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Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0f. Last change: 2006 Apr 25
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram 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 Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000080< 64 ~
81
82To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
83base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000084
85For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
86
87Note that in the command >
88 :if "foo"
89"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
90use strlen(): >
91 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000092< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
93List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000094
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 *E706*
96You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
97to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000098equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000100 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000101 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000103
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001041.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000105 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
108around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000109
110 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
111 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
114cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000116A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
117Dictionary entry. Example: >
118 :function dict.init() dict
119 : let self.val = 0
120 :endfunction
121
122The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
123function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
124
125A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
126 :call Fn()
127 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000128
129The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000131
132You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
133arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000134 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135
136
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001371.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000138 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000139A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
140can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
141position in the sequence.
142
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144List creation ~
145 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147Examples: >
148 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
149 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000152List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000153 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154
155An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
156
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157
158List index ~
159 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000160An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
162 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000165When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000166 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000167<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
169the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000170 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
171
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000172To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000173is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174 :echo get(mylist, idx)
175 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
176
177
178List concatenation ~
179
180Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
181 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000182 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183
184To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
185it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
186
187
188Sublist ~
189
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000190A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
191separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000192 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000193
194Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000195similar to -1.
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000196 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
197 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
198 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000199
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000200If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
201before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
202message.
203
204If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
205length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000206 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
207 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
208
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000209NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
210using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
211mylist[s : e].
212
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000213
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000214List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000215 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
217variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
218change "bb": >
219 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
220 :let bb = aa
221 :call add(aa, 4)
222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
225Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
226works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000227a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
229 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
232 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000237To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000239
240The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000241List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000242the same value. >
243 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
244 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
245 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000246< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000247 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000248< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000249
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
251same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
253different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
254variables. Example: >
255 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000256< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000258< 0
259
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000260Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
261can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
262
263 :let a = 5
264 :let b = "5"
265 echo a == b
266< 1 >
267 echo [a] == [b]
268< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000269
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000270
271List unpack ~
272
273To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
274square brackets, like list items: >
275 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
276
277When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
278this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
279and a variable name: >
280 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
281
282This works like: >
283 :let var1 = mylist[0]
284 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000285 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286
287Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
288empty list then.
289
290
291List modification ~
292 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000293To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000294 :let list[4] = "four"
295 :let listlist[0][3] = item
296
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000297To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000299 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
300
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000301Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
302examples: >
303 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
304 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
305 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
308 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000309 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000311 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000312 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000314Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000315 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
316 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
317
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318
319For loop ~
320
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000321The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
322to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000323 :for item in mylist
324 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325 :endfor
326
327This works like: >
328 :let index = 0
329 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000330 : let item = mylist[index]
331 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 : let index = index + 1
333 :endwhile
334
335Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000336results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000337the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000339If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000340function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000341
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000342Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
343requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
344 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
345 : call Doit(lnum, col)
346 :endfor
347
348This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
349must remain the same to avoid an error.
350
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000351It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000352 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
353 : call Doit(i, j)
354 : if !empty(rest)
355 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
356 : endif
357 :endfor
358
359
360List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000361 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000363 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000365 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
366 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
367 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000368 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
369 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000370 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
371 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000372 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
373 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000374 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
375 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000377Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
378example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
379 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
380
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003821.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000385entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
386ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000387
388
389Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000390 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
393only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
395 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000397A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
398String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
400Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000401
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403nested Dictionary: >
404 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
405
406An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
407
408
409Accessing entries ~
410
411The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
412 :let val = mydict["one"]
413 :let mydict["four"] = 4
414
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000415You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000416
417For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
418form can be used |expr-entry|: >
419 :let val = mydict.one
420 :let mydict.four = 4
421
422Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
423key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000424 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000425
426
427Dictionary to List conversion ~
428
429You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
430turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
431
432Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
433 :for key in keys(mydict)
434 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
435 :endfor
436
437The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
438 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
439
440To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
441 :for v in values(mydict)
442 : echo "value: " . v
443 :endfor
444
445If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000446a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000447 :for entry in items(mydict)
448 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
449 :endfor
450
451
452Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000453 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000454Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
455Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
456Dictionary: >
457 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
458 :let adict = onedict
459 :let adict['a'] = 11
460 :echo onedict['a']
461 11
462
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000463Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
464more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000465
466
467Dictionary modification ~
468 *dict-modification*
469To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
470use |:let| this way: >
471 :let dict[4] = "four"
472 :let dict['one'] = item
473
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000474Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
475Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
476 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
477 :unlet dict.aaa
478 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000481 :call extend(adict, bdict)
482This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
483in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000484Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
485expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
486adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000487
488Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000489 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491
492
493Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000494 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000495When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
496special way with a dictionary. Example: >
497 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000498 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000500 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
501 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000502
503This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
504Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
505the function was invoked from.
506
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000507It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
508Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
509
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000510 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
512assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000513 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
514 :function mydict.len() dict
515 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000516 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000517 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
520that references this function. The function can only be used through a
521|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
522remaining that refers to it.
523
524It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000525
526
527Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000528 *E715*
529Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
531 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
532 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
533 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
534 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
535 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
536 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
537 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000538
539
5401.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000541 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000542If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
543function.
544
545When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
546start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
547stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
548
549When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
550start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
551stored in the session file |session-file|.
552
553variable name can be stored where ~
554my_var_6 not
555My_Var_6 session file
556MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
557
558
559It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
560|curly-braces-names|.
561
562==============================================================================
5632. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
564
565Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
566
567|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
568
569|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
570
571|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
572
573|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
574 expr5 != expr5 not equal
575 expr5 > expr5 greater than
576 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
577 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
578 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
579 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
580 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
581
582 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
583 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
584 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
585 matching case
586
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000587 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
588 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000589
590|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000591 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
592 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
593
594|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
595 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
596 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
597
598|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
599 - expr7 unary minus
600 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
604 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
605 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
606 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000607
608|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000609 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000610 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000611 [expr1, ...] |List|
612 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613 &option option value
614 (expr1) nested expression
615 variable internal variable
616 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
617 $VAR environment variable
618 @r contents of register 'r'
619 function(expr1, ...) function call
620 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
621
622
623".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
624Example: >
625 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
626
627All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
628
629
630expr1 *expr1* *E109*
631-----
632
633expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
634
635The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
636non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
637otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
638Example: >
639 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
640
641Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
642other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
643Example: >
644 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
645
646To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
647 :echo lnum == 1
648 :\ ? "top"
649 :\ : lnum == 1000
650 :\ ? "last"
651 :\ : lnum
652
653
654expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
655---------------
656
657 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
658The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
659are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
660
661 input output ~
662n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
663zero zero zero zero
664zero non-zero non-zero zero
665non-zero zero non-zero zero
666non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
667
668The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
669
670 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
671
672Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
673
674 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
675
676Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
677arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
678
679 let a = 1
680 echo a || b
681
682This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
683so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
684
685 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
686
687This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
688only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
689
690
691expr4 *expr4*
692-----
693
694expr5 {cmp} expr5
695
696Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
697if it evaluates to true.
698
699 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
700 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
701 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
702 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
703 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
704 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000705 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000706 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
707equal == ==# ==?
708not equal != !=# !=?
709greater than > ># >?
710greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
711smaller than < <# <?
712smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
713regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
714regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000715same instance is
716different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000717
718Examples:
719"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
720"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
721"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
722
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000723 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000724A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
725"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
726Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000727
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000728 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000729A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
730equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000731recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
732
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000733 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000734A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
735equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000736
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000737When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
738referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
739the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
740using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000741different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
742is false.
743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000744When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
745and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
746because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
747
748When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
749results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
750necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
751
752When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
753'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
754
755When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
756'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
757
758The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
759argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
760This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
761matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
762portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
763single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
764Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
765(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
766can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
767 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
768 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
769
770
771expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
772---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000773expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000774expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
775expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000777For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000778result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000779
780expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
781expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
782expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000783
784For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
785
786Note the difference between "+" and ".":
787 "123" + "456" = 579
788 "123" . "456" = "123456"
789
790When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
791When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
792
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000793None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000794
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000795
796expr7 *expr7*
797-----
798! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
799- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
800+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
801
802For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
803For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
804For '+' the number is unchanged.
805
806A String will be converted to a Number first.
807
808These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
809 !-1 == 0
810 !!8 == 1
811 --9 == 9
812
813
814expr8 *expr8*
815-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000816expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000818If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
819expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000821
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000822Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
823text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
824cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000825 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000826
827If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000828String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
829compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
830
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000831If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000832for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
833error. Example: >
834 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
835
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000836Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
837|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
838error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000839
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000841expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000842
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000843If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
844from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000845expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
846encodings.
847
848If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
849string minus one is used.
850
851A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
852the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
853
854If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
855expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
856
857Examples: >
858 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
859 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
860 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
861 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
862
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000863If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
864the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
865just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
867 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
868 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
869
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000870Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
871error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000872
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000873
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000874expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000875
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000876If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
877name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
878expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000879
880The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
881but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
882
883There must not be white space before or after the dot.
884
885Examples: >
886 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
887 :echo dict.one
888 :echo dict .2
889
890Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
891always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
892
893
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000894expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000895
896When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
897
898
899
900 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000901number
902------
903number number constant *expr-number*
904
905Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
906
907
908string *expr-string* *E114*
909------
910"string" string constant *expr-quote*
911
912Note that double quotes are used.
913
914A string constant accepts these special characters:
915\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
916\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
917\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
918\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
919\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
920\X.. same as \x..
921\X. same as \x.
922\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
923 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
924\U.... same as \u....
925\b backspace <BS>
926\e escape <Esc>
927\f formfeed <FF>
928\n newline <NL>
929\r return <CR>
930\t tab <Tab>
931\\ backslash
932\" double quote
933\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
934
935Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
936
937
938literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
939---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000940'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000941
942Note that single quotes are used.
943
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000944This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000945meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000946
947Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
948to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
949 if a =~ "\\s*"
950 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000951
952
953option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
954------
955&option option value, local value if possible
956&g:option global option value
957&l:option local option value
958
959Examples: >
960 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
961 if &insertmode
962
963Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
964and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
965anyway.
966
967
968register *expr-register*
969--------
970@r contents of register 'r'
971
972The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
973Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000974register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
975registers.
976
977When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
978evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000979
980
981nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
982-------
983(expr1) nested expression
984
985
986environment variable *expr-env*
987--------------------
988$VAR environment variable
989
990The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
991result is an empty string.
992 *expr-env-expand*
993Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
994expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
995are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
996the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
997fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
998does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
999 :echo $version
1000 :echo expand("$version")
1001The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1002variable (if your shell supports it).
1003
1004
1005internal variable *expr-variable*
1006-----------------
1007variable internal variable
1008See below |internal-variables|.
1009
1010
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001011function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001012-------------
1013function(expr1, ...) function call
1014See below |functions|.
1015
1016
1017==============================================================================
10183. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1019 *E461*
1020An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1021cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1022|curly-braces-names|.
1023
1024An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001025An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1026|:unlet|.
1027Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1028been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001029
1030There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1031specified by what is prepended:
1032
1033 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1034|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1035|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001036|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037|global-variable| g: Global.
1038|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1039|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1040|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1041|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1042
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001043The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1044delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001045 :for k in keys(s:)
1046 : unlet s:[k]
1047 :endfor
1048<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001049 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1050A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1051Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1052This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1053|:bdelete|.
1054
1055One local buffer variable is predefined:
1056 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1057b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1058 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1059 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1060 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1061 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1062 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1063 : call My_Update()
1064 :endif
1065<
1066 *window-variable* *w:var*
1067A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1068is deleted when the window is closed.
1069
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001070 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1071A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1072It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1073without the +windows feature}
1074
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075 *global-variable* *g:var*
1076Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1077access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1078place if you like.
1079
1080 *local-variable* *l:var*
1081Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1082But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1083
1084 *script-variable* *s:var*
1085In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1086accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1087
1088They can be used in:
1089- commands executed while the script is sourced
1090- functions defined in the script
1091- autocommands defined in the script
1092- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1093 defined in the script (recursively)
1094- user defined commands defined in the script
1095Thus not in:
1096- other scripts sourced from this one
1097- mappings
1098- etc.
1099
1100script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1101Take this example:
1102
1103 let s:counter = 0
1104 function MyCounter()
1105 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1106 echo s:counter
1107 endfunction
1108 command Tick call MyCounter()
1109
1110You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1111that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1112"Tick" was defined is used.
1113
1114Another example that does the same: >
1115
1116 let s:counter = 0
1117 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1118
1119When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001120script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001121defined.
1122
1123The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1124function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1125
1126 let s:counter = 0
1127 function StartCounting(incr)
1128 if a:incr
1129 function MyCounter()
1130 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1131 endfunction
1132 else
1133 function MyCounter()
1134 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1135 endfunction
1136 endif
1137 endfunction
1138
1139This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1140when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1141called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1142
1143When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1144They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1145maintain a counter: >
1146
1147 if !exists("s:counter")
1148 let s:counter = 1
1149 echo "script executed for the first time"
1150 else
1151 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1152 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1153 endif
1154
1155Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1156variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1157
1158
1159Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1160
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001161 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1162v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1163 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1167v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
1170 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1171v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1172 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
1174 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001175v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1176 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1177 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1178 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001179 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1180 highlighted text is used.
1181 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1182
1183 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1184v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1185 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1186
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001187 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1188v:charconvert_from
1189 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1190 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1191
1192 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1193v:charconvert_to
1194 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1195 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1196
1197 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1198v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1199 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1200 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1201 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1202 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1203 possible to append this variable directly after the
1204 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1205 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1206 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1207 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1208 in 'printexpr'.
1209
1210 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1211v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1212 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1213 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1214 can be used.
1215
1216 *v:count* *count-variable*
1217v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1218 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1219 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1220< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1221 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001222 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001223 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1224
1225 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1226v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1227 used.
1228
1229 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1230v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1231 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1232 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1233 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1234 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1235 command.
1236 See |multi-lang|.
1237
1238 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1239v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1240 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1241 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1242 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1243 Example: >
1244 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1245<
1246 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1247v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1248 Example: >
1249 :let v:errmsg = ""
1250 :silent! next
1251 :if v:errmsg != ""
1252 : ... handle error
1253< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1254
1255 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1256v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1257 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1258 Example: >
1259 :try
1260 : throw "oops"
1261 :catch /.*/
1262 : echo "caught" v:exception
1263 :endtry
1264< Output: "caught oops".
1265
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001266 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1267v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1268 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1269 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1270 deleted file no longer exists
1271 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1272 changed and buffer is modified
1273 changed file contents has changed
1274 mode mode of file changed
1275 time only file timestamp changed
1276
1277 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1278v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1279 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1280 do with the affected buffer:
1281 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1282 the file was deleted).
1283 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1284 was no autocommand. Except that when
1285 only the timestamp changed nothing
1286 will happen.
1287 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1288 everything that needs to be done.
1289 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1290 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1291
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001292 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001293v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001294 option used for ~
1295 'charconvert' file to be converted
1296 'diffexpr' original file
1297 'patchexpr' original file
1298 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001299 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001300
1301 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1302v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1303 evaluating:
1304 option used for ~
1305 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1306 'diffexpr' output of diff
1307 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1308 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1309 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1310 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1311 file and different from v:fname_in.
1312
1313 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1314v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1315 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1316
1317 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1318v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1319 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1320
1321 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1322v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1323 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001324 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001325
1326 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1327v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001328 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001329
1330 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1331v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001332 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001333
1334 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1335v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001336 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001337
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001338 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1339v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1340 events. Values:
1341 i Insert mode
1342 r Replace mode
1343 v Virtual Replace mode
1344
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001345 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001346v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001347 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1348 Read-only.
1349
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001350 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1351v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1352 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1353 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1354 The value is system dependent.
1355 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1356 command.
1357 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1358 in a different language than what is used for character
1359 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1360
1361 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1362v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1363 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1364 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1365 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1366 command. See |multi-lang|.
1367
1368 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001369v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001370 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1371 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1372 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001373
1374 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1375v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1376 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1377 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1378 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1379< Read-only.
1380
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001381 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1382v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1383 See |profiling|.
1384
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001385 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1386v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1387 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1388 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1389 Read-only.
1390
1391 *v:register* *register-variable*
1392v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1393 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1394
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001395 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1396v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1397 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1398 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1399 typed command.
1400 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1401 hit-enter prompt.
1402
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001403 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1404v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1405 Read-only.
1406
1407 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1408v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1409 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1410 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1411 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1412 executed. Read-only.
1413 Example: >
1414 :!mv foo bar
1415 :if v:shell_error
1416 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1417 :endif
1418< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1419
1420 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1421v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1422
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001423 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1424v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1425 the swap file found. Read-only.
1426
1427 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1428v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1429 for handling an existing swap file:
1430 'o' Open read-only
1431 'e' Edit anyway
1432 'r' Recover
1433 'd' Delete swapfile
1434 'q' Quit
1435 'a' Abort
1436 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1437 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1438 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1439
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001440 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001441v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001442 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1443 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1444 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001445 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001446
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001447 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1448v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1449 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1450 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1451 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1452 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1453 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1454 terminal.
1455 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1456 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1457 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1458 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1459 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1460
1461 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1462v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1463 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1464 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1465 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1466
1467 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1468v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1469 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1470 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1471 Example: >
1472 :try
1473 : throw "oops"
1474 :catch /.*/
1475 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1476 :endtry
1477< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1478
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001479 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001480v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1481 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001482 |filter()|. Read-only.
1483
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484 *v:version* *version-variable*
1485v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1486 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1487 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1488 compatibility.
1489 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1490 if has("patch123")
1491< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1492 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1493 completely different.
1494
1495 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1496v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1497
1498==============================================================================
14994. Builtin Functions *functions*
1500
1501See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1502
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001503(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001504
1505USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1506
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001507add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001508append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001509append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001511argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001512argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001513argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001514browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1515 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001516browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001517bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001518buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1519bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1521bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1522bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1523byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001524byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001525call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1526 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001527changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001529cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001530col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001531complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001532complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1533complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001534confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1535 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001536copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001537count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1538 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001539cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1540 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001541cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1542 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1543cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001544deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001545delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1546did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001547diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1548diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001549empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001550escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001551eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001552eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1554exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001555extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1556 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00001558feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001559filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001560filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001561filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1562 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001563finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001564 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001565findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001566 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001567fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001568foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1569foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001570foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001571foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001572foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001573foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001574function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001575garbagecollect() none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001576get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001577get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001578getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1579 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001580getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001581getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1582getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001583getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1584getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001585getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001586getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001587getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1588getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001589getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001590getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001591getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001592getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1593getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001594getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001595getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001596getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001597getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001598getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001599gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1600 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001601getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1602getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001603getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1605globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1606has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001607has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001608hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1609 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001610histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1611histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1612histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1613histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1614hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1615hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1616hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001617iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1618indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001619index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1620 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001621input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1622 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001623inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001624inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001625inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1626inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001627inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001628insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001630islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001631items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001632join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001633keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001634len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1635libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001636libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1637line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1638line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001639lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001640localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001641map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001642maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1643 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1644mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1645 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001646match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001647 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001648matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001649matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001651matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1652 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001653matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1654 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001655max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1656min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001657mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1658 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001659mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001660nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1661nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001662pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001664printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001665pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001666range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1667 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001668readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1669 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001670reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1671reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001672remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1673 String send expression
1674remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1675remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1676 Number check for reply string
1677remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1678remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1679 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001680remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001681remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001682rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1683repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1684resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001685reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001687searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1688 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001689searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001690 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001691searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001692 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001693searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001694 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001695server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1696 Number send reply string
1697serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1698setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1699setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1700setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001701setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1702 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001703setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001704setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001705setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001706settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1707 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001708setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001709simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001710sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001711soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001712spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001713spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1714 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001715split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001716 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001717str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001718strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001719stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1720 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001721string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1723strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1724 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001725strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1726 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001727strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001728submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001729substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1730 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001731synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001732synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1733 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1734synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001735system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001736tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1737tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1738tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1739 Number number of current window in tab page
1740taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001741tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001742tempname() String name for a temporary file
1743tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1744toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001745tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1746 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001747type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001748values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1750visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1751winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1752wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1753winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1754winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001755winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001756winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001757winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1758winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001759winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001760writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1761 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001762
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001763add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001764 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1765 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001766 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1767 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001768< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001769 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001770 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001771
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001772
1773append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001774 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1775 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001776 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1777 the current buffer.
1778 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001779 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1780 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001781 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001782 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001783<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001784 *argc()*
1785argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1786 current window. See |arglist|.
1787
1788 *argidx()*
1789argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1790 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1791
1792 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001793argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001794 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1795 Example: >
1796 :let i = 0
1797 :while i < argc()
1798 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1799 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1800 : let i = i + 1
1801 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001802< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1803 returned.
1804
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001805 *browse()*
1806browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1807 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1808 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1809 The input fields are:
1810 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1811 {title} title for the requester
1812 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1813 {default} default file name
1814 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1815 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1816
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001817 *browsedir()*
1818browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1819 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1820 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1821 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1822 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1823 to be used.
1824 The input fields are:
1825 {title} title for the requester
1826 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1827 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1828 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1829
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001830bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1831 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1832 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001833 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001834 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001835 exactly. The name can be:
1836 - Relative to the current directory.
1837 - A full path.
1838 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1839 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001840 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1841 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1842 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1843 long name to be able to find them.
1844 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1845 file name.
1846 *buffer_exists()*
1847 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1848
1849buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1850 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1851 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001852 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001853
1854bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1855 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1856 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001857 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001858
1859bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1860 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1861 ":ls" command.
1862 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1863 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1864 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1865 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1866 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1867 match an empty string is returned.
1868 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1869 alternate buffer.
1870 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1871 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1872 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1873 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1874 buffers are searched for.
1875 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1876 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1877 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1878< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1879 string is returned. >
1880 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1881 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1882 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1883 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1884< *buffer_name()*
1885 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1886
1887 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001888bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1889 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001890 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001891 above.
1892 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1893 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1894 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001895 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1896 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1897< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1898 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1899 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1900 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1901 *buffer_number()*
1902 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1903 *last_buffer_nr()*
1904 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1905
1906bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1907 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1908 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1909 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1910 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1911
1912 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1913
1914< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1915 |:wincmd|.
1916
1917
1918byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1919 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1920 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1921 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1922 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1923 one.
1924 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1925 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1926 feature}
1927
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001928byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1929 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1930 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1931 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1932 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1933 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1934 Example : >
1935 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1936< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1937 same: >
1938 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1939 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1940< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1941 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1942 is returned.
1943
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001944call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001945 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001946 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001947 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001948 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1949 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001950 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1951 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001952
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001953changenr() *changenr()*
1954 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
1955 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
1956 with the |:undo| command.
1957 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
1958 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
1959 one less than the number of the undone change.
1960
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001961char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1962 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1963 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1964 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1965< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001966 char2nr("?") returns 225
1967 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001968< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001969
1970cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1971 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1972 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1973 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1974 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1975 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1976 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001977 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001978
1979 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001980col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001981 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1982 . the cursor position
1983 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1984 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1985 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1986 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001987 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
1988 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001989 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1990 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1991 Examples: >
1992 col(".") column of cursor
1993 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1994 col("'t") column of mark t
1995 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1996< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1997 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1998 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1999 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2000 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2001 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2002 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2003 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2004<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002005
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002006complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2007 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2008 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
2009 with an expression argument |:map-<expr>| or CTRL-R =
2010 |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O.
2011 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2012 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2013 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2014 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2015 match.
2016 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2017 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2018 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2019 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2020 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2021 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2022 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2023 Example: >
2024 inoremap <expr> <F5> ListMonths()
2025
2026 func! ListMonths()
2027 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2028 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2029 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2030 return ''
2031 endfunc
2032< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2033 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2034
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002035complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2036 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2037 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2038 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2039 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2040 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002041 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2042 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002043
2044complete_check() *complete_check()*
2045 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2046 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2047 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2048 zero otherwise.
2049 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2050 'completefunc' option.
2051
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002052 *confirm()*
2053confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2054 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2055 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2056 choice this is 1.
2057 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2058 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2059 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2060 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2061 used (and translated).
2062 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2063 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2064 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2065 by '\n', e.g. >
2066 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2067< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2068 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2069 not need to be the first letter: >
2070 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2071< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2072 the default shortcut key.
2073 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2074 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2075 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2076 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2077 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2078 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2079 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2080 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2081 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2082 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2083 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2084
2085 An example: >
2086 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2087 :if choice == 0
2088 : echo "make up your mind!"
2089 :elseif choice == 3
2090 : echo "tasteful"
2091 :else
2092 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2093 :endif
2094< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2095 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2096 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2097 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2098 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2099 the horizontal layout is always used.
2100
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002101 *copy()*
2102copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2103 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002104 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2105 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002106 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002107 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002108 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002109
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002110count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002111 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002112 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002113 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002114 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002115 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2116
2117
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002118 *cscope_connection()*
2119cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2120 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2121 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2122 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2123 if there are no cscope connections;
2124 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2125
2126 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2127 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2128
2129 {num} Description of existence check
2130 ----- ------------------------------
2131 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2132 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2133 {dbpath}.
2134 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2135 {dbpath}.
2136 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2137 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2138 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2139 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2140
2141 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2142
2143 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2144
2145 # pid database name prepend path
2146 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2147<
2148 Invocation Return Val ~
2149 ---------- ---------- >
2150 cscope_connection() 1
2151 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2152 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2153 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2154 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2155 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2156 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2157 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2158<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002159cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2160cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002161 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002162 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002163 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002164 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2165 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002166 Does not change the jumplist.
2167 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2168 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2169 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002170 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002171 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2172 line.
2173 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002174 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2175 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2176 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002177
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002178
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002179deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002180 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2181 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002182 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2183 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2184 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002185 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002186 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2187 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2188 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2189 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2190 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2191 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002192 *E724*
2193 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002194 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2195 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002196 Also see |copy()|.
2197
2198delete({fname}) *delete()*
2199 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002200 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2201 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002202 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002203
2204 *did_filetype()*
2205did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2206 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2207 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2208 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2209 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2210 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2211 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2212 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2213 file.
2214
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002215diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2216 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2217 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2218 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2219 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2220 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2221 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2222 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2223
2224diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2225 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2226 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2227 diff change zero is returned.
2228 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2229 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2230 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2231 line.
2232 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2233 syntax information about the highlighting.
2234
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002235empty({expr}) *empty()*
2236 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002237 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2238 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2239 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2240 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002241
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002242escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2243 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2244 backslash. Example: >
2245 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2246< results in: >
2247 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002248
2249< *eval()*
2250eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2251 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2252 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002253 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002254
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002255eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2256 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2257 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2258 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2259 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2260
2261executable({expr}) *executable()*
2262 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2263 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002264 arguments.
2265 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2266 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2267 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2268 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2269 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2270 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2271 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2272 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2273 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2274 extension.
2275 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2276 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002277 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2278 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2279 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002280 The result is a Number:
2281 1 exists
2282 0 does not exist
2283 -1 not implemented on this system
2284
2285 *exists()*
2286exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2287 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2288 which contains one of these:
2289 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2290 not if it really works)
2291 +option-name Vim option that works.
2292 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2293 done by comparing with an empty
2294 string)
2295 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2296 or user defined function (see
2297 |user-functions|).
2298 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002299 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002300 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2301 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2302 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002303 invoked cause an error message for an
2304 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002305 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2306 command or command modifier |:command|.
2307 Returns:
2308 1 for match with start of a command
2309 2 full match with a command
2310 3 matches several user commands
2311 To check for a supported command
2312 always check the return value to be 2.
2313 #event autocommand defined for this event
2314 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2315 pattern (the pattern is taken
2316 literally and compared to the
2317 autocommand patterns character by
2318 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002319 #group autocommand group exists
2320 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2321 event.
2322 #group#event#pattern
2323 autocommand defined for this group,
2324 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002325 ##event autocommand for this event is
2326 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002327 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2328
2329 Examples: >
2330 exists("&shortname")
2331 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2332 exists("*strftime")
2333 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2334 exists("bufcount")
2335 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002336 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002337 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002338 exists("#filetypeindent")
2339 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2340 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002341 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002342< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2343 name.
2344 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2345 variable itself! For example: >
2346 exists(bufcount)
2347< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2348 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2349 exists.
2350
2351expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2352 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2353 The result is a String.
2354
2355 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2356 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2357 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2358
2359 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2360 for a non-existing file is not included.
2361
2362 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2363 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2364 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2365
2366 % current file name
2367 # alternate file name
2368 #n alternate file name n
2369 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2370 <afile> autocmd file name
2371 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2372 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2373 <sfile> sourced script file name
2374 <cword> word under the cursor
2375 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2376 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2377 message |server2client()|
2378 Modifiers:
2379 :p expand to full path
2380 :h head (last path component removed)
2381 :t tail (last path component only)
2382 :r root (one extension removed)
2383 :e extension only
2384
2385 Example: >
2386 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2387< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2388 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2389 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2390< Use this: >
2391 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2392< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2393 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2394 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2395 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2396 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2397<
2398 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2399 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2400 to modify normal file names.
2401
2402 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2403 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2404 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2405 '/' added.
2406
2407 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2408 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2409 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2410 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002411 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2412 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2413 files in the current directory and below: >
2414 :echo expand("**/README")
2415<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002416 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2417 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2418 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2419 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2420 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2421 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2422 "$FOOBAR".
2423
2424 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2425 getting the raw output of an external command.
2426
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002427extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002428 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2429 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002430
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002431 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002432 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2433 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2434 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2435 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002436 Examples: >
2437 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2438 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002439< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2440 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002441 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002442<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002443 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002444 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2445 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2446 used to decide what to do:
2447 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2448 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002449 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002450 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2451
2452 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2453 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2454 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2455 Returns {expr1}.
2456
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002457
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002458feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2459 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002460 come from a mapping or were typed by user. They are added to
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002461 the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
2462 being executed these characters come after them.
2463 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2464 {string}.
2465 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2466 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
2467 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the Enter key. But
2468 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2469 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2470 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002471 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2472 'n' Do not remap keys.
2473 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2474 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2475 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002476 Return value is always 0.
2477
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002478filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2479 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2480 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2481 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2482 expression, which is used as a String.
2483 *file_readable()*
2484 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2485
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002486
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002487filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002488 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002489 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002490 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002491 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002492 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002493 Examples: >
2494 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2495< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2496 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2497< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2498 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002499< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002500
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002501 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2502 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2503 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2504
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002505 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2506 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002507 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002508
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002509< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002510 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2511 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002512
2513
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002514finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002515 Find directory {name} in {path}. Returns the path of the
2516 first found match. When the found directory is below the
2517 current directory a relative path is returned. Otherwise a
2518 full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002519 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2520 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002521 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002522 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002523 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002524 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2525
2526findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2527 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002528 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2529 Example: >
2530 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2531< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2532 the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002533
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002534filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2535 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2536 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2537 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2538 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2539
2540fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2541 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2542 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2543 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2544 Example: >
2545 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2546< results in: >
2547 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2548< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2549 |expand()| first then.
2550
2551foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2552 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2553 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2554 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2555
2556foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2557 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2558 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2559 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2560
2561foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2562 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2563 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2564 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2565 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2566 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2567 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2568 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2569 previous line is usually available.
2570
2571 *foldtext()*
2572foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2573 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2574 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2575 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2576 The returned string looks like this: >
2577 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2578< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2579 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2580 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2581 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2582 options is removed.
2583 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2584
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002585foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2586 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2587 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2588 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2589 returned.
2590 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2591 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2592 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2593 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2594
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002595 *foreground()*
2596foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2597 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2598 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2599 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2600 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2601 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2602 Win32 console version}
2603
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002604
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002605function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002606 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002607 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2608
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002609
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002610garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002611 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002612 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2613 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2614 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2615 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2616 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002617 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2618 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2619 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002620
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002621get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002622 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002623 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2624 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002625get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002626 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002627 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2628 {default} is omitted.
2629
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002630 *getbufline()*
2631getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002632 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2633 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2634 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002635
2636 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2637
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002638 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2639 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002640
2641 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002642 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002643
2644 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2645 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002646 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002647 returned.
2648
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002649 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002650 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002651
2652 Example: >
2653 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002654
2655getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2656 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2657 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2658 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002659 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2660 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2661 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002662 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2663 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2664 returned, there is no error message.
2665 Examples: >
2666 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2667 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2668<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002669getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2670 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2671 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2672 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2673 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2674 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2675 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2676 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2677 not consumed. If a normal character is
2678 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2679 non-zero value is returned.
2680 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2681 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2682 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2683 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2684 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2685 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2686 user that a character has to be typed.
2687 There is no mapping for the character.
2688 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2689 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2690 sequence. Examples: >
2691 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2692 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2693< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2694 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2695 :function FindChar()
2696 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2697 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2698 : normal l
2699 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2700 : break
2701 : endif
2702 : endwhile
2703 :endfunction
2704
2705getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2706 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2707 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2708 These values are added together:
2709 2 shift
2710 4 control
2711 8 alt (meta)
2712 16 mouse double click
2713 32 mouse triple click
2714 64 mouse quadruple click
2715 128 Macintosh only: command
2716 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2717 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2718 with no modifier.
2719
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002720getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2721 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2722 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2723 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2724 Example: >
2725 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002726< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002727
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002728getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002729 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2730 byte count. The first column is 1.
2731 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2732 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002733 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2734
2735getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2736 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2737 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002738 : normal Ex command
2739 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2740 / forward search command
2741 ? backward search command
2742 @ |input()| command
2743 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002744 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2745 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2746 otherwise.
2747 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002748
2749 *getcwd()*
2750getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2751 working directory.
2752
2753getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2754 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2755 given file {fname}.
2756 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2757 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2758
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002759getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2760 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2761 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2762 |hl-Normal|.
2763 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2764 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2765 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2766 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00002767 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002768 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2769 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002770 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2771 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002772
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002773getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2774 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2775 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2776 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2777 empty string is returned.
2778 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2779 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2780 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2781 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2782 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2783 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2784< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2785 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002787getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2788 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2789 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2790 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2791 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2792 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2793
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002794getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2795 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2796 file of the given file {fname}.
2797 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2798 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2799 results:
2800 Normal file "file"
2801 Directory "dir"
2802 Symbolic link "link"
2803 Block device "bdev"
2804 Character device "cdev"
2805 Socket "socket"
2806 FIFO "fifo"
2807 All other "other"
2808 Example: >
2809 getftype("/home")
2810< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2811 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2812 "file" are returned.
2813
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002814 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002815getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2816 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2817 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002818 getline(1)
2819< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2820 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2821 To get the line under the cursor: >
2822 getline(".")
2823< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2824 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2825
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002826 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2827 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002828 including line {end}.
2829 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2830 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002831 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002832 Example: >
2833 :let start = line('.')
2834 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2835 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2836
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002837getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2838 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2839 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2840 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002841 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2842 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002843
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002844getqflist() *getqflist()*
2845 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2846 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2847 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2848 bufname() to get the name
2849 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2850 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002851 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2852 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002853 nr error number
2854 text description of the error
2855 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2856 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2857
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002858 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2859 returned.
2860
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002861 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2862 do something with them: >
2863 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2864 :for d in getqflist()
2865 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2866 :endfor
2867
2868
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002869getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002870 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002871 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002872 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2873< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002874 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002875 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2876 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2877 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002878 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2879
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002880
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002881getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2882 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2883 The value will be one of:
2884 "v" for |characterwise| text
2885 "V" for |linewise| text
2886 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2887 0 for an empty or unknown register
2888 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2889 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2890
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002891gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
2892 Get the value of an option or local window variable {varname}
2893 in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
2894 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
2895 use |getwinvar()|.
2896 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
2897 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2898 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2899 or buffer-local variable.
2900 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2901 Examples: >
2902 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
2903 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
2904
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002905 *getwinposx()*
2906getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2907 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2908 -1 if the information is not available.
2909
2910 *getwinposy()*
2911getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2912 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2913 information is not available.
2914
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002915getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2916 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002917 Examples: >
2918 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2919 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2920<
2921 *glob()*
2922glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2923 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2924 characters.
2925 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2926 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2927
2928 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2929 any external command. Example: >
2930 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2931 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2932< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2933 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2934
2935 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2936 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2937
2938globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2939 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2940 the results. Example: >
2941 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2942< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2943 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2944 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2945 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2946 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2947 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2948 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2949 error message.
2950 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2951 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2952
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002953 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2954 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2955 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2956 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2957<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002958 *has()*
2959has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2960 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2961 string. See |feature-list| below.
2962 Also see |exists()|.
2963
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002964
2965has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002966 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
2967 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002968
2969
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002970hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002971 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2972 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2973 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2974 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002975 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002976 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
2977 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002978 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2979 buffer are checked for a match.
2980 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2981 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2982 n Normal mode
2983 v Visual mode
2984 o Operator-pending mode
2985 i Insert mode
2986 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2987 c Command-line mode
2988 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2989
2990 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2991 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2992 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2993 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2994 :endif
2995< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2996 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2997
2998histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2999 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3000 one of: *hist-names*
3001 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3002 "search" or "/" search pattern history
3003 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
3004 "input" or "@" input line history
3005 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3006 shifted to become the newest entry.
3007 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3008 otherwise 0 is returned.
3009
3010 Example: >
3011 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3012 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3013< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3014
3015histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003016 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003017 for the possible values of {history}.
3018
3019 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
3020 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
3021 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
3022 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
3023 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
3024 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
3025 if it exists.
3026
3027 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3028 otherwise 0 is returned.
3029
3030 Examples:
3031 Clear expression register history: >
3032 :call histdel("expr")
3033<
3034 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3035 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3036<
3037 The following three are equivalent: >
3038 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3039 :call histdel("search", -1)
3040 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3041<
3042 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3043 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3044 :call histdel("search", -1)
3045 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3046
3047histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3048 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3049 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3050 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3051 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3052 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3053
3054 Examples:
3055 Redo the second last search from history. >
3056 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3057
3058< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3059 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3060 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3061<
3062histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3063 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3064 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3065 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3066
3067 Example: >
3068 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3069<
3070hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3071 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3072 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3073 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3074 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3075 item.
3076 *highlight_exists()*
3077 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3078
3079 *hlID()*
3080hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3081 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3082 zero is returned.
3083 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3084 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3085 "Comment" group: >
3086 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3087< *highlightID()*
3088 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3089
3090hostname() *hostname()*
3091 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003092 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003093 256 characters long are truncated.
3094
3095iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3096 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3097 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3098 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3099 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3100 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3101 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3102 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3103 can be done.
3104 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3105 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3106 UTF-8 and use: >
3107 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3108< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3109 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3110 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3111 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3112
3113 *indent()*
3114indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3115 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3116 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3117 |getline()|.
3118 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3119
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003120
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003121index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003122 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003123 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003124 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3125 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003126 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3127 case must match.
3128 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3129 Example: >
3130 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003131 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003132
3133
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003134input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003135 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3136 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3137 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003138 prompt to start a new line.
3139 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3140 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3141 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3142 for lines typed for input().
3143 Example: >
3144 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3145 : echo "Cheers!"
3146 :endif
3147<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003148 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3149 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003150 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3151
3152< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3153 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3154 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3155 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3156 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3157 more information. Example: >
3158 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3159<
3160 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3161 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003162 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3163 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3164 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3165 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3166 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3167 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3168 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3169
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003170 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003171 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3172 :function GetFoo()
3173 : call inputsave()
3174 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3175 : call inputrestore()
3176 :endfunction
3177
3178inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3179 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3180 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3181 Example: >
3182 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3183 :if n != ""
3184 : let &sw = n
3185 :endif
3186< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3187 omitted an empty string is returned.
3188 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3189 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003190 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003191
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003192inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003193 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3194 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3195 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003196 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3197 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3198 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3199 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3200 is returned.
3201 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3202 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3203 the start of the string. Example: >
3204 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3205 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3206
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003207inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3208 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3209 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3210 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3211 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3212
3213inputsave() *inputsave()*
3214 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3215 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3216 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3217 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3218 many inputrestore() calls.
3219 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3220
3221inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3222 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3223 two exceptions:
3224 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3225 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3226 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3227 |history| stack.
3228 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3229 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003230 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003231
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003232insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003233 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003234 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3235 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3236 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3237 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003238 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003239 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3240 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3241 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003242< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003243 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003244 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003245
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003246isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3247 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3248 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3249 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3250 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3251
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003252islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003253 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3254 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003255 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3256 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003257 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3258 :lockvar 1 alist
3259 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3260 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3261
3262< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003263 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003264
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003265items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003266 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3267 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3268 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3269 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003270
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003271
3272join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3273 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3274 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3275 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3276 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3277 add it there too: >
3278 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003279< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003280 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3281 The opposite function is |split()|.
3282
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003283keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003284 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003285 arbitrary order.
3286
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003287 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003288len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3289 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3290 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003291 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003292 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003293 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3294 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003295 Otherwise an error is given.
3296
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003297 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3298libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3299 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3300 with single argument {argument}.
3301 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3302 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3303 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3304 limited.
3305 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3306 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3307 to Vim.
3308 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3309 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3310 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3311 null-terminated string.
3312 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3313
3314 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3315 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3316 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3317 very probably crash.
3318
3319 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3320 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3321 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3322 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3323 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3324 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3325 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3326 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3327 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3328 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3329
3330 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3331 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3332 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3333 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3334 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3335 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3336 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3337 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3338 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3339 feature is present}
3340 Examples: >
3341 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3342 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3343<
3344 *libcallnr()*
3345libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3346 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3347 int instead of a string.
3348 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3349 feature is present}
3350 Example (not very useful...): >
3351 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3352 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3353<
3354 *line()*
3355line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3356 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3357 . the cursor position
3358 $ the last line in the current buffer
3359 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3360 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003361 w0 first line visible in current window
3362 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003363 Note that a mark in another file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003364 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3365 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003366 Examples: >
3367 line(".") line number of the cursor
3368 line("'t") line number of mark t
3369 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3370< *last-position-jump*
3371 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3372 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3373 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003374
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003375line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3376 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3377 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3378 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3379 line returns 1.
3380 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3381 below the last line: >
3382 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3383< This is the file size plus one.
3384 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3385 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3386 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3387
3388lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3389 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3390 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3391 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3392 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3393 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3394 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3395
3396localtime() *localtime()*
3397 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3398 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3399
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003400
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003401map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003402 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003403 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3404 {string}.
3405 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003406 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003407 Example: >
3408 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003409< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003410
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003411 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003412 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003413 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3414 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003415
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003416 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3417 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003418 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003419
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003420< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003421 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3422 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003423
3424
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003425maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003426 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3427 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003428 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003429 "n" Normal
3430 "v" Visual
3431 "o" Operator-pending
3432 "i" Insert
3433 "c" Cmd-line
3434 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3435 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003436 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003437 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3438 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003439 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3440 command. The returned String has special characters
3441 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3442 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3443 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003444 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3445 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3446 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3447
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003448
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003449mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003450 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3451 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3452 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003453 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3454 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003455 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3456 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3457
3458 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3459 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3460 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3461 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3462 mapcheck("b") no no no
3463
3464 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3465 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3466 mapping for {name} exactly.
3467 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3468 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3469 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3470 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3471 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3472 then the global mappings.
3473 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3474 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3475 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3476 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3477 :endif
3478< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3479 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3480
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003481match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003482 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3483 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003484 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003485 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3486 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3487 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003488 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003489 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3490 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003491 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003492 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003493< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003494 *strpbrk()*
3495 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3496 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3497< *strcasestr()*
3498 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3499 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3500 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3501<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003502 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003503 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003504 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003505 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003506 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3507< result is again "4". >
3508 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3509< result is again "4". >
3510 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3511< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003512 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003513 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3514 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3515 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3516 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003517 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3518 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003519 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3520 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003521
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003522 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003523 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003524 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3525 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3526< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003527 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3528 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003529
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003530 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3531 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3532 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3533 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3534
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003535
3536matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
3537 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
3538 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3539 Return a |List| with two elements:
3540 The name of the highlight group used
3541 The pattern used.
3542 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3543 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
3544 This is usef to save and restore a |:match|.
3545
3546
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003547matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003548 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3549 the match. Example: >
3550 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3551< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003552 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3553 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3554 do it with matchend(): >
3555 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3556 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3557< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3558
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003559 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3560 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3561< results in "7". >
3562 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3563< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003564 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003565
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003566matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003567 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003568 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3569 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00003570 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
3571 empty string is used. Example: >
3572 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
3573< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003574 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3575
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003576matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003577 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3578 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3579< results in "ing".
3580 When there is no match "" is returned.
3581 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3582 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3583< results in "ing". >
3584 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3585< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003586 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003587 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003588
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003589 *max()*
3590max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3591 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3592 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003593 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003594
3595 *min()*
3596min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3597 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3598 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003599 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003600
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003601 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003602mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3603 Create directory {name}.
3604 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3605 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3606 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3607 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3608 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3609 for others.
3610 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3611 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3612 :if exists("*mkdir")
3613<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003614 *mode()*
3615mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3616 n Normal
3617 v Visual by character
3618 V Visual by line
3619 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3620 s Select by character
3621 S Select by line
3622 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3623 i Insert
3624 R Replace
3625 c Command-line
3626 r Hit-enter prompt
3627 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3628 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3629
3630nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3631 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3632 that is not blank. Example: >
3633 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3634< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3635 below it, zero is returned.
3636 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3637
3638nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3639 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3640 value {expr}. Examples: >
3641 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3642 nr2char(32) returns " "
3643< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3644 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3645< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3646 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3647 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003648 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003649
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003650 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003651getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3652 see |line()|.
3653 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3654 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3655 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3656 is the buffer number of the mark.
3657 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3658 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003659 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3660 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3661 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3662 character.
3663 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3664 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3665 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00003666 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003667< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003668
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003669pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
3670 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
3671 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
3672 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
3673 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
3674 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
3675< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
3676 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
3677
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003678prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3679 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3680 that is not blank. Example: >
3681 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3682< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3683 above it, zero is returned.
3684 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3685
3686
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003687printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3688 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3689 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003690 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003691< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003692 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003693
3694 Often used items are:
3695 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003696 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3697 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003698 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003699 %d decimal number
3700 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3701 %x hex number
3702 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3703 %X hex number using upper case letters
3704 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003705 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003706
3707 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3708 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3709 the result.
3710
3711 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003712 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003713
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003714 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003715
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003716 flags
3717 Zero or more of the following flags:
3718
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003719 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3720 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3721 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3722 of the number is increased to force the first
3723 character of the output string to a zero (except
3724 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3725 precision of zero).
3726 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3727 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3728 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003729
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003730 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3731 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3732 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3733 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3734 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003735
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003736 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3737 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3738 The converted value is padded on the right with
3739 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3740 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003741
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003742 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3743 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003744
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003745 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3746 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3747 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003748
3749 field-width
3750 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003751 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3752 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3753 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3754 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003755
3756 .precision
3757 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3758 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3759 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3760 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3761 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003762 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003763
3764 type
3765 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3766 be applied, see below.
3767
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003768 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3769 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3770 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3771 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3772 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3773 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003774 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003775< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003776 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003777
3778 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003779
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003780 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3781 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3782 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3783 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003784 conversions.
3785 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3786 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3787 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3788 zeros.
3789 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3790 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3791 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3792 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3793
3794 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3795 resulting character is written.
3796
3797 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3798 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3799 specified are used.
3800
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003801 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3802 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003803
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003804 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3805 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3806 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003807
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003808 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003809 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3810 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003811 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003812
3813
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003814pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3815 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3816 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003817 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
3818 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003819
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003820 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003821range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003822 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003823 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3824 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3825 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3826 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3827 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003828 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3829 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3830 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003831 Examples: >
3832 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3833 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3834 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3835 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003836 range(0) " []
3837 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003838<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003839 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003840readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003841 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3842 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003843 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3844 NL appears somewhere).
3845 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3846 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3847 added.
3848 - No CR characters are removed.
3849 Otherwise:
3850 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3851 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3852 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003853 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3854 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3855 lines of a file: >
3856 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3857 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3858 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003859< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3860 are returned, or as many as there are.
3861 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003862 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3863 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3864 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003865 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3866 the result is an empty list.
3867 Also see |writefile()|.
3868
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003869reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
3870 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
3871 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
3872 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
3873 Without an argument it returns the current time.
3874 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
3875 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003876 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003877 and {end}.
3878 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
3879 reltime().
3880 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3881
3882reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
3883 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
3884 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
3885 microseconds. Example: >
3886 let start = reltime()
3887 call MyFunction()
3888 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
3889< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
3890 The accuracy depends on the system.
3891 Also see |profiling|.
3892 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3893
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003894 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3895remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3896 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3897 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003898 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
3899 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
3900 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003901 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3902 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3903 remote_read() is stored there.
3904 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3905 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3906 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3907 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3908 and the result will be the empty string.
3909 Examples: >
3910 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3911 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3912<
3913
3914remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3915 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3916 This works like: >
3917 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3918< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3919 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3920 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003921 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3922 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003923 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3924 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3925 Win32 console version}
3926
3927
3928remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3929 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3930 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3931 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3932 name of a variable.
3933 Returns zero if none are available.
3934 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3935 See also |clientserver|.
3936 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3937 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3938 Examples: >
3939 :let repl = ""
3940 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3941
3942remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3943 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3944 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3945 See also |clientserver|.
3946 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3947 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3948 Example: >
3949 :echo remote_read(id)
3950<
3951 *remote_send()* *E241*
3952remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003953 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3954 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3955 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003956 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
3957 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
3958 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003959 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3960 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3961 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3962 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3963 up the display.
3964 Examples: >
3965 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3966 \ remote_read(serverid)
3967
3968 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3969 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3970 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3971 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003972<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003973remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003974 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003975 return it.
3976 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3977 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3978 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3979 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3980 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003981 Example: >
3982 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003983 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003984remove({dict}, {key})
3985 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3986 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3987< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3988
3989 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003990
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003991rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3992 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3993 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3994 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3995 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3996 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3997
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003998repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3999 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4000 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004001 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004002< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004003 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004004 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004005 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4006< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004007
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004008
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004009resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4010 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4011 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4012 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4013 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4014 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4015 stopped after 100 iterations.
4016 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4017 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4018 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4019 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4020 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4021
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004022 *reverse()*
4023reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
4024 {list}.
4025 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4026 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4027
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004028search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004029 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004030 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004031
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004032 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4033 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004034 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
4035 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004036 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004037 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4038 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004039 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4040 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4041 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4042
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004043 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4044 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4045 flag.
4046
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004047 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4048 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4049 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4050 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4051 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4052< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4053 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
4054
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004055 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4056 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004057 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4058 *search()-sub-match*
4059 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4060 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4061 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004062 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004063
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004064 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4065 flag is used.
4066
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004067 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4068 :let n = 1
4069 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4070 : exe "argument " . n
4071 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4072 : " first search to find match at start of file
4073 : normal G$
4074 : let flags = "w"
4075 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
4076 : s/foo/bar/g
4077 : let flags = "W"
4078 : endwhile
4079 : update " write the file if modified
4080 : let n = n + 1
4081 :endwhile
4082<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004083 Example for using some flags: >
4084 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4085< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4086 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4087 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4088 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4089 line:
4090 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4091 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4092 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4093 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4094 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4095
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004096
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004097searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4098 Search for the declaration of {name}.
4099
4100 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4101 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4102 first match in the function.
4103
4104 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4105 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4106 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4107
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004108 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4109 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4110 Example: >
4111 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4112 echo getline('.')
4113 endif
4114<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004115 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004116searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004117 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4118 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4119 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004120 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4121 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4122 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4123 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4124 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4125 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004126
4127 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4128 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4129 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4130 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4131 typical use is: >
4132 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4133< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4134
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004135 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4136 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004137 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4138 outer pair
4139 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004140 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004141
4142 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4143 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4144 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4145 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4146 or a string.
4147 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4148 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4149 and -1 returned.
4150
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004151 For {stopline} see |search()|.
4152
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004153 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4154 patterns are used like it's on.
4155
4156 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4157 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4158 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4159 if 1
4160 if 2
4161 endif 2
4162 endif 1
4163< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4164 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4165 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4166 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4167 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4168 "endif 2".
4169 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4170 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4171 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4172 the matching start.
4173
4174 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4175
4176 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4177 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4178
4179< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4180 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4181 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4182 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4183 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4184 match.
4185 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4186
4187 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4188
4189< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4190 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4191 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4192
4193 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4194 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4195<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004196 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004197searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004198 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4199 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4200 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004201 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4202 returns [0, 0].
4203>
4204 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4205<
4206 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4207
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004208searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4209 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004210 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4211 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4212 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4213 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004214 Example: >
4215 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4216
4217< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4218 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4219 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4220< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4221 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4222
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004223server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4224 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4225 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4226 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4227 Note:
4228 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004229 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004230 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4231 See also |clientserver|.
4232 Example: >
4233 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4234<
4235serverlist() *serverlist()*
4236 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4237 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4238 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4239 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4240 Example: >
4241 :echo serverlist()
4242<
4243setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4244 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4245 {val}.
4246 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4247 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4248 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4249 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4250 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4251 Examples: >
4252 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4253 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4254< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4255
4256setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4257 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4258 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4259 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4260 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004261 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4262 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4263 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4264 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4265 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004266 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4267 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4268 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4269 line.
4270
4271setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004272 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4273 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004274 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4275 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004276 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4277 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004278 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004279< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004280 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4281 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4282< This is equivalent to: >
4283 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4284 : call setline(n, l)
4285 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004286< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4287
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004288setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4289 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4290 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004291 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4292 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004293 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004294
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004295 *setpos()*
4296setpos({expr}, {list})
4297 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4298 . the cursor
4299 'x mark x
4300
4301 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4302 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4303
4304 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
4305 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
4306 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4307 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4308 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004309 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004310
4311 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4312 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4313
4314 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4315 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4316 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4317 character.
4318
4319 Also see |getpos()|
4320
4321
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004322setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004323 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4324 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4325 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4326 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004327
4328 filename name of a file
4329 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004330 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004331 col column number
4332 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
4333 when zero: "col" is byte index
4334 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004335 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004336 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004337
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004338 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4339 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4340 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004341 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
4342 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
4343 handled as an error line.
4344 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4345 be used.
4346
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004347 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4348 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4349 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4350 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4351 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4352 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4353
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004354 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4355
4356 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4357 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4358 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4359
4360
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004361 *setreg()*
4362setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4363 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4364 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4365 then the value is appended.
4366 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4367 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4368 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4369 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4370 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4371 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4372 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4373 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4374
4375 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4376 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4377 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4378 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4379
4380 Examples: >
4381 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4382 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4383 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4384
4385< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4386 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004387 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004388 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4389 ....
4390 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4391
4392< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4393 nothing: >
4394 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4395
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004396settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4397 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4398 {val}.
4399 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4400 use |setwinvar()|.
4401 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004402 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4403 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4404 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4405 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004406 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4407 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4408 Examples: >
4409 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4410 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4411< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4412
4413setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4414 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004415 Examples: >
4416 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4417 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004418
4419simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4420 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4421 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4422 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4423 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4424 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4425 not removed either.
4426 Example: >
4427 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4428< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4429 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4430 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4431 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4432 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4433
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004434
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004435sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004436 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4437 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4438 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4439< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004440 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004441 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004442 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004443 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4444 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004445 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4446 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4447 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4448 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4449 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4450 endfunc
4451 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004452<
4453
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004454 *soundfold()*
4455soundfold({word})
4456 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4457 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004458 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4459 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004460 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4461 the method can be quite slow.
4462
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004463 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004464spellbadword([{sentence}])
4465 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4466 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4467 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4468 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4469
4470 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4471 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4472 result is an empty string.
4473
4474 The return value is a list with two items:
4475 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4476 - The type of the spelling error:
4477 "bad" spelling mistake
4478 "rare" rare word
4479 "local" word only valid in another region
4480 "caps" word should start with Capital
4481 Example: >
4482 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4483< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4484
4485 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4486 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4487 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004488
4489 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004490spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004491 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004492 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4493 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4494
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004495 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4496 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4497 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4498
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004499 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4500 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004501 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4502 replace a line.
4503
4504 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004505 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4506 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004507
4508 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004509 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4510 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004511
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004512
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004513split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004514 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4515 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4516 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004517 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004518 removing the matched characters.
4519 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4520 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004521 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4522 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004523 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004524 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004525< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004526 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004527< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4528 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4529< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004530 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4531 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4532< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004533
4534
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004535str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4536 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4537 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4538 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4539 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4540 with the default String to Number conversion.
4541 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4542 different base the result will be zero.
4543 Text after the number is silently ignored.
4544
4545
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004546strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4547 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4548 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4549 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4550 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4551 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4552 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4553 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4554 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4555 Examples: >
4556 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4557 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4558 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4559 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4560 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4561 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004562< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4563 :if exists("*strftime")
4564
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004565stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4566 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4567 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004568 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4569 This can be used to find a second match: >
4570 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4571 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4572< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004573 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004574 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004575 See also |strridx()|.
4576 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004577 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4578 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4579 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004580< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4581 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4582 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4583
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004584 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004585string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4586 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4587 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004588 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004589 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004590 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004591 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004592 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004593 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004594 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004595
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004596 *strlen()*
4597strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004598 {expr} in bytes.
4599 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4600 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004601
4602 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004603<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004604 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4605 For other types an error is given.
4606 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004607
4608strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4609 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004610 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004611 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4612 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4613 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4614 end of the {src}. >
4615 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4616 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4617 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4618 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4619< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4620 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00004621 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004622<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004623strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4624 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4625 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4626 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4627 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4628 match: >
4629 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4630 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4631< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004632 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4633 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004634 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004635 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004636 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004637< *strrchr()*
4638 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4639 function strrchr().
4640
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004641strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4642 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4643 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4644 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4645 echo strtrans(@a)
4646< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4647 starting a new line.
4648
4649submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4650 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4651 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4652 the whole matched text is returned.
4653 Example: >
4654 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4655< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4656 A line break is included as a newline character.
4657
4658substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4659 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4660 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4661 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4662 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4663 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4664 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4665 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4666 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4667 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4668 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4669 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4670 unmodified.
4671 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4672 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4673 Example: >
4674 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4675< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4676 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4677< results in "TESTING".
4678
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004679synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004680 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004681 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004682 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4683 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004684
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004685 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004686 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4687
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004688 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4689 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4690 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4691 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4692 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4693 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4694 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4695
4696 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4697 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4698<
4699synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4700 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4701 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4702 about a syntax item.
4703 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4704 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4705 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4706 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4707 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4708 {what} result
4709 "name" the name of the syntax item
4710 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4711 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4712 term: empty string)
4713 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4714 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4715 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4716 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4717 "bold" "1" if bold
4718 "italic" "1" if italic
4719 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4720 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4721 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004722 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004723
4724 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4725 cursor): >
4726 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4727<
4728synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4729 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4730 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4731 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4732 ":highlight link" are followed.
4733
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004734system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4735 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4736 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4737 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4738 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004739 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004740 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4741 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4742 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004743 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4744 The result is a String. Example: >
4745
4746 :let files = system("ls")
4747
4748< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4749 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4750 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4751 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4752 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4753 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4754 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4755 concatenated commands.
4756
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004757 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
4758 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
4759
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004760 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4761 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004762
4763 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4764 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4765 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004766 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4767 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4768
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004769
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004770tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004771 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004772 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4773 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4774 omitted the current tab page is used.
4775 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4776 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4777 tablist = []
4778 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4779 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4780 endfor
4781< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4782
4783
4784tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004785 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4786 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4787 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4788 page is returned (the tab page count).
4789 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4790
4791
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004792tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4793 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4794 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4795 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4796 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4797 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4798 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4799 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4800 Useful examples: >
4801 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4802 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4803< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4804
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00004805 *tagfiles()*
4806tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4807 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4808
4809
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004810taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4811 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004812 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4813 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004814 name Name of the tag.
4815 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004816 defined.
4817 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4818 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004819 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004820 entry depends on the language specific
4821 kind values generated by the ctags
4822 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004823 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004824 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004825 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4826 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4827 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4828 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4829 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4830 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4831 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004832
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004833 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4834 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004835
4836 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4837
4838 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4839 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4840 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4841
4842 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4843 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4844 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4845
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004846tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4847 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4848 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4849 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4850 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4851 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4852< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4853 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4854 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4855 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4856 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4857 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4858
4859tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4860 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4861 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4862 the string).
4863
4864toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4865 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4866 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4867 the string).
4868
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004869tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4870 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4871 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4872 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4873 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4874 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4875 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4876
4877 Examples: >
4878 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4879< returns "Hello THere" >
4880 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4881< returns "{blob}"
4882
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004883 *type()*
4884type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004885 Number: 0
4886 String: 1
4887 Funcref: 2
4888 List: 3
4889 Dictionary: 4
4890 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004891 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4892 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4893 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4894 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004895 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004896
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004897values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004898 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4899 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004900
4901
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004902virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4903 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4904 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4905 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4906 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4907 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4908 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4909 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004910 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004911 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4912 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004913 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4914 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4915 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4916 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004917 For the byte position use |col()|.
4918 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4919 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4920 The accepted positions are:
4921 . the cursor position
4922 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4923 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4924 plus one)
4925 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4926 returned)
4927 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4928 Examples: >
4929 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4930 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4931 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4932< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4933
4934visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4935 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4936 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4937 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4938 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4939 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4940 Example: >
4941 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4942< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4943 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4944 Visual mode that was used.
4945
4946 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4947 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4948 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4949 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4950
4951 *winbufnr()*
4952winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004953 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004954 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4955 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4956 Example: >
4957 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4958<
4959 *wincol()*
4960wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4961 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4962 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4963
4964winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4965 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4966 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4967 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4968 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4969 Examples: >
4970 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4971<
4972 *winline()*
4973winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4974 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4975 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004976 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4977 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004978
4979 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004980winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4981 window. The top window has number 1.
4982 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004983 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004984 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4985 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4986 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4987 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4988 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004989
4990 *winrestcmd()*
4991winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4992 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004993 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
4994 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004995 Example: >
4996 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4997 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4998 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004999<
5000 *winrestview()*
5001winrestview({dict})
5002 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5003 the view of the current window.
5004 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5005 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5006
5007 *winsaveview()*
5008winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5009 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5010 restore the view.
5011 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5012 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5013 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005014 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5015 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005016 The return value includes:
5017 lnum cursor line number
5018 col cursor column
5019 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5020 curswant column for vertical movement
5021 topline first line in the window
5022 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5023 leftcol first column displayed
5024 skipcol columns skipped
5025 Note that no option values are saved.
5026
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005027
5028winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5029 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5030 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5031 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5032 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5033 Examples: >
5034 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5035 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5036 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5037 :endif
5038<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005039 *writefile()*
5040writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005041 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005042 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5043 Number.
5044 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5045 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5046 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5047 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5048 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5049 to writefile().
5050 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5051 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5052 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5053 fails.
5054 Also see |readfile()|.
5055 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5056 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5057 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5058<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005059
5060 *feature-list*
5061There are three types of features:
50621. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5063 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5064 :if has("cindent")
50652. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5066 Example: >
5067 :if has("gui_running")
5068< *has-patch*
50693. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5070 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5071 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5072 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
5073
5074all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5075amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5076arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5077arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005078autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005079balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005080balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005081beos BeOS version of Vim.
5082browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5083 work.
5084builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5085byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5086cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5087clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5088clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5089cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5090cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5091cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5092comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5093cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5094cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5095compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5096debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5097dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5098dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5099diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5100digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5101dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5102dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5103dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5104ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5105emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5106eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5107 true, of course!
5108ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5109extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5110 |'hlsearch'|
5111farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5112file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005113filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5114 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005115find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5116 |+find_in_path|.
5117fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5118 Windows this is not present).
5119folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5120footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5121fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5122gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5123gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5124gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005125gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5126gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
5127gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5128gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5129gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5130gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5131gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5132gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5133hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5134iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5135insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5136 Insert mode.
5137jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5138keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5139langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5140libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5141linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5142 support.
5143lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5144listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5145 and the argument list |arglist|.
5146localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5147mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5148macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5149menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5150mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5151modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5152mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5153mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5154mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5155mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5156mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5157mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5158mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5159multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5160multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5161multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005162mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005163netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005164netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005165ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5166os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5167osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5168path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5169perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5170postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5171printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005172profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005173python Compiled with Python interface.
5174qnx QNX version of Vim.
5175quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
5176rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5177ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5178scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5179showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5180signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5181smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005182sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005183statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5184 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5185sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005186spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5187syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005188syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5189 current buffer.
5190system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5191tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5192 |tag-binary-search|.
5193tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5194 |tag-old-static|.
5195tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5196 files |tag-any-white|.
5197tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5198terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5199termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5200textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5201tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5202 or terminfo file.
5203title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5204toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5205unix Unix version of Vim.
5206user_commands User-defined commands.
5207viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5208vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5209vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5210virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5211visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5212visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5213 |blockwise-operators|.
5214vms VMS version of Vim.
5215vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5216wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5217wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5218windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5219winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5220win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5221win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5222win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5223win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5224win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5225writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5226xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5227xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5228xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5229xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5230xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5231xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5232 xterm screen.
5233x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5234
5235 *string-match*
5236Matching a pattern in a String
5237
5238A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5239the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5240everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5241like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5242line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5243with ".". Example: >
5244 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5245 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5246 aa
5247 xx
5248 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5249 a
5250 x
5251
5252Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5253"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5254"\n".
5255
5256==============================================================================
52575. Defining functions *user-functions*
5258
5259New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5260functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5261commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5262
5263The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5264builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5265avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5266the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5267
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005268It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5269|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005270
5271 *local-function*
5272A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5273can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5274and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5275function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5276instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5277
5278 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5279:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5280
5281:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005282 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5283 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005284 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005285
5286:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5287 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5288 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005289<
5290 *:function-verbose*
5291When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5292last defined. Example: >
5293
5294 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5295 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5296 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5297<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005298See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005299
5300 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005301:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005302 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5303 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5304 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005305
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005306 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5307 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005308 :function dict.init(arg)
5309< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5310 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5311 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5312 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5313 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5314 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005315 *E127* *E122*
5316 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5317 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5318 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5319 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005320
5321 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5322
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005323 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5324 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5325 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5326 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5327 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5328 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5329 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005330
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005331 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5332 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005333
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005334 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005335 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005336 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5337 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005338
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005339 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5340 will not be changed by the function.
5341
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005342 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5343:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5344 by its own, without other commands.
5345
5346 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5347:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005348 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5349 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005350 :delfunc dict.init
5351< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5352 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5353 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005354 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5355:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5356 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5357 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5358 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5359 the number 0 is returned.
5360 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5361 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5362
5363 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5364 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5365 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5366 are executed first. This process applies to all
5367 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5368 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5369
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005370 *function-argument* *a:var*
5371An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5372be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5373 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5374Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5375arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5376may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5377as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005378can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5379that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005380 *E742*
5381The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005382However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5383Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5384it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5385|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005386
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005387When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5388to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5389may be larger.
5390
5391It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5392still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5393until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5394inside a function body.
5395
5396 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005397Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5398will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5399accessed with "g:".
5400
5401Example: >
5402 :function Table(title, ...)
5403 : echohl Title
5404 : echo a:title
5405 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005406 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5407 : for s in a:000
5408 : echon ' ' . s
5409 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005410 :endfunction
5411
5412This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005413 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5414 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005415
5416To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5417 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5418 : if a:n2 == 0
5419 : return "fail"
5420 : endif
5421 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5422 : return "ok"
5423 :endfunction
5424
5425This function can then be called with: >
5426 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5427 :if success == "ok"
5428 : echo div
5429 :endif
5430
5431An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5432with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5433 :function Foo()
5434 : execute Bar()
5435 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5436 :endfunction
5437
5438 :function Bar()
5439 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5440 :endfunction
5441
5442The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5443the caller to set the names.
5444
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005445 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005446:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5447 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5448 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5449 used.
5450 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5451 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5452 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5453 function.
5454 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5455 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5456 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5457 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5458 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5459 this works:
5460 *function-range-example* >
5461 :function Mynumber(arg)
5462 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5463 :endfunction
5464 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5465<
5466 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5467 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5468 the range.
5469
5470 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5471
5472 :function Cont() range
5473 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5474 :endfunction
5475 :4,8call Cont()
5476<
5477 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5478 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5479
5480 *E132*
5481The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5482option.
5483
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005484
5485AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005486 *autoload-functions*
5487When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005488only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5489the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5490
5491
5492Using an autocommand ~
5493
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005494This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5495
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005496The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5497You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5498That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5499again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5500
5501Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5502function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005503
5504 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5505
5506The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5507"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5508
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005509
5510Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005511 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005512This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5513
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005514Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5515exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5516like this: >
5517
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005518 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005519
5520When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5521"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5522"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5523then define the function like this: >
5524
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005525 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005526 echo "Done!"
5527 endfunction
5528
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005529The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005530exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5531called.
5532
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005533It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5534a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005535
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005536 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005537
5538Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5539
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005540This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5541
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005542 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005543
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005544However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5545for an unknown variable.
5546
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005547When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5548be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5549
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005550 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5551 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005552
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005553Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5554defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5555function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005556And you will get an error message every time.
5557
5558Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5559other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5560Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005561
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005562Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
5563|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
5564
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005565==============================================================================
55666. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5567
5568Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5569This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5570{} like this: >
5571 my_{adjective}_variable
5572
5573When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5574that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5575name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5576"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5577"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5578
5579One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5580value. For example, the statement >
5581 echo my_{&background}_message
5582
5583would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5584on the current value of 'background'.
5585
5586You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5587 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5588..or even nest them: >
5589 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5590where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5591
5592However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005593variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005594 :let foo='a + b'
5595 :echo c{foo}d
5596.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5597
5598 *curly-braces-function-names*
5599You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5600Example: >
5601 :let func_end='whizz'
5602 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5603
5604This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5605
5606==============================================================================
56077. Commands *expression-commands*
5608
5609:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5610 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5611 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5612 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5613 is created.
5614
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005615:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5616 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5617 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5618 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5619 the index can be repeated.
5620 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5621
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005622 *E711* *E719*
5623:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005624 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5625 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005626 correct number of items.
5627 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5628 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5629 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5630 end of the list, items will be added.
5631
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005632 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005633:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5634:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5635:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5636 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5637 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5638
5639
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005640:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5641 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5642 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005643:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5644 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5645 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5646 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005647
5648:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5649 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5650 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5651 must be the name of a writable register (see
5652 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5653 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5654 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5655 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5656 characterwise.
5657 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5658 :let @/ = ""
5659< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5660 that would match everywhere.
5661
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005662:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5663 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5664 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5665
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005666:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5667 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005668 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5669 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005670 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5671 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005672 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005673 Example: >
5674 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005675
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005676:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5677 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5678 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5679
5680:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5681:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5682 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5683 {expr1}.
5684
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005685:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005686:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5687:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5688:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005689 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5690 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5691
5692:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005693:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5694:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5695:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005696 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5697 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5698
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005699:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005700 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005701 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5702 {name2}, etc.
5703 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005704 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005705 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5706 command as mentioned above.
5707 Example: >
5708 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005709< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5710 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5711 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5712 :let x = [0, 1]
5713 :let i = 0
5714 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5715 :echo x
5716< The result is [0, 2].
5717
5718:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5719:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5720:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5721 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005722 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005723
5724:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005725 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005726 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5727 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5728 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005729 Example: >
5730 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5731<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005732:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5733:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5734:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5735 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005736 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005737 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005738:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005739 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5740 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005741 g: global variables
5742 b: local buffer variables
5743 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005744 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005745 s: script-local variables
5746 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005747 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005748
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005749:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5750 variable is indicated before the value:
5751 <nothing> String
5752 # Number
5753 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005754
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005755
5756:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5757 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5758 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005759 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005760 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5761 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005762 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005763 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5764 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005765< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005766 :unlet dict['two']
5767 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005768
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005769:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5770 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5771 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5772 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5773 :lockvar v
5774 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5775 :unlet v
5776< *E741*
5777 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5778 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5779
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005780 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5781 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5782 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005783 cannot add or remove items, but can
5784 still change their values.
5785 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005786 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5787 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005788 items, but can still change the
5789 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005790 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5791 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5792 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5793 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5794 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005795 *E743*
5796 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5797 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5798 loops.
5799
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005800 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5801 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005802 locked when used through the other variable.
5803 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005804 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5805 :let cl = l
5806 :lockvar l
5807 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5808< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5809 See |deepcopy()|.
5810
5811
5812:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5813 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5814 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5815
5816
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005817:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5818:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5819 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5820
5821 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5822 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5823 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5824 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5825 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5826 part was not executed either.
5827
5828 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5829 versions: >
5830 :if version >= 500
5831 : version-5-specific-commands
5832 :endif
5833< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5834 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5835 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5836 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5837 avoid problems: >
5838 :if version >= 600
5839 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5840 :endif
5841<
5842 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5843 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5844
5845 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5846:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5847 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5848 executed.
5849
5850 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5851:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5852 is no extra ":endif".
5853
5854:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005855 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005856:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5857 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5858 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5859 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005860 Example: >
5861 :let lnum = 1
5862 :while lnum <= line("$")
5863 :call FixLine(lnum)
5864 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5865 :endwhile
5866<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005867 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005868 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005869
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005870:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005871:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5872 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005873 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005874 value of each item.
5875 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005876 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005877 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5878 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005879 :for item in copy(mylist)
5880< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5881 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5882 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5883 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5884 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5885 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5886 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005887 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5888 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005889< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5890 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5891 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005892 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5893 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5894 to allow multiple item types.
5895
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005896:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5897:endfo[r]
5898 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5899 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5900 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5901 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5902 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5903 :endfor
5904<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005905 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005906:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5907 to the start of the loop.
5908 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5909 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5910 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5911 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5912 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5913 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005914
5915 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005916:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5917 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5918 ":endfor".
5919 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5920 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5921 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5922 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5923 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5924 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005925
5926:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5927:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5928 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5929 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5930 or autocommand invocations.
5931
5932 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5933 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5934 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5935 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5936 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5937 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5938 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5939 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5940 Example: >
5941 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5942 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5943<
5944 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5945 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5946 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5947 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5948 processing is not terminated.
5949
5950 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5951 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5952 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5953 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5954 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5955 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5956 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5957 the error number.
5958 Examples: >
5959 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5960 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5961<
5962 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5963:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5964 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5965 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5966 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5967 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5968 commands are skipped.
5969 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5970 Examples: >
5971 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5972 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5973 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5974 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5975 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5976 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5977 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5978 :catch " same as /.*/
5979<
5980 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5981 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5982 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5983 {pattern}.
5984 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5985 an error message because it may vary in different
5986 locales.
5987
5988 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5989:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5990 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5991 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5992 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5993 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5994 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5995
5996 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5997:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5998 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5999 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6000 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6001 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6002 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6003 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6004 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6005 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6006 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6007 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6008 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6009 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6010 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6011 is terminated.
6012 Example: >
6013 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6014<
6015
6016 *:ec* *:echo*
6017:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6018 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6019 Also see |:comment|.
6020 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6021 cursor to the first column.
6022 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6023 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6024 Example: >
6025 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
6026< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6027 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
6028 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
6029 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
6030 command. Example: >
6031 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6032<
6033 *:echon*
6034:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6035 |:comment|.
6036 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6037 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6038 Example: >
6039 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6040<
6041 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6042 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6043 command: >
6044 :!echo % --> filename
6045< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6046 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6047< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6048 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6049 :echo % --> nothing
6050< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6051 :echo "%" --> %
6052< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6053 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6054< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6055
6056 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6057:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6058 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6059 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6060 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6061< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6062 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6063
6064 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6065:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6066 message in the |message-history|.
6067 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6068 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6069 displayed, not interpreted.
6070 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6071 Example: >
6072 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
6073<
6074 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6075:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6076 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6077 script or function the line number will be added.
6078 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6079 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
6080 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6081 (see |try-echoerr|).
6082 Example: >
6083 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6084< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6085 And to get a beep: >
6086 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6087<
6088 *:exe* *:execute*
6089:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6090 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
6091 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
6092 used as the processed command, command line editing
6093 keys are not recognized.
6094 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6095 Examples: >
6096 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6097 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6098<
6099 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6100 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6101 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6102
6103< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6104 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6105 command: >
6106 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6107< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6108
6109 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006110 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6111 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006112 :execute 'while i > 5'
6113 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6114<
6115 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6116 completely in the executed string: >
6117 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6118<
6119
6120 *:comment*
6121 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6122 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6123 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6124 comment. Example: >
6125 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6126
6127==============================================================================
61288. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6129
6130The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6131explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6132
6133Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6134|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6135exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6136
6137
6138TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6139
6140Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6141use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6142a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6143 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6144|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6145a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6146be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6147which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6148clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6149
6150 :try
6151 : ...
6152 : ... TRY BLOCK
6153 : ...
6154 :catch /{pattern}/
6155 : ...
6156 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6157 : ...
6158 :catch /{pattern}/
6159 : ...
6160 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6161 : ...
6162 :finally
6163 : ...
6164 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6165 : ...
6166 :endtry
6167
6168The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6169appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6170from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6171 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6172is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6173script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6174 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6175lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6176patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6177after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6178executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6179":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6180(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6181continues in the following line as usual.
6182 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6183":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6184that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6185finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6186the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6187the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6188see |try-nesting|.
6189 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6190remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6191not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6192try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6193a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6194execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6195exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6196 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6197thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6198clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6199catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6200following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6201clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6202
6203The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6204a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6205try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6206from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6207sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6208":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6209":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6210from the finally clause.
6211 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6212try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6213clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6214":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6215clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6216":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6217this pending exception or command is discarded.
6218
6219For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6220
6221
6222NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6223
6224Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6225conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6226clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6227catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6228of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6229checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6230try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6231otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6232nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6233one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6234the inner try conditional.
6235
6236When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6237finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6238An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6239thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6240implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6241as usual.
6242
6243For examples see |throw-catch|.
6244
6245
6246EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6247
6248Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6249'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6250script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6251finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6252a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6253(see |debug-scripts|).
6254
6255
6256THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6257
6258You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6259and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6260 :throw 4711
6261 :throw "string"
6262< *throw-expression*
6263You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6264first, and the result is thrown: >
6265 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6266 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6267
6268An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6269command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6270The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6271 Example: >
6272
6273 :function! Foo(arg)
6274 : try
6275 : throw a:arg
6276 : catch /foo/
6277 : endtry
6278 : return 1
6279 :endfunction
6280 :
6281 :function! Bar()
6282 : echo "in Bar"
6283 : return 4710
6284 :endfunction
6285 :
6286 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6287
6288This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6289executed. >
6290 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6291however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6292
6293Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6294abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6295exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6296 Example: >
6297
6298 :if Foo("arrgh")
6299 : echo "then"
6300 :else
6301 : echo "else"
6302 :endif
6303
6304Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6305
6306 *catch-order*
6307Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6308commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6309command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6310gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6311 Example: >
6312
6313 :function! Foo(value)
6314 : try
6315 : throw a:value
6316 : catch /^\d\+$/
6317 : echo "Number thrown"
6318 : catch /.*/
6319 : echo "String thrown"
6320 : endtry
6321 :endfunction
6322 :
6323 :call Foo(0x1267)
6324 :call Foo('string')
6325
6326The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6327An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6328specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6329specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6330
6331 : catch /.*/
6332 : echo "String thrown"
6333 : catch /^\d\+$/
6334 : echo "Number thrown"
6335
6336The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6337never taken.
6338
6339 *throw-variables*
6340If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6341in the variable |v:exception|: >
6342
6343 : catch /^\d\+$/
6344 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6345
6346You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6347|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6348exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6349 Example: >
6350
6351 :function! Caught()
6352 : if v:exception != ""
6353 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6354 : else
6355 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6356 : endif
6357 :endfunction
6358 :
6359 :function! Foo()
6360 : try
6361 : try
6362 : try
6363 : throw 4711
6364 : finally
6365 : call Caught()
6366 : endtry
6367 : catch /.*/
6368 : call Caught()
6369 : throw "oops"
6370 : endtry
6371 : catch /.*/
6372 : call Caught()
6373 : finally
6374 : call Caught()
6375 : endtry
6376 :endfunction
6377 :
6378 :call Foo()
6379
6380This displays >
6381
6382 Nothing caught
6383 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6384 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6385 Nothing caught
6386
6387A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6388number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6389
6390 :function! LineNumber()
6391 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6392 :endfunction
6393 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6394<
6395 *try-nested*
6396An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6397a surrounding try conditional: >
6398
6399 :try
6400 : try
6401 : throw "foo"
6402 : catch /foobar/
6403 : echo "foobar"
6404 : finally
6405 : echo "inner finally"
6406 : endtry
6407 :catch /foo/
6408 : echo "foo"
6409 :endtry
6410
6411The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6412clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6413conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6414
6415 *throw-from-catch*
6416You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6417catch clause: >
6418
6419 :function! Foo()
6420 : throw "foo"
6421 :endfunction
6422 :
6423 :function! Bar()
6424 : try
6425 : call Foo()
6426 : catch /foo/
6427 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6428 : throw "bar"
6429 : endtry
6430 :endfunction
6431 :
6432 :try
6433 : call Bar()
6434 :catch /.*/
6435 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6436 :endtry
6437
6438This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6439
6440 *rethrow*
6441There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6442"v:exception" instead: >
6443
6444 :function! Bar()
6445 : try
6446 : call Foo()
6447 : catch /.*/
6448 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6449 : throw v:exception
6450 : endtry
6451 :endfunction
6452< *try-echoerr*
6453Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6454exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6455Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6456denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6457the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6458
6459 :try
6460 : try
6461 : asdf
6462 : catch /.*/
6463 : echoerr v:exception
6464 : endtry
6465 :catch /.*/
6466 : echo v:exception
6467 :endtry
6468
6469This code displays
6470
6471 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6472
6473
6474CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6475
6476Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6477user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6478an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6479a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6480catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6481a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6482normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6483(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6484to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6485clause has been executed.)
6486Example: >
6487
6488 :try
6489 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6490 : set ts=17
6491 :
6492 : " Do the hard work here.
6493 :
6494 :finally
6495 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6496 : unlet s:saved_ts
6497 :endtry
6498
6499This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6500changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6501that function or script part.
6502
6503 *break-finally*
6504Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6505a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6506 Example: >
6507
6508 :let first = 1
6509 :while 1
6510 : try
6511 : if first
6512 : echo "first"
6513 : let first = 0
6514 : continue
6515 : else
6516 : throw "second"
6517 : endif
6518 : catch /.*/
6519 : echo v:exception
6520 : break
6521 : finally
6522 : echo "cleanup"
6523 : endtry
6524 : echo "still in while"
6525 :endwhile
6526 :echo "end"
6527
6528This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6529
6530 :function! Foo()
6531 : try
6532 : return 4711
6533 : finally
6534 : echo "cleanup\n"
6535 : endtry
6536 : echo "Foo still active"
6537 :endfunction
6538 :
6539 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6540
6541This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6542extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6543return value.)
6544
6545 *except-from-finally*
6546Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6547a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6548cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6549exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6550 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6551working correctly: >
6552
6553 :try
6554 : try
6555 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6556 : while 1
6557 : endwhile
6558 : finally
6559 : unlet novar
6560 : endtry
6561 :catch /novar/
6562 :endtry
6563 :echo "Script still running"
6564 :sleep 1
6565
6566If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6567think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6568|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6569
6570
6571CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6572
6573If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6574watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6575presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6576exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6577the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6578the error exception is.
6579 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6580
6581 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6582or >
6583 Vim:{errmsg}
6584
6585{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6586the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6587when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6588a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6589a space.
6590
6591Examples:
6592
6593The command >
6594 :unlet novar
6595normally produces the error message >
6596 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6597which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6598 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6599
6600The command >
6601 :dwim
6602normally produces the error message >
6603 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6604which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6605 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6606
6607You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6608 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6609or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6610 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6611
6612Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6613 :function nofunc
6614and >
6615 :delfunction nofunc
6616both produce the error message >
6617 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6618which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6619 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6620or >
6621 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6622respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6623command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6624 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6625
6626Some commands like >
6627 :let x = novar
6628produce multiple error messages, here: >
6629 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6630 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6631Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6632one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6633 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6634
6635You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6636 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6637
6638You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6639 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6640
6641You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6642 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6643<
6644 *catch-text*
6645NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6646 :catch /No such variable/
6647only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6648a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6649cite the message text in a comment: >
6650 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6651
6652
6653IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6654
6655You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6656
6657 :try
6658 : write
6659 :catch
6660 :endtry
6661
6662But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6663catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6664be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6665
6666 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6667
6668There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6669writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6670then hide the error from the user.
6671 It is much better to use >
6672
6673 :try
6674 : write
6675 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6676 :endtry
6677
6678which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6679intentionally.
6680
6681For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6682even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6683command: >
6684 :silent! nunmap k
6685This works also when a try conditional is active.
6686
6687
6688CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6689
6690When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6691the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6692script is not terminated, then.
6693 Example: >
6694
6695 :function! TASK1()
6696 : sleep 10
6697 :endfunction
6698
6699 :function! TASK2()
6700 : sleep 20
6701 :endfunction
6702
6703 :while 1
6704 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6705 : try
6706 : if command == ""
6707 : continue
6708 : elseif command == "END"
6709 : break
6710 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6711 : call TASK1()
6712 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6713 : call TASK2()
6714 : else
6715 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6716 : continue
6717 : endif
6718 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6719 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6720 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6721 : endtry
6722 :endwhile
6723
6724You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6725a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6726
6727For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6728your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6729command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6730
6731
6732CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6733
6734The commands >
6735
6736 :catch /.*/
6737 :catch //
6738 :catch
6739
6740catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6741explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6742a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6743 Example: >
6744
6745 :try
6746 :
6747 : " do the hard work here
6748 :
6749 :catch /MyException/
6750 :
6751 : " handle known problem
6752 :
6753 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6754 : echo "Script interrupted"
6755 :catch /.*/
6756 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6757 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6758 :endtry
6759 :" end of script
6760
6761Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6762strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6763specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6764 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6765by pressing CTRL-C: >
6766
6767 :while 1
6768 : try
6769 : sleep 1
6770 : catch
6771 : endtry
6772 :endwhile
6773
6774
6775EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6776
6777Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6778
6779 :autocmd User x try
6780 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6781 :autocmd User x catch
6782 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6783 :autocmd User x endtry
6784 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6785 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6786 :
6787 :try
6788 : doautocmd User x
6789 :catch
6790 : echo v:exception
6791 :endtry
6792
6793This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6794
6795 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6796For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6797command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6798of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6799abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6800 Example: >
6801
6802 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6803 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6804 :
6805 :try
6806 : write
6807 :catch
6808 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6809 :endtry
6810
6811Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6812you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6813autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6814script displays: >
6815
6816 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6817<
6818 *except-autocmd-Post*
6819For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6820command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6821an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6822is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6823 Example: >
6824
6825 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6826 :
6827 :try
6828 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6829 :catch
6830 : echo v:exception
6831 :endtry
6832
6833This just displays: >
6834
6835 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6836
6837If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6838fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6839 Example: >
6840
6841 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6842 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6843 :
6844 :try
6845 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6846 :catch
6847 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6848 :endtry
6849<
6850You can also use ":silent!": >
6851
6852 :let x = "ok"
6853 :let v:errmsg = ""
6854 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6855 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6856 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6857 :try
6858 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6859 :catch
6860 :endtry
6861 :echo x
6862
6863This displays "after fail".
6864
6865If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6866autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6867
6868 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6869 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6870 :
6871 :try
6872 : write
6873 :catch
6874 : echo v:exception
6875 :endtry
6876<
6877 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6878For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6879autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6880of the command.
6881 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6882had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6883some way. >
6884
6885 :if !exists("cnt")
6886 : let cnt = 0
6887 :
6888 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6889 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6890 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6891 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6892 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6893 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6894 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6895 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6896 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6897 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6898 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6899 :endif
6900 :
6901 :try
6902 : write
6903 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6904 : if &modified
6905 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6906 : else
6907 : echo "Error after writing"
6908 : endif
6909 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6910 : echo "Error on writing"
6911 :endtry
6912
6913When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6914first >
6915 File successfully written!
6916then >
6917 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6918then >
6919 Error after writing
6920etc.
6921
6922 *except-autocmd-ill*
6923You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6924The following code is ill-formed: >
6925
6926 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6927 :
6928 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6929 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6930 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6931 :
6932 :write
6933
6934
6935EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6936
6937Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6938pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6939similar things in Vim.
6940 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6941class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6942string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6943 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6944it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6945for an error when writing "myfile".
6946 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6947base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6948parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6949 Example: >
6950
6951 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6952 : if a:a < 0
6953 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6954 : endif
6955 :endfunction
6956 :
6957 :function! Add(a, b)
6958 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6959 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6960 : let c = a:a + a:b
6961 : if c < 0
6962 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6963 : endif
6964 : return c
6965 :endfunction
6966 :
6967 :function! Div(a, b)
6968 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6969 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6970 : if (a:b == 0)
6971 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6972 : endif
6973 : return a:a / a:b
6974 :endfunction
6975 :
6976 :function! Write(file)
6977 : try
6978 : execute "write" a:file
6979 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6980 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6981 : endtry
6982 :endfunction
6983 :
6984 :try
6985 :
6986 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6987 :
6988 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6989 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6990 : echo "Range error in" function
6991 :
6992 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6993 : echo "Math error"
6994 :
6995 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6996 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6997 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6998 : if file !~ '^/'
6999 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7000 : endif
7001 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7002 :
7003 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7004 : echo "Unspecified error"
7005 :
7006 :endtry
7007
7008The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7009a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7010exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7011 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7012failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7013
7014
7015PECULIARITIES
7016 *except-compat*
7017The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7018exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7019and/or a catch clause.
7020
7021In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7022continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7023after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7024functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7025or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7026(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7027
7028This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7029immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
7030conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7031be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
7032termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7033catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7034by specifying a finally clause.)
7035
7036When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7037behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7038scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7039
7040However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7041commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7042conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7043script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7044error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7045messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
7046|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7047not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
7048where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7049error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7050scripts.
7051
7052 *except-syntax-err*
7053Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7054the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7055clauses, however, is executed.
7056 Example: >
7057
7058 :try
7059 : try
7060 : throw 4711
7061 : catch /\(/
7062 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7063 : catch
7064 : echo "inner catch-all"
7065 : finally
7066 : echo "inner finally"
7067 : endtry
7068 :catch
7069 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7070 : finally
7071 : echo "outer finally"
7072 :endtry
7073
7074This displays: >
7075 inner finally
7076 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7077 outer finally
7078The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7079
7080 *except-single-line*
7081The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7082a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7083"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7084 Example: >
7085 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7086raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7087argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7088error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7089displayed.
7090
7091 *except-several-errors*
7092When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7093usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7094 Example: >
7095 echo novar
7096causes >
7097 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7098 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7099The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7100 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7101< *except-syntax-error*
7102But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7103the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7104 Example: >
7105 unlet novar #
7106causes >
7107 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7108 E488: Trailing characters
7109The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7110 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7111This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7112not intended by the user. Example: >
7113 try
7114 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7115 catch /.*/
7116 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7117 endtry
7118This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7119a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7120
7121==============================================================================
71229. Examples *eval-examples*
7123
7124Printing in Hex ~
7125>
7126 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
7127 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
7128 : let n = a:nr
7129 : let r = ""
7130 : while n
7131 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
7132 : let n = n / 16
7133 : endwhile
7134 : return r
7135 :endfunc
7136
7137 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
7138 :" character Hex string.
7139 :func String2Hex(str)
7140 : let out = ''
7141 : let ix = 0
7142 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
7143 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7144 : let ix = ix + 1
7145 : endwhile
7146 : return out
7147 :endfunc
7148
7149Example of its use: >
7150 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
7151result: "20" >
7152 :echo String2Hex("32")
7153result: "3332"
7154
7155
7156Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
7157
7158Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
7159":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
7160platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
7161function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
7162with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
7163>
7164 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
7165 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
7166 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
7167 : return -1
7168 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
7169 : return 1
7170 : else
7171 : return 0
7172 : endif
7173 :endfunction
7174
7175 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
7176 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
7177 : if (a:start >= a:end)
7178 : return
7179 : endif
7180 : let partition = a:start - 1
7181 : let middle = partition
7182 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
7183 : let i = a:start
7184 : while (i <= a:end)
7185 : let str = getline(i)
7186 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
7187 : if (result <= 0)
7188 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
7189 : let partition = partition + 1
7190 : if (result == 0)
7191 : let middle = partition
7192 : endif
7193 : if (i != partition)
7194 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7195 : call setline(i, str2)
7196 : call setline(partition, str)
7197 : endif
7198 : endif
7199 : let i = i + 1
7200 : endwhile
7201
7202 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
7203 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
7204 : " the end of the partition.
7205 : if (middle != partition)
7206 : let str = getline(middle)
7207 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7208 : call setline(middle, str2)
7209 : call setline(partition, str)
7210 : endif
7211 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
7212 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
7213 :endfunc
7214
7215 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
7216 :" function that will compare two lines.
7217 :func! Sort(cmp) range
7218 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
7219 :endfunc
7220
7221 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
7222 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
7223<
7224 *sscanf*
7225There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7226line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7227how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7228"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7229 :" Set up the match bit
7230 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7231 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7232 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7233 :"get each item out of the match
7234 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7235 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7236 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7237
7238The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7239"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7240
7241==============================================================================
724210. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7243
7244When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7245evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7246to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7247recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7248and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7249only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7250recognized.
7251
7252Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7253missing: >
7254
7255 :if 1
7256 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7257 :else
7258 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7259 :endif
7260
7261==============================================================================
726211. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7263
7264The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7265options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7266these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7267these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007268a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007269The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007270
7271These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7272 - changing the buffer text
7273 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7274 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7275 - executing a shell command
7276 - reading or writing a file
7277 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007278 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007279This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7280
7281 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007282:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007283 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7284 'foldexpr'.
7285
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007286 *sandbox-option*
7287A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007288have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007289restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7290location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007291- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007292- while executing in the sandbox
7293- value coming from a modeline
7294
7295Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7296option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7297
7298==============================================================================
729912. Textlock *textlock*
7300
7301In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7302to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7303is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7304actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7305happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7306
7307This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7308 - changing the buffer text
7309 - jumping to another buffer or window
7310 - editing another file
7311 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7312 - etc.
7313
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007314
7315 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: