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Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Dec 19
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000039There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000053Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
54 value. |Dictionary|
55 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
56
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000057The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
58are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000059
60Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
61the Number. Examples: >
62 Number 123 --> String "123"
63 Number 0 --> String "0"
64 Number -1 --> String "-1"
65
66Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
67to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
68the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
69 String "456" --> Number 456
70 String "6bar" --> Number 6
71 String "foo" --> Number 0
72 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
73 String "0100" --> Number 64
74 String "-8" --> Number -8
75 String "+8" --> Number 0
76
77To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
78 :echo "0100" + 0
79
80For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
81
82Note that in the command >
83 :if "foo"
84"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
85use strlen(): >
86 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000087< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
88List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 *E706*
91You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
92to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000093equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000095 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000096 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000991.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000100 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000101A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000102in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
103around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000104
105 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
106 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000108A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
109have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000110
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000111A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
112Dictionary entry. Example: >
113 :function dict.init() dict
114 : let self.val = 0
115 :endfunction
116
117The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
118function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
119
120A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
121 :call Fn()
122 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000123
124The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000126
127You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
128arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000129 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130
131
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001321.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000133 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000134A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
135can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
136position in the sequence.
137
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138
139List creation ~
140 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000142Examples: >
143 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
144 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147nested List: >
148 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000149
150An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
151
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152
153List index ~
154 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000155An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000156after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
157 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000160When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
164the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000165 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
166
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000167To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000168is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169 :echo get(mylist, idx)
170 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
171
172
173List concatenation ~
174
175Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
176 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000177 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178
179To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
180it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
181
182
183Sublist ~
184
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000185A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
186separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000187 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000188
189Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
190similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
191available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000192 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
193 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
194 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000195
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000196The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
197is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
198 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
199 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
200
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000201NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
202using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
203mylist[s : e].
204
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000206List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000207 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
209variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
210change "bb": >
211 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
212 :let bb = aa
213 :call add(aa, 4)
214 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000215< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216
217Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
218works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000219a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
221 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
224 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000229To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231
232The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234the same value. >
235 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
236 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000240< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000241
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000242Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
243same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000244exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
245different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
246variables. Example: >
247 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000248< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250< 0
251
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
253can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
254
255 :let a = 5
256 :let b = "5"
257 echo a == b
258< 1 >
259 echo [a] == [b]
260< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262
263List unpack ~
264
265To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
266square brackets, like list items: >
267 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
268
269When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
270this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
271and a variable name: >
272 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
273
274This works like: >
275 :let var1 = mylist[0]
276 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000277 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278
279Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
280empty list then.
281
282
283List modification ~
284 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286 :let list[4] = "four"
287 :let listlist[0][3] = item
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000290modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000291 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
292
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
294examples: >
295 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
296 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
297 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000299 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
300 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000301 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000303 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000307 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
308 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
311For loop ~
312
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000313The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
314to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315 :for item in mylist
316 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000317 :endfor
318
319This works like: >
320 :let index = 0
321 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000322 : let item = mylist[index]
323 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000324 : let index = index + 1
325 :endwhile
326
327Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000328results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000329the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000331If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000332function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000333
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
335requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
336 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
337 : call Doit(lnum, col)
338 :endfor
339
340This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
341must remain the same to avoid an error.
342
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
345 : call Doit(i, j)
346 : if !empty(rest)
347 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
348 : endif
349 :endfor
350
351
352List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000354Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000355 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000357 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
358 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
359 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
361 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
363 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000364 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
365 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000366 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
367 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000368
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000369Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
370example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
371 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
372
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003741.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000377entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
378ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000379
380
381Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
385only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000386 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
387 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000388< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000389A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
390String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000391entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
392Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000394A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000395nested Dictionary: >
396 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
397
398An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
399
400
401Accessing entries ~
402
403The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
404 :let val = mydict["one"]
405 :let mydict["four"] = 4
406
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000407You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000408
409For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
410form can be used |expr-entry|: >
411 :let val = mydict.one
412 :let mydict.four = 4
413
414Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
415key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000416 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000417
418
419Dictionary to List conversion ~
420
421You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
422turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
423
424Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
425 :for key in keys(mydict)
426 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
427 :endfor
428
429The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
430 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
431
432To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
433 :for v in values(mydict)
434 : echo "value: " . v
435 :endfor
436
437If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000438a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000439 :for entry in items(mydict)
440 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
441 :endfor
442
443
444Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000445 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
447Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
448Dictionary: >
449 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
450 :let adict = onedict
451 :let adict['a'] = 11
452 :echo onedict['a']
453 11
454
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000455Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
456more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000457
458
459Dictionary modification ~
460 *dict-modification*
461To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
462use |:let| this way: >
463 :let dict[4] = "four"
464 :let dict['one'] = item
465
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000466Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
467Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
468 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
469 :unlet dict.aaa
470 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000471
472Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000473 :call extend(adict, bdict)
474This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
475in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000476Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
477expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
478adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000481 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000482This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483
484
485Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000487When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
488special way with a dictionary. Example: >
489 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000492 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
493 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000494
495This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
496Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
497the function was invoked from.
498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
500Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
501
502 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
504assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000505 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
506 :function mydict.len() dict
507 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000509 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000511The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
512that references this function. The function can only be used through a
513|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
514remaining that refers to it.
515
516It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000517
518
519Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000520 *E715*
521Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
523 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
524 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
525 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
526 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
527 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
528 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
529 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000530
531
5321.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000533 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000534If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
535function.
536
537When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
538start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
539stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
540
541When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
542start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
543stored in the session file |session-file|.
544
545variable name can be stored where ~
546my_var_6 not
547My_Var_6 session file
548MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
549
550
551It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
552|curly-braces-names|.
553
554==============================================================================
5552. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
556
557Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
558
559|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
560
561|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
562
563|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
564
565|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
566 expr5 != expr5 not equal
567 expr5 > expr5 greater than
568 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
569 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
570 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
571 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
572 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
573
574 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
575 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
576 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
577 matching case
578
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000579 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
580 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
581
582|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000583 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
584 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
585
586|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
587 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
588 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
589
590|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
591 - expr7 unary minus
592 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000595|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
596 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
597 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
598 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
599
600|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000601 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000602 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000603 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605 &option option value
606 (expr1) nested expression
607 variable internal variable
608 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
609 $VAR environment variable
610 @r contents of register 'r'
611 function(expr1, ...) function call
612 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
613
614
615".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
616Example: >
617 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
618
619All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
620
621
622expr1 *expr1* *E109*
623-----
624
625expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
626
627The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
628non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
629otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
630Example: >
631 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
632
633Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
634other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
637
638To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
639 :echo lnum == 1
640 :\ ? "top"
641 :\ : lnum == 1000
642 :\ ? "last"
643 :\ : lnum
644
645
646expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
647---------------
648
649 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
650The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
651are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
652
653 input output ~
654n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
655zero zero zero zero
656zero non-zero non-zero zero
657non-zero zero non-zero zero
658non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
659
660The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
661
662 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
663
664Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
665
666 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
667
668Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
669arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
670
671 let a = 1
672 echo a || b
673
674This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
675so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
676
677 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
678
679This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
680only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
681
682
683expr4 *expr4*
684-----
685
686expr5 {cmp} expr5
687
688Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
689if it evaluates to true.
690
691 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
692 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
693 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
694 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
695 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
696 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000697 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000698 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
699equal == ==# ==?
700not equal != !=# !=?
701greater than > ># >?
702greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
703smaller than < <# <?
704smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
705regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
706regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000707same instance is
708different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709
710Examples:
711"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
712"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
713"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
714
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000715 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000716A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
717can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
718case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
719
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000720 *E735* *E736*
721A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
722equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
723recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
724
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000725 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000726A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
727can be used. Case is never ignored.
728
729When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
730referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
731original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
732"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
733different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
734is false.
735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
737and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
738because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
739
740When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
741results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
742necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
743
744When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
745'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
746
747When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
748'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
749
750The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
751argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
752This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
753matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
754portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
755single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
756Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
757(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
758can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
759 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
761
762
763expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
764---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
766expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
767expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000769For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
770is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
771
772expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
773expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
774expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
777
778Note the difference between "+" and ".":
779 "123" + "456" = 579
780 "123" . "456" = "123456"
781
782When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
783When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000785None of these work for Funcrefs.
786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000787
788expr7 *expr7*
789-----
790! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
791- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
792+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
793
794For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
795For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
796For '+' the number is unchanged.
797
798A String will be converted to a Number first.
799
800These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
801 !-1 == 0
802 !!8 == 1
803 --9 == 9
804
805
806expr8 *expr8*
807-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000808expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000810If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
811expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000814Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
815text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
816cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
818
819If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
821compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
825error. Example: >
826 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
827
828Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
829or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
830
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000831
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000832expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
835from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
837encodings.
838
839If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
840string minus one is used.
841
842A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
843the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
844
845If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
846expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
847
848Examples: >
849 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
850 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
851 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
852 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000855indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
856above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
857 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
858 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
859 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000864expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000865
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000866If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
867will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
869The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
870but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
871
872There must not be white space before or after the dot.
873
874Examples: >
875 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
876 :echo dict.one
877 :echo dict .2
878
879Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
880always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
881
882
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000883expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
884
885When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
886
887
888
889 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000890number
891------
892number number constant *expr-number*
893
894Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
895
896
897string *expr-string* *E114*
898------
899"string" string constant *expr-quote*
900
901Note that double quotes are used.
902
903A string constant accepts these special characters:
904\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
905\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
906\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
907\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
908\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
909\X.. same as \x..
910\X. same as \x.
911\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
912 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
913\U.... same as \u....
914\b backspace <BS>
915\e escape <Esc>
916\f formfeed <FF>
917\n newline <NL>
918\r return <CR>
919\t tab <Tab>
920\\ backslash
921\" double quote
922\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
923
924Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
925
926
927literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
928---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000929'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000930
931Note that single quotes are used.
932
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000934meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000935
936Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
937to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
938 if a =~ "\\s*"
939 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000940
941
942option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
943------
944&option option value, local value if possible
945&g:option global option value
946&l:option local option value
947
948Examples: >
949 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
950 if &insertmode
951
952Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
953and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
954anyway.
955
956
957register *expr-register*
958--------
959@r contents of register 'r'
960
961The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
962Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000963register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
964registers.
965
966When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
967evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000968
969
970nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
971-------
972(expr1) nested expression
973
974
975environment variable *expr-env*
976--------------------
977$VAR environment variable
978
979The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
980result is an empty string.
981 *expr-env-expand*
982Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
983expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
984are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
985the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
986fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
987does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
988 :echo $version
989 :echo expand("$version")
990The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
991variable (if your shell supports it).
992
993
994internal variable *expr-variable*
995-----------------
996variable internal variable
997See below |internal-variables|.
998
999
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001000function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001-------------
1002function(expr1, ...) function call
1003See below |functions|.
1004
1005
1006==============================================================================
10073. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1008 *E461*
1009An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1010cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1011|curly-braces-names|.
1012
1013An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001014An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1015|:unlet|.
1016Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1017been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001018
1019There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1020specified by what is prepended:
1021
1022 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1023|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1024|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1025|global-variable| g: Global.
1026|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1027|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1028|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1029|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1030
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001031The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1032all script-local variables: >
1033 :for k in keys(s:)
1034 : unlet s:[k]
1035 :endfor
1036<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1038A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1039Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1040This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1041|:bdelete|.
1042
1043One local buffer variable is predefined:
1044 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1045b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1046 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1047 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1048 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1049 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1050 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1051 : call My_Update()
1052 :endif
1053<
1054 *window-variable* *w:var*
1055A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1056is deleted when the window is closed.
1057
1058 *global-variable* *g:var*
1059Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1060access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1061place if you like.
1062
1063 *local-variable* *l:var*
1064Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1065But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1066
1067 *script-variable* *s:var*
1068In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1069accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1070
1071They can be used in:
1072- commands executed while the script is sourced
1073- functions defined in the script
1074- autocommands defined in the script
1075- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1076 defined in the script (recursively)
1077- user defined commands defined in the script
1078Thus not in:
1079- other scripts sourced from this one
1080- mappings
1081- etc.
1082
1083script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1084Take this example:
1085
1086 let s:counter = 0
1087 function MyCounter()
1088 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1089 echo s:counter
1090 endfunction
1091 command Tick call MyCounter()
1092
1093You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1094that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1095"Tick" was defined is used.
1096
1097Another example that does the same: >
1098
1099 let s:counter = 0
1100 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1101
1102When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001103script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104defined.
1105
1106The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1107function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1108
1109 let s:counter = 0
1110 function StartCounting(incr)
1111 if a:incr
1112 function MyCounter()
1113 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1114 endfunction
1115 else
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1118 endfunction
1119 endif
1120 endfunction
1121
1122This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1123when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1124called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1125
1126When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1127They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1128maintain a counter: >
1129
1130 if !exists("s:counter")
1131 let s:counter = 1
1132 echo "script executed for the first time"
1133 else
1134 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1135 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1136 endif
1137
1138Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1139variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1140
1141
1142Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1143
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001144 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1145v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1146 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1147 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1148
1149 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1150v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1151 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1154v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001158v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1159 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1160 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1161 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001162 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1163 highlighted text is used.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1167v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1171v:charconvert_from
1172 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1173 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1174
1175 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1176v:charconvert_to
1177 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1178 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1179
1180 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1181v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1182 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1183 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1184 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1185 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1186 possible to append this variable directly after the
1187 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1188 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1189 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1190 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1191 in 'printexpr'.
1192
1193 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1194v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1195 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1196 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1197 can be used.
1198
1199 *v:count* *count-variable*
1200v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1201 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1202 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1203< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1204 get when typing ':' after a count.
1205 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1206
1207 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1208v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1209 used.
1210
1211 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1212v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1213 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1214 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1215 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1216 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1217 command.
1218 See |multi-lang|.
1219
1220 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1221v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1222 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1223 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1224 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1225 Example: >
1226 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1227<
1228 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1229v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1230 Example: >
1231 :let v:errmsg = ""
1232 :silent! next
1233 :if v:errmsg != ""
1234 : ... handle error
1235< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1236
1237 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1238v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1239 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1240 Example: >
1241 :try
1242 : throw "oops"
1243 :catch /.*/
1244 : echo "caught" v:exception
1245 :endtry
1246< Output: "caught oops".
1247
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001248 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1249v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1250 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1251 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1252 deleted file no longer exists
1253 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1254 changed and buffer is modified
1255 changed file contents has changed
1256 mode mode of file changed
1257 time only file timestamp changed
1258
1259 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1260v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1261 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1262 do with the affected buffer:
1263 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1264 the file was deleted).
1265 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1266 was no autocommand. Except that when
1267 only the timestamp changed nothing
1268 will happen.
1269 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1270 everything that needs to be done.
1271 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1272 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001275v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001276 option used for ~
1277 'charconvert' file to be converted
1278 'diffexpr' original file
1279 'patchexpr' original file
1280 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001281 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001282
1283 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1284v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1285 evaluating:
1286 option used for ~
1287 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1288 'diffexpr' output of diff
1289 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1290 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1291 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1292 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1293 file and different from v:fname_in.
1294
1295 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1296v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1297 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1298
1299 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1300v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1301 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1302
1303 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1304v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1305 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001306 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001307
1308 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1309v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001310 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001311
1312 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1313v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001314 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001315
1316 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1317v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001318 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001319
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001320 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1321v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1322 events. Values:
1323 i Insert mode
1324 r Replace mode
1325 v Virtual Replace mode
1326
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001327 *v:key* *key-variable*
1328v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1329 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1330 Read-only.
1331
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001332 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1333v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1334 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1335 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1336 The value is system dependent.
1337 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1338 command.
1339 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1340 in a different language than what is used for character
1341 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1342
1343 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1344v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1345 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1346 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1347 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1348 command. See |multi-lang|.
1349
1350 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001351v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1352 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1353 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001354
1355 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1356v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1357 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1358 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1359 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1360< Read-only.
1361
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001362 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1363v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1364 See |profiling|.
1365
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001366 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1367v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1368 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1369 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1370 Read-only.
1371
1372 *v:register* *register-variable*
1373v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1374 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1375
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001376 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1377v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1378 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1379 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1380 typed command.
1381 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1382 hit-enter prompt.
1383
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001384 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1385v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1386 Read-only.
1387
1388 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1389v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1390 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1391 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1392 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1393 executed. Read-only.
1394 Example: >
1395 :!mv foo bar
1396 :if v:shell_error
1397 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1398 :endif
1399< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1400
1401 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1402v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1403
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001404 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1405v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1406 the swap file found. Read-only.
1407
1408 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1409v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1410 for handling an existing swap file:
1411 'o' Open read-only
1412 'e' Edit anyway
1413 'r' Recover
1414 'd' Delete swapfile
1415 'q' Quit
1416 'a' Abort
1417 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1418 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1419 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1420
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001421 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
1422v:swapcommand Normal mode ommand to be executed after a file has been
1423 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1424 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1425 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
1426
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001427 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1428v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1429 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1430 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1431 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1432 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1433 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1434 terminal.
1435 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1436 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1437 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1438 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1439 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1440
1441 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1442v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1443 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1444 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1445 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1446
1447 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1448v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1449 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1450 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1451 Example: >
1452 :try
1453 : throw "oops"
1454 :catch /.*/
1455 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1456 :endtry
1457< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1458
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001459 *v:val* *val-variable*
1460v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1461 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1462 |filter()|. Read-only.
1463
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001464 *v:version* *version-variable*
1465v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1466 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1467 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1468 compatibility.
1469 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1470 if has("patch123")
1471< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1472 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1473 completely different.
1474
1475 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1476v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1477
1478==============================================================================
14794. Builtin Functions *functions*
1480
1481See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1482
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001483(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484
1485USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1486
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001487add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001488append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001489append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001490argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001491argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001492argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1493browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1494 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001495browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001497buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1498bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001499bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1500bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1501bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1502byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001503byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001504call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1505 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001506char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001507cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001508col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001509complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1510complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001511confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1512 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001513copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001514count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1515 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001516cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1517 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001518cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1519deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1521did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001522diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1523diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001524empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001525escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001526eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001527eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1529exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1530expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1531filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001532filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1533 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001534finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1535 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001536findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001537 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001538filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1539fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001540foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1541foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001542foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001543foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001544foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001545function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001546get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001547get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001548getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1549 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001550getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1551getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001552getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1553getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1554getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001555getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001556getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001557getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1558getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001559getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001560getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001561getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001562getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1563getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001564getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001565getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001566getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001567getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1568getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1569getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1570glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1571globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1572has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001573has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001574hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1575histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1576histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1577histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1578histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1579hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1580hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1581hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001582iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1583indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001584index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1585 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001586input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1587 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001588inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001589inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1590inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001591inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001592insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001594islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001595items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001596join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001597keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001598len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1599libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001600libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1601line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1602line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001603lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001605map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001606maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1607mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001608match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001609 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001610matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001611 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001612matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1613 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001614matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1615 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001616max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1617min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001618mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1619 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001620mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001621nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1622nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1623prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001624printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001625range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1626 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001627readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1628 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1630 String send expression
1631remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1632remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1633 Number check for reply string
1634remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1635remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1636 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001637remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001638remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001639rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1640repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1641resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001642reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001643search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001644searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1645 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001646searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001647 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001648server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1649 Number send reply string
1650serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1651setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1652setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1653setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001654setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001655setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001656setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001657simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001658sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001659soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001660spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001661spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1662 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001663split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1664 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001665strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001666stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1667 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001668string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001669strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1670strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1671 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001672strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1673 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001674strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001675submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001676substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1677 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001678synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001679synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1680 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1681synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001682system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001683taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
1684tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001685tempname() String name for a temporary file
1686tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1687toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001688tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1689 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001690type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001691values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001692virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1693visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1694winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1695wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1696winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1697winline() Number window line of the cursor
1698winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001699winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001700winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001701writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1702 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001703
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001704add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1705 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001706 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001707 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1708 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1709< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001710 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001711 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001712
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001713
1714append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001715 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001716 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001717 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1718 the current buffer.
1719 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001720 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1721 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001722 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001723 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001724<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001725 *argc()*
1726argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1727 current window. See |arglist|.
1728
1729 *argidx()*
1730argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1731 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1732
1733 *argv()*
1734argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1735 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1736 Example: >
1737 :let i = 0
1738 :while i < argc()
1739 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1740 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1741 : let i = i + 1
1742 :endwhile
1743<
1744 *browse()*
1745browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1746 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1747 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1748 The input fields are:
1749 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1750 {title} title for the requester
1751 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1752 {default} default file name
1753 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1754 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1755
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001756 *browsedir()*
1757browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1758 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1759 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1760 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1761 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1762 to be used.
1763 The input fields are:
1764 {title} title for the requester
1765 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1766 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1767 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1768
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001769bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1770 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1771 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001772 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001773 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001774 exactly. The name can be:
1775 - Relative to the current directory.
1776 - A full path.
1777 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1778 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001779 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1780 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1781 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1782 long name to be able to find them.
1783 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1784 file name.
1785 *buffer_exists()*
1786 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1787
1788buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1789 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1790 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001791 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001792
1793bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1794 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1795 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001796 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001797
1798bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1799 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1800 ":ls" command.
1801 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1802 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1803 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1804 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1805 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1806 match an empty string is returned.
1807 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1808 alternate buffer.
1809 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1810 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1811 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1812 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1813 buffers are searched for.
1814 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1815 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1816 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1817< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1818 string is returned. >
1819 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1820 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1821 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1822 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1823< *buffer_name()*
1824 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1825
1826 *bufnr()*
1827bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1828 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1829 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1830 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1831 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1832< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1833 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1834 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1835 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1836 *buffer_number()*
1837 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1838 *last_buffer_nr()*
1839 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1840
1841bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1842 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1843 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1844 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1845 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1846
1847 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1848
1849< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1850 |:wincmd|.
1851
1852
1853byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1854 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1855 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1856 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1857 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1858 one.
1859 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1860 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1861 feature}
1862
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001863byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1864 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1865 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1866 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1867 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1868 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1869 Example : >
1870 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1871< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1872 same: >
1873 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1874 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1875< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1876 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1877 is returned.
1878
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001879call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001880 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1881 arguments.
1882 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1883 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1884 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001885 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1886 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001887
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001888char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1889 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1890 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1891 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1892< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1893 char2nr("á") returns 225
1894 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001895< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001896
1897cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1898 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1899 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1900 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1901 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1902 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1903 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001904 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001905
1906 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001907col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001908 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1909 . the cursor position
1910 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1911 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1912 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1913 returned)
1914 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1915 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1916 Examples: >
1917 col(".") column of cursor
1918 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1919 col("'t") column of mark t
1920 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1921< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1922 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1923 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1924 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1925 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1926 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1927 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1928 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1929<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001930
1931complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
1932 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
1933 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
1934 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
1935 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
1936 the list.
1937
1938complete_check() *complete_check()*
1939 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
1940 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
1941 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
1942 zero otherwise.
1943 Only to be used by the function specified with the
1944 'completefunc' option.
1945
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001946 *confirm()*
1947confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1948 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1949 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1950 choice this is 1.
1951 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1952 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1953 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1954 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1955 used (and translated).
1956 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1957 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1958 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1959 by '\n', e.g. >
1960 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1961< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1962 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1963 not need to be the first letter: >
1964 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1965< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1966 the default shortcut key.
1967 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1968 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1969 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1970 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1971 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1972 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1973 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1974 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1975 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1976 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1977 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1978
1979 An example: >
1980 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1981 :if choice == 0
1982 : echo "make up your mind!"
1983 :elseif choice == 3
1984 : echo "tasteful"
1985 :else
1986 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1987 :endif
1988< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1989 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1990 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1991 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1992 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1993 the horizontal layout is always used.
1994
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001995 *copy()*
1996copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1997 different from using {expr} directly.
1998 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1999 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2000 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
2001 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
2002 |deepcopy()|.
2003
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002004count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002005 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002006 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
2007 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
2008 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002009 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2010
2011
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002012 *cscope_connection()*
2013cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2014 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2015 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2016 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2017 if there are no cscope connections;
2018 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2019
2020 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2021 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2022
2023 {num} Description of existence check
2024 ----- ------------------------------
2025 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2026 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2027 {dbpath}.
2028 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2029 {dbpath}.
2030 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2031 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2032 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2033 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2034
2035 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2036
2037 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2038
2039 # pid database name prepend path
2040 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2041<
2042 Invocation Return Val ~
2043 ---------- ---------- >
2044 cscope_connection() 1
2045 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2046 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2047 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2048 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2049 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2050 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2051 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2052<
2053cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
2054 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002055 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002056 Does not change the jumplist.
2057 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2058 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2059 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002060 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002061 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2062 line.
2063 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2064
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002065
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002066deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002067 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2068 different from using {expr} directly.
2069 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
2070 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2071 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
2072 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2073 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002074 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2075 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2076 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2077 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2078 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002079 *E724*
2080 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002081 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2082 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002083 Also see |copy()|.
2084
2085delete({fname}) *delete()*
2086 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002087 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2088 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002089 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002090
2091 *did_filetype()*
2092did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2093 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2094 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2095 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2096 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2097 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2098 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2099 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2100 file.
2101
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002102diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2103 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2104 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2105 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2106 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2107 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2108 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2109 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2110
2111diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2112 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2113 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2114 diff change zero is returned.
2115 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2116 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2117 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2118 line.
2119 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2120 syntax information about the highlighting.
2121
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002122empty({expr}) *empty()*
2123 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002124 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002125 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2126 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2127 with zero.
2128
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002129escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2130 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2131 backslash. Example: >
2132 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2133< results in: >
2134 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002135
2136< *eval()*
2137eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2138 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2139 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2140 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2141
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002142eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2143 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2144 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2145 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2146 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2147
2148executable({expr}) *executable()*
2149 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2150 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002151 arguments.
2152 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2153 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2154 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2155 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2156 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2157 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2158 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2159 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2160 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2161 extension.
2162 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2163 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002164 The result is a Number:
2165 1 exists
2166 0 does not exist
2167 -1 not implemented on this system
2168
2169 *exists()*
2170exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2171 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2172 which contains one of these:
2173 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2174 not if it really works)
2175 +option-name Vim option that works.
2176 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2177 done by comparing with an empty
2178 string)
2179 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2180 or user defined function (see
2181 |user-functions|).
2182 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002183 |internal-variables|). Also works
2184 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2185 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2186 this may cause functions to be
2187 invoked cause an error message for an
2188 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002189 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2190 command or command modifier |:command|.
2191 Returns:
2192 1 for match with start of a command
2193 2 full match with a command
2194 3 matches several user commands
2195 To check for a supported command
2196 always check the return value to be 2.
2197 #event autocommand defined for this event
2198 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2199 pattern (the pattern is taken
2200 literally and compared to the
2201 autocommand patterns character by
2202 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002203 #group autocommand group exists
2204 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2205 event.
2206 #group#event#pattern
2207 autocommand defined for this group,
2208 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002209 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2210
2211 Examples: >
2212 exists("&shortname")
2213 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2214 exists("*strftime")
2215 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2216 exists("bufcount")
2217 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002218 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002219 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002220 exists("#filetypeindent")
2221 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2222 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002223< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2224 name.
2225 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2226 variable itself! For example: >
2227 exists(bufcount)
2228< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2229 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2230 exists.
2231
2232expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2233 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2234 The result is a String.
2235
2236 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2237 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2238 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2239
2240 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2241 for a non-existing file is not included.
2242
2243 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2244 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2245 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2246
2247 % current file name
2248 # alternate file name
2249 #n alternate file name n
2250 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2251 <afile> autocmd file name
2252 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2253 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2254 <sfile> sourced script file name
2255 <cword> word under the cursor
2256 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2257 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2258 message |server2client()|
2259 Modifiers:
2260 :p expand to full path
2261 :h head (last path component removed)
2262 :t tail (last path component only)
2263 :r root (one extension removed)
2264 :e extension only
2265
2266 Example: >
2267 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2268< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2269 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2270 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2271< Use this: >
2272 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2273< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2274 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2275 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2276 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2277 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2278<
2279 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2280 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2281 to modify normal file names.
2282
2283 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2284 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2285 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2286 '/' added.
2287
2288 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2289 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2290 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2291 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002292 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2293 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2294 files in the current directory and below: >
2295 :echo expand("**/README")
2296<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002297 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2298 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2299 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2300 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2301 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2302 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2303 "$FOOBAR".
2304
2305 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2306 getting the raw output of an external command.
2307
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002308extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2309 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2310
2311 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2312 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2313 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2314 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2315 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002316 Examples: >
2317 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2318 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002319< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2320 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002321 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002322<
2323 If they are Dictionaries:
2324 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2325 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2326 used to decide what to do:
2327 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2328 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002329 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002330 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2331
2332 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2333 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2334 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2335 Returns {expr1}.
2336
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002337
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002338filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2339 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2340 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2341 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2342 expression, which is used as a String.
2343 *file_readable()*
2344 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2345
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002346
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002347filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2348 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2349 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2350 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2351 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2352 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2353 Examples: >
2354 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2355< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2356 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2357< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2358 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002359< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2360
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002361 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2362 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2363 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2364
2365 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2366 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002367 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002368
2369< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002370
2371
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002372finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2373 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2374 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2375 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2376 {name} in {path}.
2377 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2378 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2379 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2380 Example: >
2381 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2382< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2383 the file "tags.vim".
2384 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2385
2386findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2387 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2388
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002389filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2390 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2391 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2392 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2393 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2394
2395fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2396 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2397 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2398 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2399 Example: >
2400 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2401< results in: >
2402 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2403< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2404 |expand()| first then.
2405
2406foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2407 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2408 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2409 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2410
2411foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2412 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2413 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2414 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2415
2416foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2417 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2418 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2419 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2420 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2421 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2422 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2423 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2424 previous line is usually available.
2425
2426 *foldtext()*
2427foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2428 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2429 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2430 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2431 The returned string looks like this: >
2432 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2433< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2434 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2435 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2436 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2437 options is removed.
2438 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2439
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002440foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2441 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2442 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2443 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2444 returned.
2445 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2446 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2447 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2448 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2449
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002450 *foreground()*
2451foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2452 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2453 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2454 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2455 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2456 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2457 Win32 console version}
2458
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002459
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002460function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002461 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2462 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2463
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002464
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002465garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
2466 Cleanup unused Lists and Dictionaries that have circular
2467 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2468 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2469 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2470 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2471 freed when they become unused.
2472 This is useful if you have deleted a very big List and/or
2473 Dictionary with circular references in a script that runs for
2474 a long time.
2475
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002476get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002477 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2478 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2479 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002480get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2481 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2482 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2483 {default} is omitted.
2484
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002485 *getbufline()*
2486getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002487 Return a List with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2488 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a List
2489 with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002490
2491 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2492
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002493 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2494 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002495
2496 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2497 lines in the buffer, an empty List is returned.
2498
2499 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2500 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002501 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002502 returned.
2503
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002504 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002505 non-existing buffers, an empty List is returned.
2506
2507 Example: >
2508 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002509
2510getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2511 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2512 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2513 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002514 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2515 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2516 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002517 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2518 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2519 returned, there is no error message.
2520 Examples: >
2521 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2522 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2523<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002524getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2525 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2526 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2527 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2528 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2529 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2530 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2531 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2532 not consumed. If a normal character is
2533 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2534 non-zero value is returned.
2535 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2536 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2537 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2538 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2539 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2540 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2541 user that a character has to be typed.
2542 There is no mapping for the character.
2543 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2544 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2545 sequence. Examples: >
2546 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2547 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2548< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2549 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2550 :function FindChar()
2551 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2552 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2553 : normal l
2554 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2555 : break
2556 : endif
2557 : endwhile
2558 :endfunction
2559
2560getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2561 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2562 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2563 These values are added together:
2564 2 shift
2565 4 control
2566 8 alt (meta)
2567 16 mouse double click
2568 32 mouse triple click
2569 64 mouse quadruple click
2570 128 Macintosh only: command
2571 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2572 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2573 with no modifier.
2574
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002575getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2576 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2577 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2578 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2579 Example: >
2580 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002581< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002582
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002583getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002584 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2585 byte count. The first column is 1.
2586 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2587 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002588 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2589
2590getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2591 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2592 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002593 : normal Ex command
2594 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2595 / forward search command
2596 ? backward search command
2597 @ |input()| command
2598 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002599 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2600 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2601 otherwise.
2602 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002603
2604 *getcwd()*
2605getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2606 working directory.
2607
2608getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2609 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2610 given file {fname}.
2611 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2612 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2613
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002614getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2615 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2616 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2617 |hl-Normal|.
2618 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2619 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2620 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2621 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2622 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2623 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2624 for a valid name does not work.
2625 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2626 function just after the GUI has started.
2627
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002628getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2629 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2630 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2631 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2632 empty string is returned.
2633 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2634 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2635 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2636 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2637 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2638 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2639< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2640 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002641
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002642getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2643 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2644 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2645 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2646 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2647 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2648
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002649getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2650 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2651 file of the given file {fname}.
2652 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2653 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2654 results:
2655 Normal file "file"
2656 Directory "dir"
2657 Symbolic link "link"
2658 Block device "bdev"
2659 Character device "cdev"
2660 Socket "socket"
2661 FIFO "fifo"
2662 All other "other"
2663 Example: >
2664 getftype("/home")
2665< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2666 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2667 "file" are returned.
2668
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002669 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002670getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2671 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2672 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002673 getline(1)
2674< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2675 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2676 To get the line under the cursor: >
2677 getline(".")
2678< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2679 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2680
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002681 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2682 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2683 including line {end}.
2684 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2685 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002686 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002687 Example: >
2688 :let start = line('.')
2689 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2690 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2691
2692
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002693getqflist() *getqflist()*
2694 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2695 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2696 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2697 bufname() to get the name
2698 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2699 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002700 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2701 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002702 nr error number
2703 text description of the error
2704 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2705 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2706
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002707 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2708 returned.
2709
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002710 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2711 do something with them: >
2712 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2713 :for d in getqflist()
2714 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2715 :endfor
2716
2717
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002718getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002719 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002720 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002721 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2722< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002723 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002724 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2725 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2726 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002727 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2728
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002729
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002730getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2731 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2732 The value will be one of:
2733 "v" for |characterwise| text
2734 "V" for |linewise| text
2735 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2736 0 for an empty or unknown register
2737 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2738 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2739
2740 *getwinposx()*
2741getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2742 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2743 -1 if the information is not available.
2744
2745 *getwinposy()*
2746getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2747 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2748 information is not available.
2749
2750getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2751 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002752 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2753 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002754 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2755 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2756 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002757 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2758 Examples: >
2759 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2760 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2761<
2762 *glob()*
2763glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2764 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2765 characters.
2766 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2767 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2768
2769 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2770 any external command. Example: >
2771 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2772 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2773< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2774 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2775
2776 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2777 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2778
2779globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2780 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2781 the results. Example: >
2782 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2783< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2784 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2785 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2786 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2787 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2788 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2789 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2790 error message.
2791 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2792 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2793
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002794 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2795 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2796 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2797 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2798<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002799 *has()*
2800has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2801 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2802 string. See |feature-list| below.
2803 Also see |exists()|.
2804
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002805
2806has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2807 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2808 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2809
2810
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002811hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2812 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2813 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2814 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2815 {mode}.
2816 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2817 buffer are checked for a match.
2818 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2819 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2820 n Normal mode
2821 v Visual mode
2822 o Operator-pending mode
2823 i Insert mode
2824 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2825 c Command-line mode
2826 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2827
2828 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2829 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2830 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2831 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2832 :endif
2833< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2834 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2835
2836histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2837 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2838 one of: *hist-names*
2839 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2840 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2841 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2842 "input" or "@" input line history
2843 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2844 shifted to become the newest entry.
2845 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2846 otherwise 0 is returned.
2847
2848 Example: >
2849 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2850 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2851< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2852
2853histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002854 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002855 for the possible values of {history}.
2856
2857 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2858 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2859 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2860 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2861 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2862 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2863 if it exists.
2864
2865 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2866 otherwise 0 is returned.
2867
2868 Examples:
2869 Clear expression register history: >
2870 :call histdel("expr")
2871<
2872 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2873 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2874<
2875 The following three are equivalent: >
2876 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2877 :call histdel("search", -1)
2878 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2879<
2880 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2881 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2882 :call histdel("search", -1)
2883 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2884
2885histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2886 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2887 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2888 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2889 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2890 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2891
2892 Examples:
2893 Redo the second last search from history. >
2894 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2895
2896< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2897 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2898 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2899<
2900histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2901 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2902 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2903 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2904
2905 Example: >
2906 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2907<
2908hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2909 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2910 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2911 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2912 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2913 item.
2914 *highlight_exists()*
2915 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2916
2917 *hlID()*
2918hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2919 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2920 zero is returned.
2921 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2922 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2923 "Comment" group: >
2924 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2925< *highlightID()*
2926 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2927
2928hostname() *hostname()*
2929 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002930 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002931 256 characters long are truncated.
2932
2933iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2934 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2935 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2936 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2937 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2938 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2939 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2940 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2941 can be done.
2942 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2943 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2944 UTF-8 and use: >
2945 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2946< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2947 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2948 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2949 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2950
2951 *indent()*
2952indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2953 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2954 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2955 |getline()|.
2956 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2957
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002958
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002959index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002960 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2961 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002962 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2963 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002964 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2965 case must match.
2966 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2967 Example: >
2968 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002969 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002970
2971
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002972input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002973 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2974 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2975 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002976 prompt to start a new line.
2977 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
2978 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
2979 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
2980 for lines typed for input().
2981 Example: >
2982 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2983 : echo "Cheers!"
2984 :endif
2985<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002986 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
2987 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002988 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2989
2990< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
2991 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
2992 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
2993 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
2994 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
2995 more information. Example: >
2996 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
2997<
2998 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
2999 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003000 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3001 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3002 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3003 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3004 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3005 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3006 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3007
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003008 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003009 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3010 :function GetFoo()
3011 : call inputsave()
3012 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3013 : call inputrestore()
3014 :endfunction
3015
3016inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3017 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3018 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3019 Example: >
3020 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3021 :if n != ""
3022 : let &sw = n
3023 :endif
3024< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3025 omitted an empty string is returned.
3026 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3027 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003028 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003029
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003030inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
3031 {textlist} must be a list of strings. This list is displayed,
3032 one string per line. The user will be prompted to enter a
3033 number, which is returned.
3034 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3035 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3036 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3037 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3038 is returned.
3039 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3040 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3041 the start of the string. Example: >
3042 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3043 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3044
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003045inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3046 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3047 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3048 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3049 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3050
3051inputsave() *inputsave()*
3052 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3053 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3054 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3055 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3056 many inputrestore() calls.
3057 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3058
3059inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3060 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3061 two exceptions:
3062 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3063 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3064 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3065 |history| stack.
3066 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3067 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003068 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003069
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003070insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
3071 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
3072 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3073 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3074 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3075 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003076 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003077 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3078 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3079 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003080< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003081 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
3082 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
3083
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003084isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3085 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3086 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3087 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3088 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3089
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003090islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3091 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3092 name of a locked variable.
3093 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
3094 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
3095 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3096 :lockvar 1 alist
3097 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3098 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3099
3100< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3101 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3102
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003103items({dict}) *items()*
3104 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3105 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
3106 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
3107
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003108
3109join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3110 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3111 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3112 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3113 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3114 add it there too: >
3115 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3116< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
3117 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3118 The opposite function is |split()|.
3119
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003120keys({dict}) *keys()*
3121 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
3122 arbitrary order.
3123
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003124 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003125len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3126 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3127 used, as with |strlen()|.
3128 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
3129 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003130 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
3131 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003132 Otherwise an error is given.
3133
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003134 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3135libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3136 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3137 with single argument {argument}.
3138 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3139 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3140 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3141 limited.
3142 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3143 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3144 to Vim.
3145 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3146 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3147 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3148 null-terminated string.
3149 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3150
3151 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3152 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3153 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3154 very probably crash.
3155
3156 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3157 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3158 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3159 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3160 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3161 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3162 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3163 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3164 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3165 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3166
3167 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3168 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3169 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3170 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3171 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3172 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3173 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3174 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3175 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3176 feature is present}
3177 Examples: >
3178 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3179 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3180<
3181 *libcallnr()*
3182libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3183 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3184 int instead of a string.
3185 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3186 feature is present}
3187 Example (not very useful...): >
3188 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3189 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3190<
3191 *line()*
3192line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3193 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3194 . the cursor position
3195 $ the last line in the current buffer
3196 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3197 returned)
3198 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3199 Examples: >
3200 line(".") line number of the cursor
3201 line("'t") line number of mark t
3202 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3203< *last-position-jump*
3204 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3205 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3206 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003207
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003208line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3209 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3210 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3211 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3212 line returns 1.
3213 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3214 below the last line: >
3215 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3216< This is the file size plus one.
3217 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3218 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3219 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3220
3221lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3222 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3223 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3224 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3225 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3226 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3227 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3228
3229localtime() *localtime()*
3230 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3231 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3232
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003233
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003234map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3235 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3236 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3237 {string}.
3238 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3239 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3240 Example: >
3241 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003242< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003243
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003244 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003245 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003246 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3247 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003248
3249 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3250 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003251 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003252
3253< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003254
3255
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003256maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3257 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3258 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3259 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3260 "n" Normal
3261 "v" Visual
3262 "o" Operator-pending
3263 "i" Insert
3264 "c" Cmd-line
3265 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3266 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3267 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3268 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3269 command. The returned String has special characters
3270 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3271 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3272 then the global mappings.
3273
3274mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3275 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3276 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3277 {name}.
3278 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3279 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3280
3281 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3282 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3283 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3284 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3285 mapcheck("b") no no no
3286
3287 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3288 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3289 mapping for {name} exactly.
3290 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3291 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3292 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3293 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3294 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3295 then the global mappings.
3296 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3297 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3298 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3299 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3300 :endif
3301< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3302 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3303
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003304match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003305 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3306 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3307 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3308 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3309 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3310 {pat} matches.
3311 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003312 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3313 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003314 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3315 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3316< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003317 *strpbrk()*
3318 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3319 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3320< *strcasestr()*
3321 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3322 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3323 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3324<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003325 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003326 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3327 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003328 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003329< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3330
3331 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3332 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003333 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003334 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003335 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3336< result is again "4". >
3337 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3338< result is again "4". >
3339 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3340< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003341 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3342 the index is counted from the end.
3343 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3344 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3345
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003346 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3347 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3348 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3349 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3350
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003351matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003352 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3353 the match. Example: >
3354 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3355< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003356 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3357 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3358 do it with matchend(): >
3359 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3360 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3361< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3362
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003363 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3364 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3365< results in "7". >
3366 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3367< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003368 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003369
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003370matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3371 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3372 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3373 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3374 in |:substitute|.
3375 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3376
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003377matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003378 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3379 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3380< results in "ing".
3381 When there is no match "" is returned.
3382 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3383 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3384< results in "ing". >
3385 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3386< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003387 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3388 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003389
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003390 *max()*
3391max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3392 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3393 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3394 An empty List results in zero.
3395
3396 *min()*
3397min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3398 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3399 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3400 An empty List results in zero.
3401
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003402 *mkdir()* *E749*
3403mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3404 Create directory {name}.
3405 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3406 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3407 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3408 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3409 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3410 for others.
3411 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3412 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3413 :if exists("*mkdir")
3414<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003415 *mode()*
3416mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3417 n Normal
3418 v Visual by character
3419 V Visual by line
3420 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3421 s Select by character
3422 S Select by line
3423 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3424 i Insert
3425 R Replace
3426 c Command-line
3427 r Hit-enter prompt
3428 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3429 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3430
3431nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3432 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3433 that is not blank. Example: >
3434 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3435< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3436 below it, zero is returned.
3437 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3438
3439nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3440 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3441 value {expr}. Examples: >
3442 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3443 nr2char(32) returns " "
3444< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3445 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3446< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3447 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3448 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003449 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003450
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003451printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3452 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3453 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003454 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003455< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003456 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003457
3458 Often used items are:
3459 %s string
3460 %6s string right-aligned in 6 characters
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003461 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003462 %d decimal number
3463 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3464 %x hex number
3465 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3466 %X hex number using upper case letters
3467 %o octal number
3468 %% the % character
3469
3470 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3471 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3472 the result.
3473
3474 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003475 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003476
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003477 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003478
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003479 flags
3480 Zero or more of the following flags:
3481
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003482 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3483 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3484 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3485 of the number is increased to force the first
3486 character of the output string to a zero (except
3487 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3488 precision of zero).
3489 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3490 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3491 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003492
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003493 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3494 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3495 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3496 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3497 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003498
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003499 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3500 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3501 The converted value is padded on the right with
3502 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3503 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003504
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003505 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3506 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003507
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003508 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3509 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3510 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003511
3512 field-width
3513 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
3514 field width. If the converted value has fewer
3515 characters than the field width, it will be padded
3516 with spaces on the left (or right, if the
3517 left-adjustment flag has been given) to fill out the
3518 field width.
3519
3520 .precision
3521 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3522 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3523 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3524 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3525 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
3526 characters to be printed from a string for s
3527 conversions.
3528
3529 type
3530 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3531 be applied, see below.
3532
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003533 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3534 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3535 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3536 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3537 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3538 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003539 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003540< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003541 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003542
3543 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003544
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003545 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3546 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3547 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3548 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003549 conversions.
3550 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3551 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3552 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3553 zeros.
3554 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3555 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3556 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3557 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3558
3559 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3560 resulting character is written.
3561
3562 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3563 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3564 specified are used.
3565
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003566 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3567 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003568
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003569 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3570 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3571 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003572
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003573 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003574 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3575 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003576 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003577
3578
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003579prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3580 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3581 that is not blank. Example: >
3582 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3583< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3584 above it, zero is returned.
3585 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3586
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003587 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003588range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3589 Returns a List with Numbers:
3590 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3591 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3592 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3593 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3594 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003595 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3596 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3597 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003598 Examples: >
3599 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3600 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3601 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3602 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003603 range(0) " []
3604 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003605<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003606 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003607readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003608 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3609 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3610 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3611 NL appears somewhere).
3612 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3613 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3614 added.
3615 - No CR characters are removed.
3616 Otherwise:
3617 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3618 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3619 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003620 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3621 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3622 lines of a file: >
3623 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3624 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3625 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003626< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3627 are returned, or as many as there are.
3628 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003629 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3630 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3631 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003632 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3633 the result is an empty list.
3634 Also see |writefile()|.
3635
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003636 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3637remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3638 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3639 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3640 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3641 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3642 remote_read() is stored there.
3643 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3644 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3645 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3646 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3647 and the result will be the empty string.
3648 Examples: >
3649 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3650 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3651<
3652
3653remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3654 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3655 This works like: >
3656 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3657< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3658 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3659 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003660 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3661 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003662 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3663 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3664 Win32 console version}
3665
3666
3667remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3668 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3669 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3670 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3671 name of a variable.
3672 Returns zero if none are available.
3673 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3674 See also |clientserver|.
3675 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3676 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3677 Examples: >
3678 :let repl = ""
3679 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3680
3681remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3682 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3683 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3684 See also |clientserver|.
3685 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3686 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3687 Example: >
3688 :echo remote_read(id)
3689<
3690 *remote_send()* *E241*
3691remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003692 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3693 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3694 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003695 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3696 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3697 remote_read() is stored there.
3698 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3699 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3700 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3701 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3702 up the display.
3703 Examples: >
3704 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3705 \ remote_read(serverid)
3706
3707 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3708 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3709 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3710 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003711<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003712remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3713 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3714 return it.
3715 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3716 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3717 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3718 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3719 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003720 Example: >
3721 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003722 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003723remove({dict}, {key})
3724 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3725 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3726< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3727
3728 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003729
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003730rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3731 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3732 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3733 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3734 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3735 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3736
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003737repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3738 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3739 result. Example: >
3740 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3741< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003742 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003743 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003744 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3745< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003746
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003747
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003748resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3749 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3750 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3751 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3752 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3753 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3754 stopped after 100 iterations.
3755 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3756 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3757 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3758 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3759 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3760
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003761 *reverse()*
3762reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3763 {list}.
3764 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3765 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3766
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003767search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3768 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003769 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003770 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3771 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003772 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003773 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3774 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003775 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3776 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003777 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3778
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003779 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3780 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3781 flag.
3782
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003783 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3784 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3785 flag is used).
3786 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3787 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003788
3789 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3790 :let n = 1
3791 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3792 : exe "argument " . n
3793 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3794 : " first search to find match at start of file
3795 : normal G$
3796 : let flags = "w"
3797 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3798 : s/foo/bar/g
3799 : let flags = "W"
3800 : endwhile
3801 : update " write the file if modified
3802 : let n = n + 1
3803 :endwhile
3804<
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003805
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00003806searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
3807 Search for the declaration of {name}.
3808
3809 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
3810 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
3811 first match in the function.
3812
3813 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
3814 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
3815 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
3816
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003817 Moves the cursor to the found match.
3818 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3819 Example: >
3820 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
3821 echo getline('.')
3822 endif
3823<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003824 *searchpair()*
3825searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3826 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3827 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3828 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3829 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3830 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3831 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3832 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3833
3834 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3835 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3836 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3837 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3838 typical use is: >
3839 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3840< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3841
3842 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3843 'n' do Not move the cursor
3844 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3845 outer pair
3846 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3847 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3848
3849 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3850 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3851 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3852 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3853 or a string.
3854 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3855 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3856 and -1 returned.
3857
3858 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3859 patterns are used like it's on.
3860
3861 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3862 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3863 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3864 if 1
3865 if 2
3866 endif 2
3867 endif 1
3868< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3869 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3870 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3871 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3872 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3873 "endif 2".
3874 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3875 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3876 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3877 the matching start.
3878
3879 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3880
3881 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3882 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3883
3884< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3885 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3886 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3887 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3888 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3889 match.
3890 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3891
3892 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3893
3894< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3895 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3896 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3897
3898 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3899 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3900<
3901server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3902 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3903 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3904 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3905 Note:
3906 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003907 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003908 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3909 See also |clientserver|.
3910 Example: >
3911 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3912<
3913serverlist() *serverlist()*
3914 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3915 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3916 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3917 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3918 Example: >
3919 :echo serverlist()
3920<
3921setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3922 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3923 {val}.
3924 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3925 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3926 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3927 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3928 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3929 Examples: >
3930 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3931 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3932< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3933
3934setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3935 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3936 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3937 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3938 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003939 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3940 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3941 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3942 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3943 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003944 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3945 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3946 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3947 line.
3948
3949setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003950 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3951 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003952 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3953 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003954 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3955 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003956 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003957< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3958 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3959 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3960< This is equivalent to: >
3961 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3962 : call setline(n, l)
3963 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003964< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3965
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003966
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003967setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003968 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3969 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3970 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3971 entries:
3972
3973 filename name of a file
3974 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003975 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003976 col column number
3977 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3978 when zero: "col" is byte index
3979 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003980 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003981 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003982
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003983 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3984 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3985 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003986 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3987 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3988 handled as an error line.
3989 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3990 be used.
3991
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003992 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3993 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3994 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3995 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3996 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3997 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3998
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003999 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4000
4001 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4002 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4003 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4004
4005
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004006 *setreg()*
4007setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4008 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4009 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4010 then the value is appended.
4011 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4012 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4013 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4014 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4015 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4016 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4017 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4018 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4019
4020 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4021 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4022 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4023 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4024
4025 Examples: >
4026 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4027 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4028 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4029
4030< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4031 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004032 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004033 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4034 ....
4035 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4036
4037< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4038 nothing: >
4039 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4040
4041setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4042 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004043 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004044 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4045 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4046 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4047 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
4048 Examples: >
4049 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4050 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
4051< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4052
4053simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4054 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4055 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4056 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4057 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4058 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4059 not removed either.
4060 Example: >
4061 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4062< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4063 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4064 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4065 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4066 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4067
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004068
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004069sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004070 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4071 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4072 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4073< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004074 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004075 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004076 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
4077 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
4078 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
4079 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4080 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4081 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4082 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4083 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4084 endfunc
4085 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004086<
4087
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004088 *soundfold()*
4089soundfold({word})
4090 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4091 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004092 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4093 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004094 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4095 the method can be quite slow.
4096
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004097 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004098spellbadword([{sentence}])
4099 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4100 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4101 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4102 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4103
4104 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4105 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4106 result is an empty string.
4107
4108 The return value is a list with two items:
4109 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4110 - The type of the spelling error:
4111 "bad" spelling mistake
4112 "rare" rare word
4113 "local" word only valid in another region
4114 "caps" word should start with Capital
4115 Example: >
4116 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4117< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4118
4119 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4120 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4121 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004122
4123 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004124spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004125 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
4126 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4127 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4128
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004129 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4130 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4131 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4132
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004133 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4134 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004135 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4136 replace a line.
4137
4138 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004139 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4140 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004141
4142 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004143 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4144 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004145
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004146
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004147split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
4148 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
4149 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004150 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004151 removing the matched characters.
4152 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4153 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004154 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4155 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004156 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004157 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004158< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004159 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004160< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4161 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4162< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004163 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4164 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4165< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004166
4167
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004168strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4169 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4170 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4171 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4172 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4173 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4174 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4175 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4176 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4177 Examples: >
4178 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4179 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4180 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4181 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4182 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4183 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004184< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4185 :if exists("*strftime")
4186
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004187stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4188 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4189 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004190 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4191 This can be used to find a second match: >
4192 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4193 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4194< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004195 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004196 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004197 See also |strridx()|.
4198 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004199 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4200 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4201 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004202< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4203 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4204 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4205
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004206 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004207string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4208 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4209 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004210 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004211 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004212 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004213 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004214 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004215 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004216 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004217
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004218 *strlen()*
4219strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004220 {expr} in bytes.
4221 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4222 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004223
4224 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004225<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004226 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4227 For other types an error is given.
4228 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004229
4230strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4231 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004232 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004233 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4234 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4235 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4236 end of the {src}. >
4237 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4238 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4239 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4240 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4241< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4242 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4243 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4244<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004245strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4246 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4247 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4248 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4249 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4250 match: >
4251 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4252 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4253< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004254 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4255 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004256 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004257 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004258 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004259< *strrchr()*
4260 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4261 function strrchr().
4262
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004263strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4264 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4265 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4266 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4267 echo strtrans(@a)
4268< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4269 starting a new line.
4270
4271submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4272 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4273 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4274 the whole matched text is returned.
4275 Example: >
4276 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4277< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4278 A line break is included as a newline character.
4279
4280substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4281 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4282 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4283 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4284 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4285 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4286 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4287 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4288 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4289 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4290 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4291 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4292 unmodified.
4293 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4294 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4295 Example: >
4296 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4297< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4298 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4299< results in "TESTING".
4300
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004301synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004302 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004303 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004304 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4305 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004306
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004307 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004308 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4309
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004310 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4311 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4312 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4313 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4314 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4315 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4316 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4317
4318 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4319 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4320<
4321synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4322 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4323 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4324 about a syntax item.
4325 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4326 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4327 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4328 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4329 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4330 {what} result
4331 "name" the name of the syntax item
4332 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4333 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4334 term: empty string)
4335 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4336 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4337 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4338 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4339 "bold" "1" if bold
4340 "italic" "1" if italic
4341 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4342 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4343 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004344 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004345
4346 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4347 cursor): >
4348 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4349<
4350synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4351 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4352 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4353 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4354 ":highlight link" are followed.
4355
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004356system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4357 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4358 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4359 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4360 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004361 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004362 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4363 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4364 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004365 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4366 The result is a String. Example: >
4367
4368 :let files = system("ls")
4369
4370< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4371 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4372 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4373 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4374 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4375 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4376 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4377 concatenated commands.
4378
4379 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4380 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4381 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4382 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4383
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004384
4385taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4386 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004387 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4388 entries:
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004389 name name of the tag.
4390 filename name of the file where the tag is
4391 defined.
4392 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4393 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004394 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004395 entry depends on the language specific
4396 kind values generated by the ctags
4397 tool.
4398 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4399 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004400 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4401 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4402 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4403 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4404 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4405 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4406 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004407
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004408 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4409 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004410
4411 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4412
4413 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4414 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4415 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4416
4417 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4418 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4419 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4420
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00004421 *tagfiles()*
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00004422tagfiles() Returns a List with the file names used to search for tags for
4423 the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4424
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004425
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004426tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4427 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4428 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4429 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4430 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4431 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4432< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4433 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4434 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4435 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4436 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4437 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4438
4439tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4440 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4441 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4442 the string).
4443
4444toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4445 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4446 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4447 the string).
4448
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004449tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4450 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4451 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4452 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4453 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4454 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4455 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4456
4457 Examples: >
4458 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4459< returns "Hello THere" >
4460 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4461< returns "{blob}"
4462
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004463 *type()*
4464type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004465 Number: 0
4466 String: 1
4467 Funcref: 2
4468 List: 3
4469 Dictionary: 4
4470 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004471 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4472 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4473 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4474 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004475 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004476
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004477values({dict}) *values()*
4478 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4479 arbitrary order.
4480
4481
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004482virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4483 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4484 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4485 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4486 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4487 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4488 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4489 set to 8, it returns 8.
4490 For the byte position use |col()|.
4491 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4492 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4493 The accepted positions are:
4494 . the cursor position
4495 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4496 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4497 plus one)
4498 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4499 returned)
4500 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4501 Examples: >
4502 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4503 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4504 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4505< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4506
4507visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4508 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4509 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4510 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4511 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4512 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4513 Example: >
4514 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4515< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4516 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4517 Visual mode that was used.
4518
4519 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4520 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4521 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4522 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4523
4524 *winbufnr()*
4525winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004526 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004527 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4528 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4529 Example: >
4530 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4531<
4532 *wincol()*
4533wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4534 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4535 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4536
4537winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4538 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4539 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4540 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4541 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4542 Examples: >
4543 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4544<
4545 *winline()*
4546winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4547 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4548 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004549 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4550 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004551
4552 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004553winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4554 window. The top window has number 1.
4555 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4556 last window is returnd (the window count).
4557 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4558 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4559 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4560 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4561 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004562
4563 *winrestcmd()*
4564winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4565 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4566 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4567 Example: >
4568 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4569 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4570 :exe cmd
4571
4572winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4573 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4574 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4575 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4576 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4577 Examples: >
4578 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4579 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4580 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4581 :endif
4582<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004583 *writefile()*
4584writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4585 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4586 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4587 Number.
4588 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4589 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4590 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4591 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4592 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4593 to writefile().
4594 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4595 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4596 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4597 fails.
4598 Also see |readfile()|.
4599 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4600 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4601 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4602<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004603
4604 *feature-list*
4605There are three types of features:
46061. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4607 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4608 :if has("cindent")
46092. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4610 Example: >
4611 :if has("gui_running")
4612< *has-patch*
46133. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4614 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4615 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4616 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4617
4618all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4619amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4620arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4621arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00004622autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004623balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004624balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004625beos BeOS version of Vim.
4626browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4627 work.
4628builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4629byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4630cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4631clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4632clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4633cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4634cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4635cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4636comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4637cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4638cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4639compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4640debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4641dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4642dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4643diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4644digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4645dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4646dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4647dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4648ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4649emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4650eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4651 true, of course!
4652ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4653extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4654 |'hlsearch'|
4655farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4656file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004657filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4658 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004659find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4660 |+find_in_path|.
4661fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4662 Windows this is not present).
4663folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4664footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4665fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4666gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4667gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4668gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004669gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4670gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004671gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004672gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4673gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4674gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4675gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4676gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4677gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4678hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4679iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4680insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4681 Insert mode.
4682jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4683keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4684langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4685libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4686linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4687 support.
4688lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4689listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4690 and the argument list |arglist|.
4691localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4692mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4693macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4694menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4695mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4696modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4697mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4698mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4699mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4700mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4701mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4702mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4703mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4704multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4705multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4706multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004707mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004708netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004709netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004710ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4711os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4712osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4713path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4714perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4715postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4716printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004717profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004718python Compiled with Python interface.
4719qnx QNX version of Vim.
4720quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4721rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4722ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4723scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4724showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4725signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4726smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004727sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004728statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4729 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4730sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004731spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4732syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004733syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4734 current buffer.
4735system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4736tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4737 |tag-binary-search|.
4738tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4739 |tag-old-static|.
4740tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4741 files |tag-any-white|.
4742tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4743terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4744termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4745textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4746tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4747 or terminfo file.
4748title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4749toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4750unix Unix version of Vim.
4751user_commands User-defined commands.
4752viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4753vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4754vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4755virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4756visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4757visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4758 |blockwise-operators|.
4759vms VMS version of Vim.
4760vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4761wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4762wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4763windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4764winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4765win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4766win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4767win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4768win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4769win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4770writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4771xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4772xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4773xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4774xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4775xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4776xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4777 xterm screen.
4778x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4779
4780 *string-match*
4781Matching a pattern in a String
4782
4783A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4784the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4785everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4786like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4787line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4788with ".". Example: >
4789 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4790 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4791 aa
4792 xx
4793 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4794 a
4795 x
4796
4797Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4798"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4799"\n".
4800
4801==============================================================================
48025. Defining functions *user-functions*
4803
4804New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4805functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4806commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4807
4808The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4809builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4810avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4811the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4812
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004813It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
4814|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004815
4816 *local-function*
4817A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4818can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4819and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4820function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4821instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4822
4823 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4824:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4825
4826:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004827 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4828 Funcref: >
4829 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004830
4831:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
4832 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
4833 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004834<
4835 *:function-verbose*
4836When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
4837last defined. Example: >
4838
4839 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
4840 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
4841 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
4842<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00004843See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004844
4845 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004846:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004847 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4848 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4849 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004850
4851 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4852 Funcref: >
4853 :function dict.init(arg)
4854< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4855 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4856 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4857 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4858 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4859 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004860 *E127* *E122*
4861 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4862 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4863 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4864 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004865
4866 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4867
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004868 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4869 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4870 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4871 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4872 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4873 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4874 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004875
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004876 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4877 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4878 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4879 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004880
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004881 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4882 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4883 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4884 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004885
4886 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4887:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4888 by its own, without other commands.
4889
4890 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4891:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004892 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4893 Funcref: >
4894 :delfunc dict.init
4895< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4896 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4897 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004898 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4899:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4900 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4901 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4902 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4903 the number 0 is returned.
4904 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4905 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4906
4907 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4908 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4909 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4910 are executed first. This process applies to all
4911 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4912 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4913
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004914 *function-argument* *a:var*
4915An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4916be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4917 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4918Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4919arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4920may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4921as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004922can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4923"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4924 *E742*
4925The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4926However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4927Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4928it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4929use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004930
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004931When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4932to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4933may be larger.
4934
4935It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4936still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4937until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4938inside a function body.
4939
4940 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004941Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4942will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4943accessed with "g:".
4944
4945Example: >
4946 :function Table(title, ...)
4947 : echohl Title
4948 : echo a:title
4949 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004950 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4951 : for s in a:000
4952 : echon ' ' . s
4953 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004954 :endfunction
4955
4956This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004957 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4958 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004959
4960To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4961 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4962 : if a:n2 == 0
4963 : return "fail"
4964 : endif
4965 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4966 : return "ok"
4967 :endfunction
4968
4969This function can then be called with: >
4970 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4971 :if success == "ok"
4972 : echo div
4973 :endif
4974
4975An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4976with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4977 :function Foo()
4978 : execute Bar()
4979 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4980 :endfunction
4981
4982 :function Bar()
4983 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4984 :endfunction
4985
4986The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4987the caller to set the names.
4988
4989 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4990:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4991 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4992 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4993 used.
4994 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4995 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4996 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4997 function.
4998 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4999 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5000 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5001 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5002 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5003 this works:
5004 *function-range-example* >
5005 :function Mynumber(arg)
5006 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5007 :endfunction
5008 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5009<
5010 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5011 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5012 the range.
5013
5014 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5015
5016 :function Cont() range
5017 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5018 :endfunction
5019 :4,8call Cont()
5020<
5021 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5022 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5023
5024 *E132*
5025The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5026option.
5027
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005028
5029AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005030 *autoload-functions*
5031When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005032only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5033the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5034
5035
5036Using an autocommand ~
5037
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005038This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5039
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005040The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5041You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5042That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5043again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5044
5045Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5046function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005047
5048 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5049
5050The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5051"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5052
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005053
5054Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005055 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005056This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5057
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005058Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5059exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5060like this: >
5061
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005062 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005063
5064When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5065"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5066"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5067then define the function like this: >
5068
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005069 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005070 echo "Done!"
5071 endfunction
5072
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005073The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005074exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5075called.
5076
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005077It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5078a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005079
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005080 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005081
5082Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5083
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005084This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5085
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005086 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005087
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005088However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5089for an unknown variable.
5090
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005091When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5092be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5093
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005094 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5095 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005096
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005097Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5098defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5099function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005100And you will get an error message every time.
5101
5102Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5103other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5104Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005105
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005106==============================================================================
51076. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5108
5109Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5110This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5111{} like this: >
5112 my_{adjective}_variable
5113
5114When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5115that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5116name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5117"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5118"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5119
5120One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5121value. For example, the statement >
5122 echo my_{&background}_message
5123
5124would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5125on the current value of 'background'.
5126
5127You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5128 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5129..or even nest them: >
5130 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5131where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5132
5133However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005134variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005135 :let foo='a + b'
5136 :echo c{foo}d
5137.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5138
5139 *curly-braces-function-names*
5140You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5141Example: >
5142 :let func_end='whizz'
5143 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5144
5145This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5146
5147==============================================================================
51487. Commands *expression-commands*
5149
5150:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5151 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5152 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5153 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5154 is created.
5155
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005156:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5157 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5158 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5159 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5160 the index can be repeated.
5161 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5162
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005163 *E711* *E719*
5164:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005165 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
5166 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
5167 correct number of items.
5168 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5169 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5170 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5171 end of the list, items will be added.
5172
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005173 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005174:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5175:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5176:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5177 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5178 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5179
5180
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005181:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5182 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5183 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005184:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5185 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5186 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5187 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005188
5189:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5190 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5191 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5192 must be the name of a writable register (see
5193 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5194 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5195 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5196 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5197 characterwise.
5198 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5199 :let @/ = ""
5200< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5201 that would match everywhere.
5202
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005203:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5204 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5205 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5206
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005207:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5208 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005209 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5210 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005211 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5212 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005213 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005214 Example: >
5215 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005216
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005217:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5218 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5219 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5220
5221:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5222:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5223 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5224 {expr1}.
5225
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005226:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005227:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5228:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5229:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005230 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5231 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5232
5233:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005234:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5235:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5236:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005237 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5238 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5239
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005240:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005241 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
5242 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5243 {name2}, etc.
5244 The number of names must match the number of items in
5245 the List.
5246 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5247 command as mentioned above.
5248 Example: >
5249 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005250< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5251 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5252 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5253 :let x = [0, 1]
5254 :let i = 0
5255 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5256 :echo x
5257< The result is [0, 2].
5258
5259:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5260:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5261:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5262 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5263 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005264
5265:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005266 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005267 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5268 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5269 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005270 Example: >
5271 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5272<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005273:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5274:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5275:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5276 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5277 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005278 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005279:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005280 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5281 here: *E738*
5282 g: global variables.
5283 b: local buffer variables.
5284 w: local window variables.
5285 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005286
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005287:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5288 variable is indicated before the value:
5289 <nothing> String
5290 # Number
5291 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005292
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005293
5294:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5295 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5296 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
5297 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005298 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5299 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005300 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
5301 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5302 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
5303< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
5304 :unlet dict['two']
5305 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005306
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005307:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5308 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5309 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5310 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5311 :lockvar v
5312 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5313 :unlet v
5314< *E741*
5315 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5316 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5317
5318 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
5319 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5320 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
5321 cannot add or remove items, but can
5322 still change their values.
5323 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
5324 the items. If an item is a List or
5325 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
5326 items, but can still change the
5327 values.
5328 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
5329 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
5330 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
5331 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
5332 *E743*
5333 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5334 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5335 loops.
5336
5337 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
5338 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
5339 when used through the other variable. Example: >
5340 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5341 :let cl = l
5342 :lockvar l
5343 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5344< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5345 See |deepcopy()|.
5346
5347
5348:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5349 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5350 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5351
5352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005353:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5354:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5355 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5356
5357 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5358 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5359 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5360 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5361 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5362 part was not executed either.
5363
5364 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5365 versions: >
5366 :if version >= 500
5367 : version-5-specific-commands
5368 :endif
5369< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5370 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5371 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5372 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5373 avoid problems: >
5374 :if version >= 600
5375 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5376 :endif
5377<
5378 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5379 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5380
5381 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5382:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5383 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5384 executed.
5385
5386 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5387:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5388 is no extra ":endif".
5389
5390:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005391 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005392:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5393 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5394 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5395 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005396 Example: >
5397 :let lnum = 1
5398 :while lnum <= line("$")
5399 :call FixLine(lnum)
5400 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5401 :endwhile
5402<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005403 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005404 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005405
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005406:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005407:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5408 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005409 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005410 value of each item.
5411 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005412 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005413 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5414 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005415 :for item in copy(mylist)
5416< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5417 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5418 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5419 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5420 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5421 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5422 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005423 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5424 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005425< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5426 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5427 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005428 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5429 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5430 to allow multiple item types.
5431
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005432:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5433:endfo[r]
5434 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5435 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5436 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5437 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5438 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5439 :endfor
5440<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005441 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005442:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5443 to the start of the loop.
5444 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5445 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5446 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5447 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5448 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5449 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005450
5451 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005452:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5453 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5454 ":endfor".
5455 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5456 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5457 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5458 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5459 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5460 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005461
5462:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5463:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5464 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5465 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5466 or autocommand invocations.
5467
5468 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5469 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5470 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5471 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5472 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5473 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5474 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5475 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5476 Example: >
5477 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5478 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5479<
5480 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5481 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5482 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5483 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5484 processing is not terminated.
5485
5486 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5487 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5488 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5489 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5490 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5491 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5492 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5493 the error number.
5494 Examples: >
5495 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5496 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5497<
5498 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5499:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5500 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5501 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5502 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5503 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5504 commands are skipped.
5505 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5506 Examples: >
5507 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5508 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5509 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5510 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5511 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5512 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5513 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5514 :catch " same as /.*/
5515<
5516 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5517 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5518 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5519 {pattern}.
5520 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5521 an error message because it may vary in different
5522 locales.
5523
5524 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5525:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5526 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5527 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5528 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5529 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5530 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5531
5532 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5533:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5534 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5535 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5536 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5537 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5538 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5539 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5540 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5541 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5542 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5543 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5544 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5545 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5546 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5547 is terminated.
5548 Example: >
5549 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5550<
5551
5552 *:ec* *:echo*
5553:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5554 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5555 Also see |:comment|.
5556 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5557 cursor to the first column.
5558 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5559 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5560 Example: >
5561 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5562< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5563 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5564 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5565 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5566 command. Example: >
5567 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5568<
5569 *:echon*
5570:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5571 |:comment|.
5572 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5573 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5574 Example: >
5575 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5576<
5577 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5578 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5579 command: >
5580 :!echo % --> filename
5581< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5582 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5583< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5584 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5585 :echo % --> nothing
5586< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5587 :echo "%" --> %
5588< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5589 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5590< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5591
5592 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5593:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5594 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5595 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5596 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5597< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5598 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5599
5600 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5601:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5602 message in the |message-history|.
5603 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5604 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5605 displayed, not interpreted.
5606 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5607 Example: >
5608 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5609<
5610 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5611:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5612 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5613 script or function the line number will be added.
5614 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5615 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5616 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5617 (see |try-echoerr|).
5618 Example: >
5619 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5620< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5621 And to get a beep: >
5622 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5623<
5624 *:exe* *:execute*
5625:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5626 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5627 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5628 used as the processed command, command line editing
5629 keys are not recognized.
5630 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5631 Examples: >
5632 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5633 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5634<
5635 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5636 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5637 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5638
5639< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5640 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5641 command: >
5642 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5643< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5644
5645 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005646 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5647 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005648 :execute 'while i > 5'
5649 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5650<
5651 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5652 completely in the executed string: >
5653 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5654<
5655
5656 *:comment*
5657 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5658 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5659 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5660 comment. Example: >
5661 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5662
5663==============================================================================
56648. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5665
5666The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5667explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5668
5669Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5670|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5671exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5672
5673
5674TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5675
5676Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5677use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5678a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5679 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5680|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5681a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5682be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5683which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5684clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5685
5686 :try
5687 : ...
5688 : ... TRY BLOCK
5689 : ...
5690 :catch /{pattern}/
5691 : ...
5692 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5693 : ...
5694 :catch /{pattern}/
5695 : ...
5696 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5697 : ...
5698 :finally
5699 : ...
5700 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5701 : ...
5702 :endtry
5703
5704The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5705appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5706from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5707 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5708is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5709script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5710 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5711lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5712patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5713after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5714executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5715":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5716(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5717continues in the following line as usual.
5718 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5719":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5720that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5721finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5722the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5723the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5724see |try-nesting|.
5725 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5726remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5727not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5728try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5729a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5730execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5731exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5732 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5733thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5734clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5735catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5736following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5737clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5738
5739The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5740a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5741try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5742from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5743sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5744":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5745":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5746from the finally clause.
5747 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5748try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5749clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5750":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5751clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5752":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5753this pending exception or command is discarded.
5754
5755For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5756
5757
5758NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5759
5760Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5761conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5762clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5763catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5764of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5765checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5766try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5767otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5768nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5769one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5770the inner try conditional.
5771
5772When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5773finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5774An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5775thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5776implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5777as usual.
5778
5779For examples see |throw-catch|.
5780
5781
5782EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5783
5784Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5785'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5786script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5787finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5788a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5789(see |debug-scripts|).
5790
5791
5792THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5793
5794You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5795and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5796 :throw 4711
5797 :throw "string"
5798< *throw-expression*
5799You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5800first, and the result is thrown: >
5801 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5802 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5803
5804An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5805command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5806The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5807 Example: >
5808
5809 :function! Foo(arg)
5810 : try
5811 : throw a:arg
5812 : catch /foo/
5813 : endtry
5814 : return 1
5815 :endfunction
5816 :
5817 :function! Bar()
5818 : echo "in Bar"
5819 : return 4710
5820 :endfunction
5821 :
5822 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5823
5824This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5825executed. >
5826 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5827however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5828
5829Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5830abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5831exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5832 Example: >
5833
5834 :if Foo("arrgh")
5835 : echo "then"
5836 :else
5837 : echo "else"
5838 :endif
5839
5840Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5841
5842 *catch-order*
5843Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5844commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5845command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5846gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5847 Example: >
5848
5849 :function! Foo(value)
5850 : try
5851 : throw a:value
5852 : catch /^\d\+$/
5853 : echo "Number thrown"
5854 : catch /.*/
5855 : echo "String thrown"
5856 : endtry
5857 :endfunction
5858 :
5859 :call Foo(0x1267)
5860 :call Foo('string')
5861
5862The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5863An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5864specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5865specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5866
5867 : catch /.*/
5868 : echo "String thrown"
5869 : catch /^\d\+$/
5870 : echo "Number thrown"
5871
5872The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5873never taken.
5874
5875 *throw-variables*
5876If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5877in the variable |v:exception|: >
5878
5879 : catch /^\d\+$/
5880 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5881
5882You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5883|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5884exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5885 Example: >
5886
5887 :function! Caught()
5888 : if v:exception != ""
5889 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5890 : else
5891 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5892 : endif
5893 :endfunction
5894 :
5895 :function! Foo()
5896 : try
5897 : try
5898 : try
5899 : throw 4711
5900 : finally
5901 : call Caught()
5902 : endtry
5903 : catch /.*/
5904 : call Caught()
5905 : throw "oops"
5906 : endtry
5907 : catch /.*/
5908 : call Caught()
5909 : finally
5910 : call Caught()
5911 : endtry
5912 :endfunction
5913 :
5914 :call Foo()
5915
5916This displays >
5917
5918 Nothing caught
5919 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5920 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5921 Nothing caught
5922
5923A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5924number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5925
5926 :function! LineNumber()
5927 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5928 :endfunction
5929 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5930<
5931 *try-nested*
5932An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5933a surrounding try conditional: >
5934
5935 :try
5936 : try
5937 : throw "foo"
5938 : catch /foobar/
5939 : echo "foobar"
5940 : finally
5941 : echo "inner finally"
5942 : endtry
5943 :catch /foo/
5944 : echo "foo"
5945 :endtry
5946
5947The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5948clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5949conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5950
5951 *throw-from-catch*
5952You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5953catch clause: >
5954
5955 :function! Foo()
5956 : throw "foo"
5957 :endfunction
5958 :
5959 :function! Bar()
5960 : try
5961 : call Foo()
5962 : catch /foo/
5963 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5964 : throw "bar"
5965 : endtry
5966 :endfunction
5967 :
5968 :try
5969 : call Bar()
5970 :catch /.*/
5971 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5972 :endtry
5973
5974This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5975
5976 *rethrow*
5977There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5978"v:exception" instead: >
5979
5980 :function! Bar()
5981 : try
5982 : call Foo()
5983 : catch /.*/
5984 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5985 : throw v:exception
5986 : endtry
5987 :endfunction
5988< *try-echoerr*
5989Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5990exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5991Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5992denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5993the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5994
5995 :try
5996 : try
5997 : asdf
5998 : catch /.*/
5999 : echoerr v:exception
6000 : endtry
6001 :catch /.*/
6002 : echo v:exception
6003 :endtry
6004
6005This code displays
6006
6007 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6008
6009
6010CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6011
6012Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6013user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6014an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6015a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6016catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6017a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6018normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6019(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6020to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6021clause has been executed.)
6022Example: >
6023
6024 :try
6025 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6026 : set ts=17
6027 :
6028 : " Do the hard work here.
6029 :
6030 :finally
6031 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6032 : unlet s:saved_ts
6033 :endtry
6034
6035This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6036changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6037that function or script part.
6038
6039 *break-finally*
6040Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6041a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6042 Example: >
6043
6044 :let first = 1
6045 :while 1
6046 : try
6047 : if first
6048 : echo "first"
6049 : let first = 0
6050 : continue
6051 : else
6052 : throw "second"
6053 : endif
6054 : catch /.*/
6055 : echo v:exception
6056 : break
6057 : finally
6058 : echo "cleanup"
6059 : endtry
6060 : echo "still in while"
6061 :endwhile
6062 :echo "end"
6063
6064This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6065
6066 :function! Foo()
6067 : try
6068 : return 4711
6069 : finally
6070 : echo "cleanup\n"
6071 : endtry
6072 : echo "Foo still active"
6073 :endfunction
6074 :
6075 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6076
6077This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6078extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6079return value.)
6080
6081 *except-from-finally*
6082Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6083a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6084cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6085exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6086 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6087working correctly: >
6088
6089 :try
6090 : try
6091 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6092 : while 1
6093 : endwhile
6094 : finally
6095 : unlet novar
6096 : endtry
6097 :catch /novar/
6098 :endtry
6099 :echo "Script still running"
6100 :sleep 1
6101
6102If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6103think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6104|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6105
6106
6107CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6108
6109If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6110watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6111presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6112exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6113the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6114the error exception is.
6115 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6116
6117 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6118or >
6119 Vim:{errmsg}
6120
6121{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6122the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6123when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6124a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6125a space.
6126
6127Examples:
6128
6129The command >
6130 :unlet novar
6131normally produces the error message >
6132 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6133which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6134 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6135
6136The command >
6137 :dwim
6138normally produces the error message >
6139 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6140which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6141 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6142
6143You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6144 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6145or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6146 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6147
6148Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6149 :function nofunc
6150and >
6151 :delfunction nofunc
6152both produce the error message >
6153 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6154which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6155 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6156or >
6157 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6158respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6159command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6160 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6161
6162Some commands like >
6163 :let x = novar
6164produce multiple error messages, here: >
6165 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6166 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6167Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6168one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6169 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6170
6171You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6172 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6173
6174You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6175 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6176
6177You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6178 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6179<
6180 *catch-text*
6181NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6182 :catch /No such variable/
6183only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6184a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6185cite the message text in a comment: >
6186 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6187
6188
6189IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6190
6191You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6192
6193 :try
6194 : write
6195 :catch
6196 :endtry
6197
6198But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6199catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6200be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6201
6202 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6203
6204There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6205writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6206then hide the error from the user.
6207 It is much better to use >
6208
6209 :try
6210 : write
6211 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6212 :endtry
6213
6214which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6215intentionally.
6216
6217For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6218even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6219command: >
6220 :silent! nunmap k
6221This works also when a try conditional is active.
6222
6223
6224CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6225
6226When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6227the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6228script is not terminated, then.
6229 Example: >
6230
6231 :function! TASK1()
6232 : sleep 10
6233 :endfunction
6234
6235 :function! TASK2()
6236 : sleep 20
6237 :endfunction
6238
6239 :while 1
6240 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6241 : try
6242 : if command == ""
6243 : continue
6244 : elseif command == "END"
6245 : break
6246 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6247 : call TASK1()
6248 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6249 : call TASK2()
6250 : else
6251 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6252 : continue
6253 : endif
6254 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6255 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6256 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6257 : endtry
6258 :endwhile
6259
6260You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6261a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6262
6263For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6264your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6265command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6266
6267
6268CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6269
6270The commands >
6271
6272 :catch /.*/
6273 :catch //
6274 :catch
6275
6276catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6277explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6278a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6279 Example: >
6280
6281 :try
6282 :
6283 : " do the hard work here
6284 :
6285 :catch /MyException/
6286 :
6287 : " handle known problem
6288 :
6289 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6290 : echo "Script interrupted"
6291 :catch /.*/
6292 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6293 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6294 :endtry
6295 :" end of script
6296
6297Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6298strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6299specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6300 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6301by pressing CTRL-C: >
6302
6303 :while 1
6304 : try
6305 : sleep 1
6306 : catch
6307 : endtry
6308 :endwhile
6309
6310
6311EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6312
6313Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6314
6315 :autocmd User x try
6316 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6317 :autocmd User x catch
6318 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6319 :autocmd User x endtry
6320 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6321 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6322 :
6323 :try
6324 : doautocmd User x
6325 :catch
6326 : echo v:exception
6327 :endtry
6328
6329This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6330
6331 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6332For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6333command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6334of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6335abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6336 Example: >
6337
6338 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6339 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6340 :
6341 :try
6342 : write
6343 :catch
6344 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6345 :endtry
6346
6347Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6348you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6349autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6350script displays: >
6351
6352 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6353<
6354 *except-autocmd-Post*
6355For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6356command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6357an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6358is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6359 Example: >
6360
6361 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6362 :
6363 :try
6364 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6365 :catch
6366 : echo v:exception
6367 :endtry
6368
6369This just displays: >
6370
6371 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6372
6373If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6374fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6375 Example: >
6376
6377 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6378 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6379 :
6380 :try
6381 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6382 :catch
6383 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6384 :endtry
6385<
6386You can also use ":silent!": >
6387
6388 :let x = "ok"
6389 :let v:errmsg = ""
6390 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6391 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6392 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6393 :try
6394 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6395 :catch
6396 :endtry
6397 :echo x
6398
6399This displays "after fail".
6400
6401If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6402autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6403
6404 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6405 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6406 :
6407 :try
6408 : write
6409 :catch
6410 : echo v:exception
6411 :endtry
6412<
6413 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6414For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6415autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6416of the command.
6417 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6418had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6419some way. >
6420
6421 :if !exists("cnt")
6422 : let cnt = 0
6423 :
6424 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6425 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6426 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6427 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6428 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6429 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6430 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6431 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6432 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6433 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6434 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6435 :endif
6436 :
6437 :try
6438 : write
6439 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6440 : if &modified
6441 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6442 : else
6443 : echo "Error after writing"
6444 : endif
6445 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6446 : echo "Error on writing"
6447 :endtry
6448
6449When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6450first >
6451 File successfully written!
6452then >
6453 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6454then >
6455 Error after writing
6456etc.
6457
6458 *except-autocmd-ill*
6459You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6460The following code is ill-formed: >
6461
6462 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6463 :
6464 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6465 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6466 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6467 :
6468 :write
6469
6470
6471EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6472
6473Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6474pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6475similar things in Vim.
6476 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6477class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6478string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6479 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6480it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6481for an error when writing "myfile".
6482 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6483base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6484parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6485 Example: >
6486
6487 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6488 : if a:a < 0
6489 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6490 : endif
6491 :endfunction
6492 :
6493 :function! Add(a, b)
6494 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6495 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6496 : let c = a:a + a:b
6497 : if c < 0
6498 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6499 : endif
6500 : return c
6501 :endfunction
6502 :
6503 :function! Div(a, b)
6504 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6505 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6506 : if (a:b == 0)
6507 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6508 : endif
6509 : return a:a / a:b
6510 :endfunction
6511 :
6512 :function! Write(file)
6513 : try
6514 : execute "write" a:file
6515 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6516 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6517 : endtry
6518 :endfunction
6519 :
6520 :try
6521 :
6522 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6523 :
6524 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6525 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6526 : echo "Range error in" function
6527 :
6528 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6529 : echo "Math error"
6530 :
6531 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6532 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6533 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6534 : if file !~ '^/'
6535 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6536 : endif
6537 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6538 :
6539 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6540 : echo "Unspecified error"
6541 :
6542 :endtry
6543
6544The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6545a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6546exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6547 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6548failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6549
6550
6551PECULIARITIES
6552 *except-compat*
6553The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6554exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6555and/or a catch clause.
6556
6557In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6558continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6559after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6560functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6561or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6562(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6563
6564This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6565immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6566conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6567be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6568termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6569catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6570by specifying a finally clause.)
6571
6572When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6573behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6574scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6575
6576However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6577commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6578conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6579script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6580error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6581messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6582|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6583not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6584where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6585error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6586scripts.
6587
6588 *except-syntax-err*
6589Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6590the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6591clauses, however, is executed.
6592 Example: >
6593
6594 :try
6595 : try
6596 : throw 4711
6597 : catch /\(/
6598 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6599 : catch
6600 : echo "inner catch-all"
6601 : finally
6602 : echo "inner finally"
6603 : endtry
6604 :catch
6605 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6606 : finally
6607 : echo "outer finally"
6608 :endtry
6609
6610This displays: >
6611 inner finally
6612 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6613 outer finally
6614The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6615
6616 *except-single-line*
6617The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6618a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6619"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6620 Example: >
6621 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6622raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6623argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6624error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6625displayed.
6626
6627 *except-several-errors*
6628When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6629usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6630 Example: >
6631 echo novar
6632causes >
6633 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6634 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6635The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6636 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6637< *except-syntax-error*
6638But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6639the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6640 Example: >
6641 unlet novar #
6642causes >
6643 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6644 E488: Trailing characters
6645The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6646 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6647This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6648not intended by the user. Example: >
6649 try
6650 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6651 catch /.*/
6652 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6653 endtry
6654This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6655a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6656
6657==============================================================================
66589. Examples *eval-examples*
6659
6660Printing in Hex ~
6661>
6662 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6663 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6664 : let n = a:nr
6665 : let r = ""
6666 : while n
6667 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6668 : let n = n / 16
6669 : endwhile
6670 : return r
6671 :endfunc
6672
6673 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6674 :" character Hex string.
6675 :func String2Hex(str)
6676 : let out = ''
6677 : let ix = 0
6678 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6679 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6680 : let ix = ix + 1
6681 : endwhile
6682 : return out
6683 :endfunc
6684
6685Example of its use: >
6686 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6687result: "20" >
6688 :echo String2Hex("32")
6689result: "3332"
6690
6691
6692Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6693
6694Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6695":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6696platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6697function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6698with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6699>
6700 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6701 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6702 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6703 : return -1
6704 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6705 : return 1
6706 : else
6707 : return 0
6708 : endif
6709 :endfunction
6710
6711 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6712 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6713 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6714 : return
6715 : endif
6716 : let partition = a:start - 1
6717 : let middle = partition
6718 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6719 : let i = a:start
6720 : while (i <= a:end)
6721 : let str = getline(i)
6722 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6723 : if (result <= 0)
6724 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6725 : let partition = partition + 1
6726 : if (result == 0)
6727 : let middle = partition
6728 : endif
6729 : if (i != partition)
6730 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6731 : call setline(i, str2)
6732 : call setline(partition, str)
6733 : endif
6734 : endif
6735 : let i = i + 1
6736 : endwhile
6737
6738 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6739 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6740 : " the end of the partition.
6741 : if (middle != partition)
6742 : let str = getline(middle)
6743 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6744 : call setline(middle, str2)
6745 : call setline(partition, str)
6746 : endif
6747 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6748 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6749 :endfunc
6750
6751 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6752 :" function that will compare two lines.
6753 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6754 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6755 :endfunc
6756
6757 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6758 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6759<
6760 *sscanf*
6761There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6762line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6763how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6764"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6765 :" Set up the match bit
6766 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6767 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6768 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6769 :"get each item out of the match
6770 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6771 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6772 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6773
6774The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6775"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6776
6777==============================================================================
677810. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6779
6780When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6781evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6782to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6783recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6784and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6785only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6786recognized.
6787
6788Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6789missing: >
6790
6791 :if 1
6792 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6793 :else
6794 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6795 :endif
6796
6797==============================================================================
679811. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6799
6800The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6801options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6802these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6803these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6804a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006805The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006806
6807These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6808 - changing the buffer text
6809 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6810 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6811 - executing a shell command
6812 - reading or writing a file
6813 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006814This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6815
6816 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006817:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006818 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6819 'foldexpr'.
6820
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006821
6822 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: