrestview({dict})
5684 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5685 the view of the current window.
5686 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5687 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5688
5689 *winsaveview()*
5690winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5691 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5692 restore the view.
5693 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5694 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5695 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005696 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5697 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005698 The return value includes:
5699 lnum cursor line number
5700 col cursor column
5701 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5702 curswant column for vertical movement
5703 topline first line in the window
5704 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5705 leftcol first column displayed
5706 skipcol columns skipped
5707 Note that no option values are saved.
5708
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005709
5710winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5711 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5712 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5713 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5714 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5715 Examples: >
5716 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5717 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5718 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5719 :endif
5720<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005721 *writefile()*
5722writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005723 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005724 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5725 Number.
5726 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5727 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5728 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5729 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5730 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5731 to writefile().
5732 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5733 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5734 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5735 fails.
5736 Also see |readfile()|.
5737 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5738 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5739 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5740<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005741
5742 *feature-list*
5743There are three types of features:
57441. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5745 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5746 :if has("cindent")
57472. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5748 Example: >
5749 :if has("gui_running")
5750< *has-patch*
57513. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5752 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5753 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5754 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005755< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
5756 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005757
5758all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5759amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5760arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5761arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005762autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005763balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005764balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005765beos BeOS version of Vim.
5766browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5767 work.
5768builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5769byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5770cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5771clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5772clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5773cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5774cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5775cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5776comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5777cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5778cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5779compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5780debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5781dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5782dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5783diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5784digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5785dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5786dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5787dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5788ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5789emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5790eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5791 true, of course!
5792ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5793extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5794 |'hlsearch'|
5795farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5796file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005797filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5798 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005799find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5800 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005801float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005802fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5803 Windows this is not present).
5804folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5805footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5806fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5807gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5808gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5809gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005810gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5811gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005812gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005813gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5814gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5815gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5816gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5817gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5818gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5819hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5820iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5821insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5822 Insert mode.
5823jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5824keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5825langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5826libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5827linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5828 support.
5829lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5830listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5831 and the argument list |arglist|.
5832localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5833mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5834macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5835menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5836mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5837modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5838mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5839mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5840mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5841mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5842mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5843mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005844mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005845mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00005846multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
5847multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005848multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5849multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005850mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005851netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005852netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005853ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5854os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5855osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5856path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5857perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5858postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5859printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005860profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005861python Compiled with Python interface.
5862qnx QNX version of Vim.
5863quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005864reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005865rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5866ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5867scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5868showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5869signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5870smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005871sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005872statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5873 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5874sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005875spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5876syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005877syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5878 current buffer.
5879system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5880tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5881 |tag-binary-search|.
5882tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5883 |tag-old-static|.
5884tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5885 files |tag-any-white|.
5886tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5887terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5888termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5889textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5890tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5891 or terminfo file.
5892title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5893toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5894unix Unix version of Vim.
5895user_commands User-defined commands.
5896viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5897vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5898vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5899virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5900visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5901visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5902 |blockwise-operators|.
5903vms VMS version of Vim.
5904vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5905wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5906wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5907windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5908winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5909win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5910win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5911win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5912win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5913win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5914writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5915xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5916xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5917xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5918xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5919xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5920xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5921 xterm screen.
5922x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5923
5924 *string-match*
5925Matching a pattern in a String
5926
5927A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5928the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5929everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5930like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5931line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5932with ".". Example: >
5933 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5934 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5935 aa
5936 xx
5937 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5938 a
5939 x
5940
5941Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5942"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5943"\n".
5944
5945==============================================================================
59465. Defining functions *user-functions*
5947
5948New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5949functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5950commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5951
5952The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5953builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5954avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5955the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5956
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005957It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5958|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005959
5960 *local-function*
5961A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5962can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5963and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005964function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005965instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5966
5967 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5968:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5969
5970:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005971 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5972 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005973 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005974
5975:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5976 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5977 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005978<
5979 *:function-verbose*
5980When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5981last defined. Example: >
5982
5983 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5984 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5985 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5986<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005987See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005988
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005989 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005990:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005991 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5992 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5993 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005994
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005995 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5996 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005997 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005998< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005999 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006000 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006001 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6002 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6003 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006004 *E127* *E122*
6005 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6006 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6007 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6008 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006009
6010 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6011
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006012 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6013 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6014 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6015 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6016 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6017 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6018 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006019
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006020 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6021 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006022
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006023 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006024 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006025 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6026 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006027
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006028 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006029 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006030 will not be changed by the function. This also
6031 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6032 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006033
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006034 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6035:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6036 by its own, without other commands.
6037
6038 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6039:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006040 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6041 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006042 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006043< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006044 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6045 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006046 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6047:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6048 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6049 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6050 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6051 the number 0 is returned.
6052 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6053 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6054
6055 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6056 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6057 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6058 are executed first. This process applies to all
6059 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6060 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6061
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006062 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006063An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006064be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006065 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006066Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6067arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6068may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6069as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006070can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6071that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006072 *E742*
6073The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006074However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006075Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6076it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6077|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006078
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006079When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6080to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6081may be larger.
6082
6083It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6084still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6085until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6086inside a function body.
6087
6088 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006089Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6090will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6091accessed with "g:".
6092
6093Example: >
6094 :function Table(title, ...)
6095 : echohl Title
6096 : echo a:title
6097 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006098 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6099 : for s in a:000
6100 : echon ' ' . s
6101 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006102 :endfunction
6103
6104This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006105 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6106 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006107
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006108To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6109 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006110 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006111 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006112 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006113 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006114 :endfunction
6115
6116This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006117 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006118 :if success == "ok"
6119 : echo div
6120 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006121<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006122 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006123:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6124 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6125 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006126 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006127 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6128 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6129 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6130 function.
6131 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6132 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6133 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6134 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006135 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006136 this works:
6137 *function-range-example* >
6138 :function Mynumber(arg)
6139 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6140 :endfunction
6141 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6142<
6143 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6144 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6145 the range.
6146
6147 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6148
6149 :function Cont() range
6150 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6151 :endfunction
6152 :4,8call Cont()
6153<
6154 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6155 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6156
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006157 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6158 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6159 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6160< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6161
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006162 *E132*
6163The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6164option.
6165
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006166
6167AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006168 *autoload-functions*
6169When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006170only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6171the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6172
6173
6174Using an autocommand ~
6175
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006176This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6177
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006178The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6179You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006180That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006181again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6182
6183Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6184function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006185
6186 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6187
6188The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6189"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6190
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006191
6192Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006193 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006194This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6195
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006196Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6197exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6198like this: >
6199
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006200 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006201
6202When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6203"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6204"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6205then define the function like this: >
6206
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006207 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006208 echo "Done!"
6209 endfunction
6210
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006211The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006212exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6213called.
6214
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006215It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6216a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006217
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006218 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006219
6220Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6221
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006222This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6223
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006224 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006225
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006226However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6227for an unknown variable.
6228
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006229When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6230be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6231
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006232 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6233 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006234
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006235Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6236defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6237function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006238And you will get an error message every time.
6239
6240Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006241other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006242Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006243
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006244Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6245|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6246
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006247==============================================================================
62486. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6249
6250Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6251This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6252{} like this: >
6253 my_{adjective}_variable
6254
6255When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6256that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6257name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6258"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6259"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6260
6261One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006262value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006263 echo my_{&background}_message
6264
6265would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6266on the current value of 'background'.
6267
6268You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6269 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6270..or even nest them: >
6271 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6272where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6273
6274However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006275variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006276 :let foo='a + b'
6277 :echo c{foo}d
6278.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6279
6280 *curly-braces-function-names*
6281You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6282Example: >
6283 :let func_end='whizz'
6284 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6285
6286This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6287
6288==============================================================================
62897. Commands *expression-commands*
6290
6291:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6292 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6293 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6294 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6295 is created.
6296
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006297:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6298 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6299 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6300 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6301 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006302 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6303 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6304 can do that like this: >
6305 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6306<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006307 *E711* *E719*
6308:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006309 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6310 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006311 correct number of items.
6312 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6313 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6314 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6315 end of the list, items will be added.
6316
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006317 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006318:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6319:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6320:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6321 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6322 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6323
6324
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006325:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6326 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6327 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006328:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6329 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6330 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6331 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006332
6333:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6334 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6335 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6336 must be the name of a writable register (see
6337 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6338 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6339 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6340 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6341 characterwise.
6342 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6343 :let @/ = ""
6344< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6345 that would match everywhere.
6346
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006347:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006348 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006349 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6350
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006351:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006352 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006353 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6354 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006355 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6356 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006357 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006358 Example: >
6359 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006360
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006361:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6362 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6363 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6364
6365:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6366:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6367 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6368 {expr1}.
6369
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006370:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006371:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6372:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6373:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006374 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6375 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6376
6377:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006378:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6379:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6380:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006381 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6382 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6383
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006384:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006385 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006386 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6387 {name2}, etc.
6388 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006389 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006390 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6391 command as mentioned above.
6392 Example: >
6393 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006394< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6395 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6396 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6397 :let x = [0, 1]
6398 :let i = 0
6399 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6400 :echo x
6401< The result is [0, 2].
6402
6403:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6404:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6405:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6406 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006407 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006408
6409:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006410 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006411 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6412 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6413 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006414 Example: >
6415 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6416<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006417:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6418:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6419:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6420 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006421 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006422 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006423:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006424 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6425 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006426 g: global variables
6427 b: local buffer variables
6428 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006429 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006430 s: script-local variables
6431 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006432 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006433
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00006434:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6435 variable is indicated before the value:
6436 <nothing> String
6437 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006438 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006439
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006440
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006441:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006442 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6443 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006444 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006445 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6446 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006447 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006448 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6449 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006450< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006451 :unlet dict['two']
6452 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006453< This is especially useful to clean up used global
6454 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6455 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6456 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6457 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006458
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006459:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6460 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6461 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6462 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6463 :lockvar v
6464 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6465 :unlet v
6466< *E741*
6467 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6468 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6469
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006470 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6471 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6472 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006473 cannot add or remove items, but can
6474 still change their values.
6475 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006476 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6477 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006478 items, but can still change the
6479 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006480 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6481 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6482 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6483 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6484 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006485 *E743*
6486 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6487 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6488 loops.
6489
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006490 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6491 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006492 locked when used through the other variable.
6493 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006494 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6495 :let cl = l
6496 :lockvar l
6497 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6498< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6499 See |deepcopy()|.
6500
6501
6502:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6503 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6504 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6505
6506
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006507:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6508:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6509 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6510
6511 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6512 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6513 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6514 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6515 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6516 part was not executed either.
6517
6518 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6519 versions: >
6520 :if version >= 500
6521 : version-5-specific-commands
6522 :endif
6523< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6524 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6525 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6526 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6527 avoid problems: >
6528 :if version >= 600
6529 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6530 :endif
6531<
6532 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6533 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6534
6535 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6536:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6537 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6538 executed.
6539
6540 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6541:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6542 is no extra ":endif".
6543
6544:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006545 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006546:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6547 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6548 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6549 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006550 Example: >
6551 :let lnum = 1
6552 :while lnum <= line("$")
6553 :call FixLine(lnum)
6554 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6555 :endwhile
6556<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006557 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006558 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006559
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006560:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006561:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6562 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006563 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006564 value of each item.
6565 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006566 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006567 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6568 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006569 :for item in copy(mylist)
6570< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6571 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006572 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006573 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6574 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6575 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
6576 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006577 :call remove(mylist, 0)
6578 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006579< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6580 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6581 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006582 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6583 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
6584 to allow multiple item types.
6585
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006586:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6587:endfo[r]
6588 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6589 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6590 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6591 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6592 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6593 :endfor
6594<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006595 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006596:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6597 to the start of the loop.
6598 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6599 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6600 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6601 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6602 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6603 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006604
6605 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006606:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6607 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6608 ":endfor".
6609 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6610 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6611 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6612 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6613 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6614 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006615
6616:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6617:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6618 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6619 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6620 or autocommand invocations.
6621
6622 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6623 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6624 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6625 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6626 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6627 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6628 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6629 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6630 Example: >
6631 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6632 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6633<
6634 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6635 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6636 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6637 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6638 processing is not terminated.
6639
6640 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6641 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6642 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6643 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6644 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6645 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6646 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6647 the error number.
6648 Examples: >
6649 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6650 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6651<
6652 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
6653:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
6654 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6655 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6656 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6657 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6658 commands are skipped.
6659 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6660 Examples: >
6661 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6662 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6663 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6664 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6665 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6666 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6667 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6668 :catch " same as /.*/
6669<
6670 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6671 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6672 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6673 {pattern}.
6674 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6675 an error message because it may vary in different
6676 locales.
6677
6678 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6679:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6680 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6681 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6682 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6683 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6684 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6685
6686 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6687:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6688 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6689 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6690 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6691 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6692 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6693 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6694 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6695 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6696 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6697 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6698 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6699 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6700 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6701 is terminated.
6702 Example: >
6703 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6704<
6705
6706 *:ec* *:echo*
6707:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6708 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6709 Also see |:comment|.
6710 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6711 cursor to the first column.
6712 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6713 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6714 Example: >
6715 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006716< *:echo-redraw*
6717 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6718 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
6719 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
6720 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
6721 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
6722 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
6723 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006724 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6725<
6726 *:echon*
6727:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6728 |:comment|.
6729 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6730 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6731 Example: >
6732 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6733<
6734 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6735 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6736 command: >
6737 :!echo % --> filename
6738< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6739 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6740< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6741 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6742 :echo % --> nothing
6743< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6744 :echo "%" --> %
6745< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6746 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6747< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6748
6749 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6750:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6751 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6752 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6753 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6754< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6755 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6756
6757 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6758:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6759 message in the |message-history|.
6760 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6761 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6762 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006763 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
6764 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
6765 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
6766 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
6767 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006768 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6769 Example: >
6770 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006771< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
6772 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006773 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6774:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6775 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6776 script or function the line number will be added.
6777 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006778 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006779 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6780 (see |try-echoerr|).
6781 Example: >
6782 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6783< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6784 And to get a beep: >
6785 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6786<
6787 *:exe* *:execute*
6788:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6789 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006790 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006791 used as the processed command, command line editing
6792 keys are not recognized.
6793 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6794 Examples: >
6795 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6796 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6797<
6798 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6799 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6800 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6801
6802< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6803 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6804 command: >
6805 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6806< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6807
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006808 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
6809 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006810 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
6811 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006812 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006813 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006814<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006815 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006816 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6817 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006818 :execute 'while i > 5'
6819 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6820<
6821 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6822 completely in the executed string: >
6823 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6824<
6825
6826 *:comment*
6827 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6828 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6829 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6830 comment. Example: >
6831 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6832
6833==============================================================================
68348. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6835
6836The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6837explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6838
6839Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6840|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6841exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6842
6843
6844TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6845
6846Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6847use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6848a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6849 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6850|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6851a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6852be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6853which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6854clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6855
6856 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006857 : ...
6858 : ... TRY BLOCK
6859 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006860 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006861 : ...
6862 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6863 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006864 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006865 : ...
6866 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6867 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006868 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006869 : ...
6870 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6871 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006872 :endtry
6873
6874The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6875appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6876from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6877 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6878is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6879script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6880 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6881lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6882patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6883after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6884executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6885":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6886(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6887continues in the following line as usual.
6888 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6889":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6890that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6891finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6892the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6893the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6894see |try-nesting|.
6895 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006896remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006897not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6898try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6899a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6900execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6901exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6902 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006903thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006904clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6905catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6906following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6907clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6908
6909The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6910a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6911try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6912from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6913sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6914":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6915":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6916from the finally clause.
6917 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6918try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6919clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6920":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6921clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6922":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6923this pending exception or command is discarded.
6924
6925For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6926
6927
6928NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6929
6930Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6931conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6932clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6933catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6934of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6935checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6936try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006937otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006938nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6939one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6940the inner try conditional.
6941
6942When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6943finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6944An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6945thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6946implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6947as usual.
6948
6949For examples see |throw-catch|.
6950
6951
6952EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6953
6954Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6955'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6956script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6957finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6958a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6959(see |debug-scripts|).
6960
6961
6962THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6963
6964You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6965and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6966 :throw 4711
6967 :throw "string"
6968< *throw-expression*
6969You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6970first, and the result is thrown: >
6971 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6972 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6973
6974An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6975command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6976The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6977 Example: >
6978
6979 :function! Foo(arg)
6980 : try
6981 : throw a:arg
6982 : catch /foo/
6983 : endtry
6984 : return 1
6985 :endfunction
6986 :
6987 :function! Bar()
6988 : echo "in Bar"
6989 : return 4710
6990 :endfunction
6991 :
6992 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6993
6994This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6995executed. >
6996 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6997however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6998
6999Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007000abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007001exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7002 Example: >
7003
7004 :if Foo("arrgh")
7005 : echo "then"
7006 :else
7007 : echo "else"
7008 :endif
7009
7010Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7011
7012 *catch-order*
7013Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7014commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7015command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7016gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7017 Example: >
7018
7019 :function! Foo(value)
7020 : try
7021 : throw a:value
7022 : catch /^\d\+$/
7023 : echo "Number thrown"
7024 : catch /.*/
7025 : echo "String thrown"
7026 : endtry
7027 :endfunction
7028 :
7029 :call Foo(0x1267)
7030 :call Foo('string')
7031
7032The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7033An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7034specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7035specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7036
7037 : catch /.*/
7038 : echo "String thrown"
7039 : catch /^\d\+$/
7040 : echo "Number thrown"
7041
7042The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7043never taken.
7044
7045 *throw-variables*
7046If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7047in the variable |v:exception|: >
7048
7049 : catch /^\d\+$/
7050 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7051
7052You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7053|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7054exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7055 Example: >
7056
7057 :function! Caught()
7058 : if v:exception != ""
7059 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7060 : else
7061 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7062 : endif
7063 :endfunction
7064 :
7065 :function! Foo()
7066 : try
7067 : try
7068 : try
7069 : throw 4711
7070 : finally
7071 : call Caught()
7072 : endtry
7073 : catch /.*/
7074 : call Caught()
7075 : throw "oops"
7076 : endtry
7077 : catch /.*/
7078 : call Caught()
7079 : finally
7080 : call Caught()
7081 : endtry
7082 :endfunction
7083 :
7084 :call Foo()
7085
7086This displays >
7087
7088 Nothing caught
7089 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7090 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7091 Nothing caught
7092
7093A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7094number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7095
7096 :function! LineNumber()
7097 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7098 :endfunction
7099 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7100<
7101 *try-nested*
7102An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7103a surrounding try conditional: >
7104
7105 :try
7106 : try
7107 : throw "foo"
7108 : catch /foobar/
7109 : echo "foobar"
7110 : finally
7111 : echo "inner finally"
7112 : endtry
7113 :catch /foo/
7114 : echo "foo"
7115 :endtry
7116
7117The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7118clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7119conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7120
7121 *throw-from-catch*
7122You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7123catch clause: >
7124
7125 :function! Foo()
7126 : throw "foo"
7127 :endfunction
7128 :
7129 :function! Bar()
7130 : try
7131 : call Foo()
7132 : catch /foo/
7133 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7134 : throw "bar"
7135 : endtry
7136 :endfunction
7137 :
7138 :try
7139 : call Bar()
7140 :catch /.*/
7141 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7142 :endtry
7143
7144This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7145
7146 *rethrow*
7147There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7148"v:exception" instead: >
7149
7150 :function! Bar()
7151 : try
7152 : call Foo()
7153 : catch /.*/
7154 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7155 : throw v:exception
7156 : endtry
7157 :endfunction
7158< *try-echoerr*
7159Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7160exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7161Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7162denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7163the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7164
7165 :try
7166 : try
7167 : asdf
7168 : catch /.*/
7169 : echoerr v:exception
7170 : endtry
7171 :catch /.*/
7172 : echo v:exception
7173 :endtry
7174
7175This code displays
7176
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007177 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007178
7179
7180CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7181
7182Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7183user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007184an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007185a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7186catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7187a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7188normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7189(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007190to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007191clause has been executed.)
7192Example: >
7193
7194 :try
7195 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7196 : set ts=17
7197 :
7198 : " Do the hard work here.
7199 :
7200 :finally
7201 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7202 : unlet s:saved_ts
7203 :endtry
7204
7205This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7206changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7207that function or script part.
7208
7209 *break-finally*
7210Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7211a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7212 Example: >
7213
7214 :let first = 1
7215 :while 1
7216 : try
7217 : if first
7218 : echo "first"
7219 : let first = 0
7220 : continue
7221 : else
7222 : throw "second"
7223 : endif
7224 : catch /.*/
7225 : echo v:exception
7226 : break
7227 : finally
7228 : echo "cleanup"
7229 : endtry
7230 : echo "still in while"
7231 :endwhile
7232 :echo "end"
7233
7234This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7235
7236 :function! Foo()
7237 : try
7238 : return 4711
7239 : finally
7240 : echo "cleanup\n"
7241 : endtry
7242 : echo "Foo still active"
7243 :endfunction
7244 :
7245 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7246
7247This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007248extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007249return value.)
7250
7251 *except-from-finally*
7252Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7253a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7254cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7255exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7256 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7257working correctly: >
7258
7259 :try
7260 : try
7261 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7262 : while 1
7263 : endwhile
7264 : finally
7265 : unlet novar
7266 : endtry
7267 :catch /novar/
7268 :endtry
7269 :echo "Script still running"
7270 :sleep 1
7271
7272If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7273think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7274|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7275
7276
7277CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7278
7279If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7280watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7281presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7282exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7283the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7284the error exception is.
7285 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7286
7287 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7288or >
7289 Vim:{errmsg}
7290
7291{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007292the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007293when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7294a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7295a space.
7296
7297Examples:
7298
7299The command >
7300 :unlet novar
7301normally produces the error message >
7302 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7303which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7304 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7305
7306The command >
7307 :dwim
7308normally produces the error message >
7309 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7310which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7311 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7312
7313You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7314 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7315or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7316 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7317
7318Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7319 :function nofunc
7320and >
7321 :delfunction nofunc
7322both produce the error message >
7323 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7324which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7325 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7326or >
7327 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7328respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7329command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7330 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7331
7332Some commands like >
7333 :let x = novar
7334produce multiple error messages, here: >
7335 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7336 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7337Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7338one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7339 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7340
7341You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7342 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7343
7344You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7345 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7346
7347You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7348 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7349<
7350 *catch-text*
7351NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7352 :catch /No such variable/
7353only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7354a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7355cite the message text in a comment: >
7356 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7357
7358
7359IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7360
7361You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7362
7363 :try
7364 : write
7365 :catch
7366 :endtry
7367
7368But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7369catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7370be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7371
7372 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7373
7374There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7375writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7376then hide the error from the user.
7377 It is much better to use >
7378
7379 :try
7380 : write
7381 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7382 :endtry
7383
7384which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7385intentionally.
7386
7387For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7388even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7389command: >
7390 :silent! nunmap k
7391This works also when a try conditional is active.
7392
7393
7394CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7395
7396When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007397the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007398script is not terminated, then.
7399 Example: >
7400
7401 :function! TASK1()
7402 : sleep 10
7403 :endfunction
7404
7405 :function! TASK2()
7406 : sleep 20
7407 :endfunction
7408
7409 :while 1
7410 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7411 : try
7412 : if command == ""
7413 : continue
7414 : elseif command == "END"
7415 : break
7416 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7417 : call TASK1()
7418 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7419 : call TASK2()
7420 : else
7421 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7422 : continue
7423 : endif
7424 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7425 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7426 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7427 : endtry
7428 :endwhile
7429
7430You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007431a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007432
7433For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7434your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7435command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7436
7437
7438CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7439
7440The commands >
7441
7442 :catch /.*/
7443 :catch //
7444 :catch
7445
7446catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7447explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7448a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7449 Example: >
7450
7451 :try
7452 :
7453 : " do the hard work here
7454 :
7455 :catch /MyException/
7456 :
7457 : " handle known problem
7458 :
7459 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7460 : echo "Script interrupted"
7461 :catch /.*/
7462 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7463 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7464 :endtry
7465 :" end of script
7466
7467Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7468strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7469specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7470 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7471by pressing CTRL-C: >
7472
7473 :while 1
7474 : try
7475 : sleep 1
7476 : catch
7477 : endtry
7478 :endwhile
7479
7480
7481EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7482
7483Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7484
7485 :autocmd User x try
7486 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7487 :autocmd User x catch
7488 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7489 :autocmd User x endtry
7490 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7491 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7492 :
7493 :try
7494 : doautocmd User x
7495 :catch
7496 : echo v:exception
7497 :endtry
7498
7499This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7500
7501 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7502For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7503command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7504of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7505abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7506 Example: >
7507
7508 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7509 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7510 :
7511 :try
7512 : write
7513 :catch
7514 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7515 :endtry
7516
7517Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7518you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7519autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7520script displays: >
7521
7522 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7523<
7524 *except-autocmd-Post*
7525For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7526command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7527an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7528is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7529 Example: >
7530
7531 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7532 :
7533 :try
7534 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7535 :catch
7536 : echo v:exception
7537 :endtry
7538
7539This just displays: >
7540
7541 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7542
7543If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7544fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7545 Example: >
7546
7547 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7548 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7549 :
7550 :try
7551 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7552 :catch
7553 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7554 :endtry
7555<
7556You can also use ":silent!": >
7557
7558 :let x = "ok"
7559 :let v:errmsg = ""
7560 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7561 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7562 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7563 :try
7564 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7565 :catch
7566 :endtry
7567 :echo x
7568
7569This displays "after fail".
7570
7571If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7572autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7573
7574 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7575 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7576 :
7577 :try
7578 : write
7579 :catch
7580 : echo v:exception
7581 :endtry
7582<
7583 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7584For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7585autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7586of the command.
7587 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007588had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007589some way. >
7590
7591 :if !exists("cnt")
7592 : let cnt = 0
7593 :
7594 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7595 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7596 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7597 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7598 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7599 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7600 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7601 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7602 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7603 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7604 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7605 :endif
7606 :
7607 :try
7608 : write
7609 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7610 : if &modified
7611 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7612 : else
7613 : echo "Error after writing"
7614 : endif
7615 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7616 : echo "Error on writing"
7617 :endtry
7618
7619When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
7620first >
7621 File successfully written!
7622then >
7623 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
7624then >
7625 Error after writing
7626etc.
7627
7628 *except-autocmd-ill*
7629You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
7630The following code is ill-formed: >
7631
7632 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7633 :
7634 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7635 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7636 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7637 :
7638 :write
7639
7640
7641EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7642
7643Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7644pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7645similar things in Vim.
7646 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7647class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7648string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7649 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7650it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7651for an error when writing "myfile".
7652 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7653base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7654parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7655 Example: >
7656
7657 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7658 : if a:a < 0
7659 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7660 : endif
7661 :endfunction
7662 :
7663 :function! Add(a, b)
7664 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7665 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7666 : let c = a:a + a:b
7667 : if c < 0
7668 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7669 : endif
7670 : return c
7671 :endfunction
7672 :
7673 :function! Div(a, b)
7674 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7675 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7676 : if (a:b == 0)
7677 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7678 : endif
7679 : return a:a / a:b
7680 :endfunction
7681 :
7682 :function! Write(file)
7683 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007684 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007685 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7686 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7687 : endtry
7688 :endfunction
7689 :
7690 :try
7691 :
7692 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7693 :
7694 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7695 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7696 : echo "Range error in" function
7697 :
7698 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7699 : echo "Math error"
7700 :
7701 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7702 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7703 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7704 : if file !~ '^/'
7705 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7706 : endif
7707 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7708 :
7709 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7710 : echo "Unspecified error"
7711 :
7712 :endtry
7713
7714The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7715a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7716exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7717 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7718failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7719
7720
7721PECULIARITIES
7722 *except-compat*
7723The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7724exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7725and/or a catch clause.
7726
7727In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7728continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7729after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7730functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7731or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7732(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7733
7734This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7735immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007736conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7737be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007738termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7739catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7740by specifying a finally clause.)
7741
7742When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7743behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7744scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7745
7746However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7747commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7748conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7749script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7750error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7751messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007752|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7753not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007754where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7755error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7756scripts.
7757
7758 *except-syntax-err*
7759Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7760the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7761clauses, however, is executed.
7762 Example: >
7763
7764 :try
7765 : try
7766 : throw 4711
7767 : catch /\(/
7768 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7769 : catch
7770 : echo "inner catch-all"
7771 : finally
7772 : echo "inner finally"
7773 : endtry
7774 :catch
7775 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7776 : finally
7777 : echo "outer finally"
7778 :endtry
7779
7780This displays: >
7781 inner finally
7782 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7783 outer finally
7784The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7785
7786 *except-single-line*
7787The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7788a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7789"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7790 Example: >
7791 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7792raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7793argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7794error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7795displayed.
7796
7797 *except-several-errors*
7798When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7799usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7800 Example: >
7801 echo novar
7802causes >
7803 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7804 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7805The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7806 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7807< *except-syntax-error*
7808But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7809the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7810 Example: >
7811 unlet novar #
7812causes >
7813 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7814 E488: Trailing characters
7815The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7816 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7817This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7818not intended by the user. Example: >
7819 try
7820 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7821 catch /.*/
7822 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7823 endtry
7824This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7825a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7826
7827==============================================================================
78289. Examples *eval-examples*
7829
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007830Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007831>
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007832 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the Hex string of a number.
7833 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007834 : let n = a:nr
7835 : let r = ""
7836 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007837 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
7838 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007839 : endwhile
7840 : return r
7841 :endfunc
7842
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007843 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
7844 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
7845 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007846 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007847 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
7848 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7849 : endfor
7850 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007851 :endfunc
7852
7853Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007854 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
7855result: "100000" >
7856 :echo String2Bin("32")
7857result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007858
7859
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007860Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007861
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007862This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
7863
7864 :func SortBuffer()
7865 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
7866 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
7867 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007868 :endfunction
7869
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007870As a one-liner: >
7871 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007872
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007873
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007874scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007875 *sscanf*
7876There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7877line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7878how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7879"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7880 :" Set up the match bit
7881 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7882 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7883 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7884 :"get each item out of the match
7885 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7886 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7887 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7888
7889The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7890"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7891
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007892
7893getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
7894 *scriptnames-dictionary*
7895The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
7896have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
7897(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
7898code can be used: >
7899 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
7900 let scriptnames_output = ''
7901 redir => scriptnames_output
7902 silent scriptnames
7903 redir END
7904
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007905 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007906 " "scripts" dictionary.
7907 let scripts = {}
7908 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
7909 " Only do non-blank lines.
7910 if line =~ '\S'
7911 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007912 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007913 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007914 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007915 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007916 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007917 endif
7918 endfor
7919 unlet scriptnames_output
7920
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007921==============================================================================
792210. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7923
7924When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7925evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7926to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7927recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7928and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7929only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7930recognized.
7931
7932Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7933missing: >
7934
7935 :if 1
7936 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7937 :else
7938 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7939 :endif
7940
7941==============================================================================
794211. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7943
7944The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7945options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7946these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007947these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007948a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007949The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007950
7951These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7952 - changing the buffer text
7953 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7954 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007955 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007956 - executing a shell command
7957 - reading or writing a file
7958 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007959 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007960This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7961
7962 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007963:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007964 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7965 'foldexpr'.
7966
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007967 *sandbox-option*
7968A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007969have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007970restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7971location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007972- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007973- while executing in the sandbox
7974- value coming from a modeline
7975
7976Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7977option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7978
7979==============================================================================
798012. Textlock *textlock*
7981
7982In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7983to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7984is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007985actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007986happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7987
7988This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7989 - changing the buffer text
7990 - jumping to another buffer or window
7991 - editing another file
7992 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7993 - etc.
7994
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007995
7996 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: