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Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.2. Last change: 2010 May 14
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
66the Number. Examples: >
67 Number 123 --> String "123"
68 Number 0 --> String "0"
69 Number -1 --> String "-1"
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
73the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
74 String "456" --> Number 456
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6
76 String "foo" --> Number 0
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
78 String "0100" --> Number 64
79 String "-8" --> Number -8
80 String "+8" --> Number 0
81
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
538
539Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000540 *E715*
541Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
543 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
544 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
545 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
546 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
547 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
548 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
549 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000550
551
5521.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000553 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000554If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
555function.
556
557When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
558start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
559stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
560
561When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
563stored in the session file |session-file|.
564
565variable name can be stored where ~
566my_var_6 not
567My_Var_6 session file
568MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
569
570
571It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
572|curly-braces-names|.
573
574==============================================================================
5752. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
576
577Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
578
579|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
580
581|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
582
583|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
584
585|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
586 expr5 != expr5 not equal
587 expr5 > expr5 greater than
588 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
589 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
590 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
591 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
592 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
593
594 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
595 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
596 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
597 matching case
598
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000599 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
600 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000601
602|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000603 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
604 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
605
606|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
607 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
608 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
609
610|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
611 - expr7 unary minus
612 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000614
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000615|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
616 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
617 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
618 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000619
620|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000621 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000622 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000623 [expr1, ...] |List|
624 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000625 &option option value
626 (expr1) nested expression
627 variable internal variable
628 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
629 $VAR environment variable
630 @r contents of register 'r'
631 function(expr1, ...) function call
632 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
633
634
635".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
636Example: >
637 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
638
639All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
640
641
642expr1 *expr1* *E109*
643-----
644
645expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
646
647The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
648non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
649otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
650Example: >
651 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
652
653Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
654other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
655Example: >
656 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
657
658To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
659 :echo lnum == 1
660 :\ ? "top"
661 :\ : lnum == 1000
662 :\ ? "last"
663 :\ : lnum
664
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000665You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
666use in a variable such as "a:1".
667
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000668
669expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
670---------------
671
672 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
673The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
674are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
675
676 input output ~
677n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
678zero zero zero zero
679zero non-zero non-zero zero
680non-zero zero non-zero zero
681non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
682
683The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
684
685 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
686
687Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
688
689 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
690
691Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
692arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
693
694 let a = 1
695 echo a || b
696
697This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
698so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
699
700 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
701
702This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
703only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
704
705
706expr4 *expr4*
707-----
708
709expr5 {cmp} expr5
710
711Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
712if it evaluates to true.
713
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000714 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000715 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
716 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
717 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
718 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
719 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000720 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000721 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
722equal == ==# ==?
723not equal != !=# !=?
724greater than > ># >?
725greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
726smaller than < <# <?
727smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
728regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
729regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000730same instance is
731different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000732
733Examples:
734"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
735"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
736"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
737
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000738 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000739A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
740"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
741Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000742
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000743 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000744A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
745equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000746recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
747
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000748 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000749A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
750equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000751
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000752When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000753referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000754the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
755using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000756different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000757is false.
758
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000759When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000760and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000761because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
762
763When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
764results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
765necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
766
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000767When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000768'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000769
770When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000771'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
772
773'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000774
775The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
776argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
777This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
778matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
779portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
780single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
781Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
782(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
783can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
784 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
785 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
786
787
788expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
789---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000790expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000791expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
792expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000793
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000794For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000795result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000796
797expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
798expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
799expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
801For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
802
803Note the difference between "+" and ".":
804 "123" + "456" = 579
805 "123" . "456" = "123456"
806
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000807Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
808 1 . 90 + 90.0
809As: >
810 (1 . 90) + 90.0
811That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
812190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
813 1 . 90 * 90.0
814Should be read as: >
815 1 . (90 * 90.0)
816Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
817attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
818
819When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
820 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
821 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
822 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
823 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
824
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000825When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
826
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000827None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000828
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000829. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000831
832expr7 *expr7*
833-----
834! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
835- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
836+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
837
838For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
839For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
840For '+' the number is unchanged.
841
842A String will be converted to a Number first.
843
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000844These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000845 !-1 == 0
846 !!8 == 1
847 --9 == 9
848
849
850expr8 *expr8*
851-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000852expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
855expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100856Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
857an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000858
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000859Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
860text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
861cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000862 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000863
864If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000865String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
866compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
867
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000868If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000869for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000870error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000871 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
872
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000873Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
874|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
875error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000876
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000877
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000878expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000879
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000880If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
881from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100882expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
883|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000884
885If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
886string minus one is used.
887
888A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
889the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
890
891If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
892expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
893
894Examples: >
895 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
896 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
897 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
898 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100899<
900 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000901If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000902the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000903just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000904 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
905 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
906 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
907
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000908Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
909error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000910
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000911
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000912expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000913
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000914If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
915name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
916expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000917
918The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
919but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
920
921There must not be white space before or after the dot.
922
923Examples: >
924 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
925 :echo dict.one
926 :echo dict .2
927
928Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
929always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
930
931
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000932expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000933
934When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
935
936
937
938 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000939number
940------
941number number constant *expr-number*
942
943Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
944
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000945 *floating-point-format*
946Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
947
948 [-+]{N}.{M}
949 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
950
951{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
952contain digits.
953[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
954{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
955Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
956locale is.
957{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
958
959Examples:
960 123.456
961 +0.0001
962 55.0
963 -0.123
964 1.234e03
965 1.0E-6
966 -3.1416e+88
967
968These are INVALID:
969 3. empty {M}
970 1e40 missing .{M}
971
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000972 *float-pi* *float-e*
973A few useful values to copy&paste: >
974 :let pi = 3.14159265359
975 :let e = 2.71828182846
976
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000977Rationale:
978Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
979the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
980resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000981could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000982incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
983for floating point numbers.
984
985 *floating-point-precision*
986The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
987means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
988runtime.
989
990The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
991printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
992function. Example: >
993 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
994< 7.853981633974483e-01
995
996
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000997
998string *expr-string* *E114*
999------
1000"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1001
1002Note that double quotes are used.
1003
1004A string constant accepts these special characters:
1005\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1006\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1007\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1008\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1009\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1010\X.. same as \x..
1011\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001012\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001013 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1014\U.... same as \u....
1015\b backspace <BS>
1016\e escape <Esc>
1017\f formfeed <FF>
1018\n newline <NL>
1019\r return <CR>
1020\t tab <Tab>
1021\\ backslash
1022\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001023\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1024 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1025 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001026
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001027Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1028encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1029of 'encoding'.
1030
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001031Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1032
1033
1034literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1035---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001036'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037
1038Note that single quotes are used.
1039
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001040This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001041meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001042
1043Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001044to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001045 if a =~ "\\s*"
1046 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001047
1048
1049option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1050------
1051&option option value, local value if possible
1052&g:option global option value
1053&l:option local option value
1054
1055Examples: >
1056 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1057 if &insertmode
1058
1059Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1060and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1061anyway.
1062
1063
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001064register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001065--------
1066@r contents of register 'r'
1067
1068The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1069Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001070register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001071registers.
1072
1073When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1074evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075
1076
1077nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1078-------
1079(expr1) nested expression
1080
1081
1082environment variable *expr-env*
1083--------------------
1084$VAR environment variable
1085
1086The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1087result is an empty string.
1088 *expr-env-expand*
1089Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1090expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1091are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1092the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1093fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1094does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1095 :echo $version
1096 :echo expand("$version")
1097The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1098variable (if your shell supports it).
1099
1100
1101internal variable *expr-variable*
1102-----------------
1103variable internal variable
1104See below |internal-variables|.
1105
1106
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001107function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001108-------------
1109function(expr1, ...) function call
1110See below |functions|.
1111
1112
1113==============================================================================
11143. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1115 *E461*
1116An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1117cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1118|curly-braces-names|.
1119
1120An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001121An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1122|:unlet|.
1123Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1124been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001125
1126There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1127specified by what is prepended:
1128
1129 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1130|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1131|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001132|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001133|global-variable| g: Global.
1134|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1135|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1136|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001137|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001138
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001139The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1140delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001141 :for k in keys(s:)
1142 : unlet s:[k]
1143 :endfor
1144<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001145 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1146A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1147Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1148This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1149|:bdelete|.
1150
1151One local buffer variable is predefined:
1152 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1153b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1154 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1155 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1156 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1157 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001158 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1159 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001160 :endif
1161<
1162 *window-variable* *w:var*
1163A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1164is deleted when the window is closed.
1165
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001166 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1167A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1168It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1169without the +windows feature}
1170
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001171 *global-variable* *g:var*
1172Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001173access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001174place if you like.
1175
1176 *local-variable* *l:var*
1177Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001178But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1179you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1180refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1181same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001182
1183 *script-variable* *s:var*
1184In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1185accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1186
1187They can be used in:
1188- commands executed while the script is sourced
1189- functions defined in the script
1190- autocommands defined in the script
1191- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1192 defined in the script (recursively)
1193- user defined commands defined in the script
1194Thus not in:
1195- other scripts sourced from this one
1196- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001197- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001198- etc.
1199
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001200Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1201Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001202
1203 let s:counter = 0
1204 function MyCounter()
1205 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1206 echo s:counter
1207 endfunction
1208 command Tick call MyCounter()
1209
1210You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1211that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1212"Tick" was defined is used.
1213
1214Another example that does the same: >
1215
1216 let s:counter = 0
1217 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1218
1219When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001220script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001221defined.
1222
1223The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1224function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1225
1226 let s:counter = 0
1227 function StartCounting(incr)
1228 if a:incr
1229 function MyCounter()
1230 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1231 endfunction
1232 else
1233 function MyCounter()
1234 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1235 endfunction
1236 endif
1237 endfunction
1238
1239This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1240when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1241called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1242
1243When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1244They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1245maintain a counter: >
1246
1247 if !exists("s:counter")
1248 let s:counter = 1
1249 echo "script executed for the first time"
1250 else
1251 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1252 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1253 endif
1254
1255Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1256variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1257
1258
1259Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1260
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001261 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1262v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1263 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1264 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1265
1266 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1267v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1268 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1269
1270 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1271v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1272 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1273
1274 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001275v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1276 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1277 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1278 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001279 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1280 highlighted text is used.
1281 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1282
1283 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1284v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1285 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1286
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001287 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001288v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
1289 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001290
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001291 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1292v:charconvert_from
1293 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1294 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1295
1296 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1297v:charconvert_to
1298 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1299 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1300
1301 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1302v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1303 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1304 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1305 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1306 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1307 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001308 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001309 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1310 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1311 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1312 in 'printexpr'.
1313
1314 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1315v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1316 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1317 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1318 can be used.
1319
1320 *v:count* *count-variable*
1321v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001322 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001323 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1324< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1325 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001326 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1327 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001328 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001329 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1330
1331 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1332v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1333 used.
1334
1335 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1336v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1337 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1338 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1339 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1340 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1341 command.
1342 See |multi-lang|.
1343
1344 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001345v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001346 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1347 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1348 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1349 Example: >
1350 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1351<
1352 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1353v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1354 Example: >
1355 :let v:errmsg = ""
1356 :silent! next
1357 :if v:errmsg != ""
1358 : ... handle error
1359< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1360
1361 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1362v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1363 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1364 Example: >
1365 :try
1366 : throw "oops"
1367 :catch /.*/
1368 : echo "caught" v:exception
1369 :endtry
1370< Output: "caught oops".
1371
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001372 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1373v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1374 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1375 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1376 deleted file no longer exists
1377 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1378 changed and buffer is modified
1379 changed file contents has changed
1380 mode mode of file changed
1381 time only file timestamp changed
1382
1383 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1384v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1385 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1386 do with the affected buffer:
1387 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1388 the file was deleted).
1389 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1390 was no autocommand. Except that when
1391 only the timestamp changed nothing
1392 will happen.
1393 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1394 everything that needs to be done.
1395 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1396 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1397
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001398 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001399v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001400 option used for ~
1401 'charconvert' file to be converted
1402 'diffexpr' original file
1403 'patchexpr' original file
1404 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001405 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001406
1407 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1408v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1409 evaluating:
1410 option used for ~
1411 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1412 'diffexpr' output of diff
1413 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1414 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001415 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001416 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1417 file and different from v:fname_in.
1418
1419 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1420v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1421 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1422
1423 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1424v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1425 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1426
1427 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1428v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1429 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001430 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001431
1432 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1433v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001434 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001435
1436 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1437v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001438 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001439
1440 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1441v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001442 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001443
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001444 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1445v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1446 events. Values:
1447 i Insert mode
1448 r Replace mode
1449 v Virtual Replace mode
1450
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001451 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001452v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001453 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1454 Read-only.
1455
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001456 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1457v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1458 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1459 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1460 The value is system dependent.
1461 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1462 command.
1463 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1464 in a different language than what is used for character
1465 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1466
1467 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1468v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1469 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1470 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1471 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1472 command. See |multi-lang|.
1473
1474 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001475v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001476 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1477 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1478 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001479
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001480 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1481v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1482 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1483 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1484
1485 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1486v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1487 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1488 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1489
1490 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1491v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1492 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1493 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1494
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001495 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1496v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1497 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1498 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1499 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1500 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1501 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1502 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1503 than String this will cause trouble.
1504 {only when compiled with the +viminfo feature}
1505
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001506 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1507v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1508 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1509 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1510 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1511 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1512 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1513< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1514 don't expect it to be empty.
1515 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1516 commands.
1517 Read-only.
1518
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001519 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1520v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1521 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001522 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1523 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001524 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1525< Read-only.
1526
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001527 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001528v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001529 See |profiling|.
1530
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001531 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1532v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1533 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1534 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1535 Read-only.
1536
1537 *v:register* *register-variable*
1538v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1539 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1540
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001541 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1542v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1543 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1544 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1545 typed command.
1546 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1547 hit-enter prompt.
1548
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001549 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1550v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1551 Read-only.
1552
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001553
1554v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1555 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1556 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1557 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1558 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1559 function. |function-search-undo|.
1560 Read-write.
1561
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001562 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1563v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1564 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1565 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1566 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1567 executed. Read-only.
1568 Example: >
1569 :!mv foo bar
1570 :if v:shell_error
1571 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1572 :endif
1573< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1574
1575 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1576v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1577
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001578 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1579v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1580 the swap file found. Read-only.
1581
1582 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1583v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1584 for handling an existing swap file:
1585 'o' Open read-only
1586 'e' Edit anyway
1587 'r' Recover
1588 'd' Delete swapfile
1589 'q' Quit
1590 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001591 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001592 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1593 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1594
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001595 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001596v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001597 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001598 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001599 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001600 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001602 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1603v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001604 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001605 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1606 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1607 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1608 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1609 terminal.
1610 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1611 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1612 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1613 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1614 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1615
1616 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1617v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1618 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1619 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1620 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1621
1622 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1623v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001624 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001625 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1626 Example: >
1627 :try
1628 : throw "oops"
1629 :catch /.*/
1630 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1631 :endtry
1632< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1633
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001634 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001635v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001636 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001637 |filter()|. Read-only.
1638
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001639 *v:version* *version-variable*
1640v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1641 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1642 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1643 compatibility.
1644 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1645 if has("patch123")
1646< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1647 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1648 completely different.
1649
1650 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1651v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1652
1653==============================================================================
16544. Builtin Functions *functions*
1655
1656See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1657
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001658(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001659
1660USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1661
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001662abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001663add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001664append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001665append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001667argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001668argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001669argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001670atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001671browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1672 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001673browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001674bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001675buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1676bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001677bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1678bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1679bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1680byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001681byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001682call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1683 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001684ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1685changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001686char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001687cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001688clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001689col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001690complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001691complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001692complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001693confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1694 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001695copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001696cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001697count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1698 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001699cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1700 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001701cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1702 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1703cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001704deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001705delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1706did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001707diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1708diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001709empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001710escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001711eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001712eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001713executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1714exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001715extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001716 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001717expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001718feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001719filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001720filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001721filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1722 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001723finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001724 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001725findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001726 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001727float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1728floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001729fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001730fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001731foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1732foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001733foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001734foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001735foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001736foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001737function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001738garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001739get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001740get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001741getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1742 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001743getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001744getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1745getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001746getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1747getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001748getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001750getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1751getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001752getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001753getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001754getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001755getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1756getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001757getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001758getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001759getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001760getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001761getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001762getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001763getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001764gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1765 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001766getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1767getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001768getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001769glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1770globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1771 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001772has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001773has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001774haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001775hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1776 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001777histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1778histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1779histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1780histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1781hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1782hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1783hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001784iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1785indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001786index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1787 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001788input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1789 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001790inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001791inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001792inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1793inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001794inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001795insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001796isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001797islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001798items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001799join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001800keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1802libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001803libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1804line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1805line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001806lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001807localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001808log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001809map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001810maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1811 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1812mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1813 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001814match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001815 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001816matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1817 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001818matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001819matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001820matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001821 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001822matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1823 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001824matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1825 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001826max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1827min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1828mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001829 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001830mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001831mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001832nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1833nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001834pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001835pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001836prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001837printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1838pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001839range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1840 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001841readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001842 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001843reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1844reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001845remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1846 String send expression
1847remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1848remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1849 Number check for reply string
1850remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1851remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1852 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001853remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001854remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001855rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1856repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1857resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001858reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001859round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001860search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1861 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001862searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001863 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001864searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001865 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001866searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001867 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001868searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001869 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001870server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1871 Number send reply string
1872serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1873setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1874setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1875setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001876setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1877 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001878setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001879setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001880setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001881setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001882settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1883 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001884setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001885shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1886 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001887 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001888simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001889sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001890sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001891soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001892spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001893spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1894 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001895split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001896 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001897sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr}
1898str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1899str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001900strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001901stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1902 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001903string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001904strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1905strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1906 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001907strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1908 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001909strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001910submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001911substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1912 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001913synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001914synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1915 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1916synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001917synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001918system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001919tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1920tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1921tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1922 Number number of current window in tab page
1923taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001924tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001925tempname() String name for a temporary file
1926tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1927toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001928tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1929 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001930trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001931type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001932values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001933virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1934visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1935winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1936wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1937winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1938winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001939winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001940winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001941winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001942winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001943winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001944writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001945 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001946
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001947abs({expr}) *abs()*
1948 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1949 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1950 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1951 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1952 Examples: >
1953 echo abs(1.456)
1954< 1.456 >
1955 echo abs(-5.456)
1956< 5.456 >
1957 echo abs(-4)
1958< 4
1959 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
1960
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001961add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001962 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1963 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001964 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1965 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001966< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001967 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001968 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001969
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001970
1971append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001972 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1973 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001974 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1975 the current buffer.
1976 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001977 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001978 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001979 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001980 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001981<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001982 *argc()*
1983argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1984 current window. See |arglist|.
1985
1986 *argidx()*
1987argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1988 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1989
1990 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001991argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001992 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1993 Example: >
1994 :let i = 0
1995 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001996 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001997 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1998 : let i = i + 1
1999 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002000< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2001 returned.
2002
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002003atan({expr}) *atan()*
2004 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2005 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2006 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2007 Examples: >
2008 :echo atan(100)
2009< 1.560797 >
2010 :echo atan(-4.01)
2011< -1.326405
2012 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2013
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002014 *browse()*
2015browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2016 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2017 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2018 The input fields are:
2019 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2020 {title} title for the requester
2021 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2022 {default} default file name
2023 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2024 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2025
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002026 *browsedir()*
2027browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2028 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2029 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2030 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2031 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2032 to be used.
2033 The input fields are:
2034 {title} title for the requester
2035 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2036 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2037 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2038
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002039bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2040 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2041 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002042 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002043 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002044 exactly. The name can be:
2045 - Relative to the current directory.
2046 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002047 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002048 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002049 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2050 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2051 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2052 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002053 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2054 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2055 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002056 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2057 file name.
2058 *buffer_exists()*
2059 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2060
2061buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2062 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2063 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002064 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002065
2066bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2067 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2068 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002069 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002070
2071bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2072 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2073 ":ls" command.
2074 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2075 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2076 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002077 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002078 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2079 match an empty string is returned.
2080 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2081 alternate buffer.
2082 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002083 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2084 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2085 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002086 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2087 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2088 buffers are searched for.
2089 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2090 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2091 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2092< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2093 string is returned. >
2094 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2095 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2096 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2097 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2098< *buffer_name()*
2099 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2100
2101 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002102bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2103 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002104 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002105 above.
2106 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2107 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2108 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002109 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2110 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2111< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2112 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2113 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2114 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2115 *buffer_number()*
2116 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2117 *last_buffer_nr()*
2118 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2119
2120bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2121 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2122 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002123 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002124 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2125
2126 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2127
2128< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2129 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002130 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002131
2132
2133byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2134 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2135 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2136 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2137 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2138 one.
2139 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2140 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2141 feature}
2142
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002143byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2144 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2145 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2146 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2147 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2148 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2149 Example : >
2150 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2151< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2152 same: >
2153 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2154 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2155< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2156 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2157 is returned.
2158
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002159call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002160 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002161 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002162 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002163 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2164 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002165 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2166 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002167
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002168ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2169 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2170 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2171 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2172 Examples: >
2173 echo ceil(1.456)
2174< 2.0 >
2175 echo ceil(-5.456)
2176< -5.0 >
2177 echo ceil(4.0)
2178< 4.0
2179 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2180
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002181changenr() *changenr()*
2182 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2183 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2184 with the |:undo| command.
2185 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2186 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2187 one less than the number of the undone change.
2188
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002189char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2190 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2191 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2192 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2193< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002194 char2nr("á") returns 225
2195 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002196< |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002197
2198cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2199 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2200 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2201 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2202 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2203 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2204 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002205 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002206
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002207clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2208 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2209 |:match| commands.
2210
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002211 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002212col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002213 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2214 . the cursor position
2215 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2216 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2217 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2218 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002219 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2220 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002221 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002222 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002223 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002224 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002225 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2226 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2227 Examples: >
2228 col(".") column of cursor
2229 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2230 col("'t") column of mark t
2231 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002232< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002233 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2234 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002235 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2236 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2237 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2238 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2239 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2240 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2241 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2242<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002243
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002244complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2245 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2246 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002247 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2248 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002249 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2250 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2251 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2252 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2253 match.
2254 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2255 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2256 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002257 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002258 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2259 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2260 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2261 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002262 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002263
2264 func! ListMonths()
2265 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2266 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2267 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2268 return ''
2269 endfunc
2270< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2271 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2272
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002273complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2274 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2275 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2276 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2277 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2278 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002279 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002280 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002281
2282complete_check() *complete_check()*
2283 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2284 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2285 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2286 zero otherwise.
2287 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2288 'completefunc' option.
2289
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002290 *confirm()*
2291confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2292 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2293 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2294 choice this is 1.
2295 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2296 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2297 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2298 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2299 used (and translated).
2300 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2301 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2302 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2303 by '\n', e.g. >
2304 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2305< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2306 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2307 not need to be the first letter: >
2308 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2309< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2310 the default shortcut key.
2311 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2312 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2313 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2314 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002315 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002316 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2317 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2318 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2319 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2320 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2321 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2322
2323 An example: >
2324 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2325 :if choice == 0
2326 : echo "make up your mind!"
2327 :elseif choice == 3
2328 : echo "tasteful"
2329 :else
2330 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2331 :endif
2332< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2333 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002334 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002335 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2336 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2337 the horizontal layout is always used.
2338
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002339 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002340copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002341 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002342 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2343 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002344 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2345 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002346 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002347
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002348cos({expr}) *cos()*
2349 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2350 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2351 Examples: >
2352 :echo cos(100)
2353< 0.862319 >
2354 :echo cos(-4.01)
2355< -0.646043
2356 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2357
2358
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002359count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002360 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002361 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002362 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002363 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002364 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2365
2366
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002367 *cscope_connection()*
2368cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2369 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2370 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2371 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2372 if there are no cscope connections;
2373 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2374
2375 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2376 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2377
2378 {num} Description of existence check
2379 ----- ------------------------------
2380 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2381 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2382 {dbpath}.
2383 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2384 {dbpath}.
2385 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2386 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2387 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2388 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2389
2390 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2391
2392 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2393
2394 # pid database name prepend path
2395 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2396<
2397 Invocation Return Val ~
2398 ---------- ---------- >
2399 cscope_connection() 1
2400 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2401 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2402 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2403 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2404 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2405 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2406 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2407<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002408cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2409cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002410 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2411 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002412 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002413 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2414 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002415 Does not change the jumplist.
2416 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2417 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2418 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002419 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002420 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2421 line.
2422 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002423 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2424 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002425 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002426 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002427
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002428
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002429deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002430 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002431 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002432 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2433 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002434 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002435 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002436 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2437 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2438 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2439 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2440 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2441 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002442 *E724*
2443 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002444 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2445 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002446 Also see |copy()|.
2447
2448delete({fname}) *delete()*
2449 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002450 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2451 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002452 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002453
2454 *did_filetype()*
2455did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2456 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2457 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2458 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2459 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2460 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2461 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2462 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2463 file.
2464
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002465diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2466 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2467 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2468 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2469 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2470 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2471 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2472 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2473
2474diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2475 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2476 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2477 diff change zero is returned.
2478 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2479 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2480 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2481 line.
2482 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2483 syntax information about the highlighting.
2484
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002485empty({expr}) *empty()*
2486 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002487 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002488 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002489 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002490 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002491
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002492escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2493 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2494 backslash. Example: >
2495 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2496< results in: >
2497 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002498< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002499
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002500 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002501eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2502 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002503 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2504 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2505 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002506
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002507eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2508 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2509 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2510 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2511 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2512
2513executable({expr}) *executable()*
2514 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2515 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002516 arguments.
2517 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2518 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2519 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2520 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002521 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2522 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002523 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002524 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002525 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2526 extension.
2527 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2528 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002529 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2530 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2531 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002532 The result is a Number:
2533 1 exists
2534 0 does not exist
2535 -1 not implemented on this system
2536
2537 *exists()*
2538exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2539 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2540 which contains one of these:
2541 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2542 not if it really works)
2543 +option-name Vim option that works.
2544 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2545 done by comparing with an empty
2546 string)
2547 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2548 or user defined function (see
2549 |user-functions|).
2550 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002551 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002552 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2553 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002554 that evaluating an index may cause an
2555 error message for an invalid
2556 expression. E.g.: >
2557 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2558 :echo exists("l[5]")
2559< 0 >
2560 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2561< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2562 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002563 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2564 command or command modifier |:command|.
2565 Returns:
2566 1 for match with start of a command
2567 2 full match with a command
2568 3 matches several user commands
2569 To check for a supported command
2570 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002571 :2match The |:2match| command.
2572 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002573 #event autocommand defined for this event
2574 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2575 pattern (the pattern is taken
2576 literally and compared to the
2577 autocommand patterns character by
2578 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002579 #group autocommand group exists
2580 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2581 event.
2582 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002583 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002584 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002585 ##event autocommand for this event is
2586 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002587 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2588
2589 Examples: >
2590 exists("&shortname")
2591 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2592 exists("*strftime")
2593 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2594 exists("bufcount")
2595 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002596 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002597 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002598 exists("#filetypeindent")
2599 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2600 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002601 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002602< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2603 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002604 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2605 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2606 the future, thus don't count on it!
2607 Working example: >
2608 exists(":make")
2609< NOT working example: >
2610 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002611
2612< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2613 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002614 exists(bufcount)
2615< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002616 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002617
2618expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2619 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2620 The result is a String.
2621
2622 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2623 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2624 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2625
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002626 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002627 for a non-existing file is not included.
2628
2629 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2630 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2631 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2632
2633 % current file name
2634 # alternate file name
2635 #n alternate file name n
2636 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2637 <afile> autocmd file name
2638 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2639 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2640 <sfile> sourced script file name
2641 <cword> word under the cursor
2642 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2643 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2644 message |server2client()|
2645 Modifiers:
2646 :p expand to full path
2647 :h head (last path component removed)
2648 :t tail (last path component only)
2649 :r root (one extension removed)
2650 :e extension only
2651
2652 Example: >
2653 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2654< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2655 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2656 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2657< Use this: >
2658 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2659< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2660 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2661 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2662 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2663 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2664<
2665 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2666 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2667 to modify normal file names.
2668
2669 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2670 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2671 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2672 '/' added.
2673
2674 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2675 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2676 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2677 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002678 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2679 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2680 files in the current directory and below: >
2681 :echo expand("**/README")
2682<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002683 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2684 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002685 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002686 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002687 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002688 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2689 "$FOOBAR".
2690
2691 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2692 getting the raw output of an external command.
2693
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002694extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002695 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2696 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002697
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002698 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002699 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2700 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2701 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2702 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002703 Examples: >
2704 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2705 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002706< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2707 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2708 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2709 (where N is the original length of the List).
2710 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002711 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002712 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002713<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002714 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002715 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2716 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2717 used to decide what to do:
2718 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2719 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002720 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002721 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2722
2723 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2724 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2725 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2726 Returns {expr1}.
2727
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002728
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002729feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2730 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002731 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002732 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002733 being executed these characters come after them.
2734 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2735 {string}.
2736 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2737 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002738 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002739 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2740 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2741 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002742 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2743 'n' Do not remap keys.
2744 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2745 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2746 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002747 Return value is always 0.
2748
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002749filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2750 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2751 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2752 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2753 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002754 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2755 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002756 *file_readable()*
2757 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2758
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002759
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002760filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2761 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2762 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002763 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002764 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2765
2766
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002767filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002768 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002769 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002770 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002771 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002772 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002773 Examples: >
2774 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2775< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2776 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2777< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2778 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002779< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002780
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002781 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2782 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2783 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2784
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002785 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2786 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002787 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002788
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002789< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002790 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2791 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002792
2793
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002794finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002795 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2796 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2797 for the syntax of {path}.
2798 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2799 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2800 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002801 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2802 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002803 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002804 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002805 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002806 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2807
2808findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2809 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002810 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2811 Example: >
2812 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002813< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2814 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002815
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002816float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2817 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2818 decimal point.
2819 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2820 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2821 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2822 in -0x80000000.
2823 Examples: >
2824 echo float2nr(3.95)
2825< 3 >
2826 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2827< -23 >
2828 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2829< 2147483647 >
2830 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2831< -2147483647 >
2832 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2833< 0
2834 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2835
2836
2837floor({expr}) *floor()*
2838 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2839 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2840 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2841 Examples: >
2842 echo floor(1.856)
2843< 1.0 >
2844 echo floor(-5.456)
2845< -6.0 >
2846 echo floor(4.0)
2847< 4.0
2848 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2849
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002850fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002851 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002852 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2853 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002854 For most systems the characters escaped are
2855 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2856 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002857 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2858 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002859 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002860 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002861 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2862< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002863 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002864
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002865fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2866 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2867 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2868 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2869 Example: >
2870 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2871< results in: >
2872 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002873< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002874 |expand()| first then.
2875
2876foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2877 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2878 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2879 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2880
2881foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2882 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2883 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2884 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2885
2886foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2887 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002888 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002889 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2890 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2891 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2892 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2893 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2894 previous line is usually available.
2895
2896 *foldtext()*
2897foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2898 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2899 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2900 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2901 The returned string looks like this: >
2902 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002903< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002904 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2905 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2906 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2907 options is removed.
2908 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2909
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002910foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2911 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2912 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2913 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2914 returned.
2915 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2916 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2917 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2918 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2919
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002920 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002921foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002922 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2923 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2924 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2925 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2926 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2927 Win32 console version}
2928
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002929
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002930function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002931 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002932 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2933
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002934
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002935garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002936 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002937 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2938 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2939 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2940 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2941 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002942 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2943 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2944 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002945 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
2946 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
2947 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002948
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002949get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002950 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002951 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2952 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002953get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002954 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002955 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2956 {default} is omitted.
2957
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002958 *getbufline()*
2959getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002960 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2961 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2962 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002963
2964 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2965
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002966 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2967 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002968
2969 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002970 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002971
2972 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2973 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002974 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002975 returned.
2976
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002977 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002978 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002979
2980 Example: >
2981 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002982
2983getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2984 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2985 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2986 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002987 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
2988 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002989 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2990 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2991 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002992 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2993 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2994 returned, there is no error message.
2995 Examples: >
2996 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2997 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2998<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002999getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003000 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003001 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3002 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003003 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003004 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003005 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3006
3007 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3008 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3009 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3010 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3011 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003012 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3013 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3014 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3015 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003016
3017 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003018 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3019 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003020
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003021 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3022 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3023 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3024 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3025 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003026 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003027 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3028 exe v:mouse_lnum
3029 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3030 endif
3031<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003032 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3033 user that a character has to be typed.
3034 There is no mapping for the character.
3035 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3036 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3037 sequence. Examples: >
3038 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3039 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3040< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3041 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3042 :function FindChar()
3043 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3044 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3045 : normal l
3046 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3047 : break
3048 : endif
3049 : endwhile
3050 :endfunction
3051
3052getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3053 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3054 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3055 These values are added together:
3056 2 shift
3057 4 control
3058 8 alt (meta)
3059 16 mouse double click
3060 32 mouse triple click
3061 64 mouse quadruple click
3062 128 Macintosh only: command
3063 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003064 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003065 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003066
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003067getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3068 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3069 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3070 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3071 Example: >
3072 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003073< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003074
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003075getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003076 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3077 byte count. The first column is 1.
3078 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3079 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003080 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3081
3082getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3083 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3084 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003085 : normal Ex command
3086 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3087 / forward search command
3088 ? backward search command
3089 @ |input()| command
3090 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003091 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3092 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3093 otherwise.
3094 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003095
3096 *getcwd()*
3097getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3098 working directory.
3099
3100getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3101 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3102 given file {fname}.
3103 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3104 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003105 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3106 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003107
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003108getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3109 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3110 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3111 |hl-Normal|.
3112 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3113 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3114 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3115 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003116 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003117 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3118 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003119 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3120 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003121
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003122getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3123 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3124 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3125 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3126 empty string is returned.
3127 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3128 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3129 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3130 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3131 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3132 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3133< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3134 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003135
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003136getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3137 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3138 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3139 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3140 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3141 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3142
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003143getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3144 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3145 file of the given file {fname}.
3146 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3147 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3148 results:
3149 Normal file "file"
3150 Directory "dir"
3151 Symbolic link "link"
3152 Block device "bdev"
3153 Character device "cdev"
3154 Socket "socket"
3155 FIFO "fifo"
3156 All other "other"
3157 Example: >
3158 getftype("/home")
3159< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3160 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3161 "file" are returned.
3162
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003163 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003164getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3165 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3166 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003167 getline(1)
3168< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3169 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3170 To get the line under the cursor: >
3171 getline(".")
3172< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3173 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3174
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003175 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3176 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003177 including line {end}.
3178 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3179 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003180 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003181 Example: >
3182 :let start = line('.')
3183 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3184 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3185
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003186< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3187
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003188getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3189 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3190 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3191 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003192 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003193 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003194
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003195getmatches() *getmatches()*
3196 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3197 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3198 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3199 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3200 Example: >
3201 :echo getmatches()
3202< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3203 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3204 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3205 :let m = getmatches()
3206 :call clearmatches()
3207 :echo getmatches()
3208< [] >
3209 :call setmatches(m)
3210 :echo getmatches()
3211< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3212 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3213 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3214 :unlet m
3215<
3216
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003217getqflist() *getqflist()*
3218 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3219 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3220 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3221 bufname() to get the name
3222 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3223 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003224 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3225 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003226 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003227 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003228 text description of the error
3229 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3230 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3231
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003232 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003233 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3234 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003235
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003236 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3237 do something with them: >
3238 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3239 :for d in getqflist()
3240 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3241 :endfor
3242
3243
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003244getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003245 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003246 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003247 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3248< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003249 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003250 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3251 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3252 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003253 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3254
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003255
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003256getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3257 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3258 The value will be one of:
3259 "v" for |characterwise| text
3260 "V" for |linewise| text
3261 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3262 0 for an empty or unknown register
3263 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3264 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3265
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003266gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003267 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3268 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3269 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3270 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003271 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3272 use |getwinvar()|.
3273 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3274 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3275 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3276 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003277 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3278 variables is returned.
3279 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003280 Examples: >
3281 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3282 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003283<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003284 *getwinposx()*
3285getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3286 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3287 -1 if the information is not available.
3288
3289 *getwinposy()*
3290getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003291 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003292 information is not available.
3293
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003294getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3295 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003296 Examples: >
3297 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3298 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3299<
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003300glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()*
3301 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003302 use of special characters.
3303 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003304 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3305 characters.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003306 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3307 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3308 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3309 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003310 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3311 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3312
3313 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3314 any external command. Example: >
3315 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3316 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3317< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003318 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003319
3320 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3321 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3322
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003323globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003324 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3325 the results. Example: >
3326 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3327< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3328 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003329 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003330 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3331 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3332 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3333 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3334 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003335 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3336 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3337 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3338 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003339
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003340 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3341 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3342 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3343 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003344< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3345 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3346
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003347 *has()*
3348has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3349 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3350 string. See |feature-list| below.
3351 Also see |exists()|.
3352
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003353
3354has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003355 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3356 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003357
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003358haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3359 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003360 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003361
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003362hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003363 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3364 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3365 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3366 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003367 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003368 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3369 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003370 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3371 buffer are checked for a match.
3372 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3373 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3374 n Normal mode
3375 v Visual mode
3376 o Operator-pending mode
3377 i Insert mode
3378 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3379 c Command-line mode
3380 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3381
3382 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003383 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003384 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3385 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3386 :endif
3387< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3388 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3389
3390histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3391 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3392 one of: *hist-names*
3393 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3394 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003395 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003396 "input" or "@" input line history
3397 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3398 shifted to become the newest entry.
3399 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3400 otherwise 0 is returned.
3401
3402 Example: >
3403 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3404 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3405< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3406
3407histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003408 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003409 for the possible values of {history}.
3410
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003411 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3412 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3413 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003414 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003415 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3416 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3417 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003418
3419 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3420 otherwise 0 is returned.
3421
3422 Examples:
3423 Clear expression register history: >
3424 :call histdel("expr")
3425<
3426 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3427 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3428<
3429 The following three are equivalent: >
3430 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3431 :call histdel("search", -1)
3432 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3433<
3434 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3435 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3436 :call histdel("search", -1)
3437 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3438
3439histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3440 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3441 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3442 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3443 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3444 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3445
3446 Examples:
3447 Redo the second last search from history. >
3448 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3449
3450< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3451 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3452 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3453<
3454histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3455 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3456 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3457 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3458
3459 Example: >
3460 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3461<
3462hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3463 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3464 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3465 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3466 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3467 item.
3468 *highlight_exists()*
3469 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3470
3471 *hlID()*
3472hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3473 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3474 zero is returned.
3475 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003476 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003477 "Comment" group: >
3478 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3479< *highlightID()*
3480 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3481
3482hostname() *hostname()*
3483 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003484 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003485 256 characters long are truncated.
3486
3487iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3488 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3489 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003490 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3491 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3492 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003493 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3494 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3495 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3496 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3497 can be done.
3498 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3499 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3500 UTF-8 and use: >
3501 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3502< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3503 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3504 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3505 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3506
3507 *indent()*
3508indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3509 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3510 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3511 |getline()|.
3512 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3513
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003514
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003515index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003516 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003517 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3518 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3519 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3520 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003521 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3522 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003523 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3524 case must match.
3525 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3526 Example: >
3527 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003528 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003529
3530
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003531input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003532 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003533 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3534 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3535 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003536 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3537 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003538 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003539 for lines typed for input().
3540 Example: >
3541 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3542 : echo "Cheers!"
3543 :endif
3544<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003545 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3546 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3547 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003548 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3549
3550< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3551 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003552 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003553 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003554 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003555 more information. Example: >
3556 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3557<
3558 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3559 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003560 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3561 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3562 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3563 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3564 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3565 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3566 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3567
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003568 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003569 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3570 :function GetFoo()
3571 : call inputsave()
3572 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3573 : call inputrestore()
3574 :endfunction
3575
3576inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003577 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3578 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003579 Example: >
3580 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3581 :if n != ""
3582 : let &sw = n
3583 :endif
3584< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3585 omitted an empty string is returned.
3586 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3587 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003588 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003589
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003590inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003591 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3592 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3593 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003594 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003595 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003596 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3597 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3598 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003599 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003600 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003601 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3602 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003603 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3604 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3605
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003606inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003607 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003608 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3609 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3610 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3611
3612inputsave() *inputsave()*
3613 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3614 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3615 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3616 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3617 many inputrestore() calls.
3618 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3619
3620inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3621 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3622 two exceptions:
3623 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3624 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3625 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3626 |history| stack.
3627 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3628 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003629 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003630
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003631insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003632 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003633 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003634 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003635 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3636 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003637 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003638 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3639 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3640 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003641< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003642 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003643 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003644
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003645isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3646 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3647 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3648 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3649 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3650
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003651islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003652 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3653 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003654 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3655 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003656 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3657 :lockvar 1 alist
3658 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3659 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3660
3661< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003662 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003663
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003664items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003665 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3666 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3667 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3668 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003669
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003670
3671join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3672 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3673 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3674 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3675 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3676 add it there too: >
3677 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003678< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003679 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3680 The opposite function is |split()|.
3681
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003682keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003683 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003684 arbitrary order.
3685
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003686 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003687len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3688 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3689 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003690 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003691 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003692 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3693 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003694 Otherwise an error is given.
3695
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003696 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3697libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3698 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3699 with single argument {argument}.
3700 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3701 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3702 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3703 limited.
3704 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3705 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3706 to Vim.
3707 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3708 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3709 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3710 null-terminated string.
3711 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3712
3713 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3714 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3715 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3716 very probably crash.
3717
3718 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3719 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3720 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3721 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3722 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3723 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3724 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3725 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3726 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3727 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3728
3729 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003730 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003731 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3732 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3733 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3734 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3735 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3736 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003737 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003738 feature is present}
3739 Examples: >
3740 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003741<
3742 *libcallnr()*
3743libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003744 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003745 int instead of a string.
3746 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3747 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003748 Examples: >
3749 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003750 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3751 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3752<
3753 *line()*
3754line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3755 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3756 . the cursor position
3757 $ the last line in the current buffer
3758 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3759 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003760 w0 first line visible in current window
3761 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003762 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3763 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3764 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3765 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003766 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3767 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003768 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3769 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003770 Examples: >
3771 line(".") line number of the cursor
3772 line("'t") line number of mark t
3773 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3774< *last-position-jump*
3775 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3776 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003777 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003778
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003779line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3780 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3781 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3782 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3783 line returns 1.
3784 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3785 below the last line: >
3786 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3787< This is the file size plus one.
3788 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3789 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3790 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3791
3792lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3793 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3794 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3795 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3796 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3797 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3798 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3799
3800localtime() *localtime()*
3801 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3802 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3803
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003804
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003805log10({expr}) *log10()*
3806 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3807 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3808 Examples: >
3809 :echo log10(1000)
3810< 3.0 >
3811 :echo log10(0.01)
3812< -2.0
3813 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3814
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003815map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003816 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003817 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3818 {string}.
3819 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00003820 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
3821 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003822 Example: >
3823 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003824< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003825
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003826 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003827 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003828 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3829 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003830
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003831 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3832 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003833 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003834
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003835< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003836 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3837 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003838
3839
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003840maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003841 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3842 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003843 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003844 "n" Normal
3845 "v" Visual
3846 "o" Operator-pending
3847 "i" Insert
3848 "c" Cmd-line
3849 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3850 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003851 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003852 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3853 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003854 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3855 command. The returned String has special characters
3856 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3857 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3858 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003859 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3860 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3861 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3862
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003863
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003864mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003865 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3866 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3867 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003868 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3869 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003870 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3871 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3872
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003873 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003874 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3875 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3876 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3877 mapcheck("b") no no no
3878
3879 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3880 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3881 mapping for {name} exactly.
3882 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3883 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3884 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3885 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3886 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3887 then the global mappings.
3888 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3889 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3890 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3891 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3892 :endif
3893< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3894 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3895
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003896match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003897 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3898 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003899 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003900 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003901 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3902 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003903 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003904 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3905 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003906 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003907 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003908< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003909 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003910 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003911 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3912< *strcasestr()*
3913 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3914 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3915 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3916<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003917 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003918 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003919 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003920 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003921 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3922< result is again "4". >
3923 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3924< result is again "4". >
3925 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3926< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003927 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003928 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3929 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3930 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3931 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003932 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3933 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003934 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3935 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003936
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003937 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003938 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003939 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3940 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3941< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003942 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3943 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003944
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003945 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3946 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003947 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003948 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3949
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003950 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
3951matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
3952 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
3953 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
3954 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
3955 match using |matchdelete()|.
3956
3957 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003958 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003959 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
3960 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
3961 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
3962 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
3963 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
3964 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
3965 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
3966 always overrule syntax highlighting.
3967
3968 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
3969 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
3970 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
3971 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
3972 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
3973 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
3974 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
3975
3976 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
3977 the |:match| commands.
3978
3979 Example: >
3980 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
3981 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
3982< Deletion of the pattern: >
3983 :call matchdelete(m)
3984
3985< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003986 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003987 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003988
3989matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003990 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003991 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3992 Return a |List| with two elements:
3993 The name of the highlight group used
3994 The pattern used.
3995 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3996 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003997 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
3998 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
3999 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004000
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004001matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4002 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004003 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004004 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4005 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004006
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004007matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004008 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4009 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004010 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4011< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004012 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4013 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4014 do it with matchend(): >
4015 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4016 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4017< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4018
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004019 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004020 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4021< results in "7". >
4022 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4023< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004024 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004025
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004026matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004027 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004028 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4029 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004030 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4031 empty string is used. Example: >
4032 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4033< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004034 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4035
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004036matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004037 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004038 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4039< results in "ing".
4040 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004041 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004042 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4043< results in "ing". >
4044 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4045< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004046 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004047 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004048
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004049 *max()*
4050max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4051 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4052 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004053 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004054
4055 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004056min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004057 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4058 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004059 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004060
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004061 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004062mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4063 Create directory {name}.
4064 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4065 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4066 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4067 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004068 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004069 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4070 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4071 with 0755.
4072 Example: >
4073 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4074< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004075 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4076 :if exists("*mkdir")
4077<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004078 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004079mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004080 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4081 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4082 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4083 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004084
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004085 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004086 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004087 v Visual by character
4088 V Visual by line
4089 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4090 s Select by character
4091 S Select by line
4092 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4093 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004094 R Replace |R|
4095 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004096 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004097 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4098 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004099 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004100 rm The -- more -- prompt
4101 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4102 ! Shell or external command is executing
4103 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4104 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4105 "c" or "n".
4106 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004107
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004108mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4109 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
4110 convert to Vim data structures.
4111 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4112 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4113 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4114 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4115 converted to strings.
4116 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4117 Examples: >
4118 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4119 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4120 :echo mzeval("l")
4121 :echo mzeval("h")
4122<
4123 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4124
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004125nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4126 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4127 that is not blank. Example: >
4128 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4129< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4130 below it, zero is returned.
4131 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4132
4133nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4134 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4135 value {expr}. Examples: >
4136 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4137 nr2char(32) returns " "
4138< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4139 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4140< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4141 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4142 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004143 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004144
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004145 *getpid()*
4146getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004147 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4148 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004149
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004150 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004151getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4152 see |line()|.
4153 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4154 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4155 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4156 is the buffer number of the mark.
4157 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4158 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004159 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4160 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004161 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004162 character.
4163 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4164 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4165 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004166 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004167< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004168
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004169pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4170 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4171 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4172 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4173 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4174 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4175< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4176 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4177
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004178pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4179 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4180 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4181 Examples: >
4182 :echo pow(3, 3)
4183< 27.0 >
4184 :echo pow(2, 16)
4185< 65536.0 >
4186 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4187< 2.0
4188 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4189
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004190prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4191 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4192 that is not blank. Example: >
4193 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4194< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4195 above it, zero is returned.
4196 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4197
4198
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004199printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4200 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4201 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004202 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004203< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004204 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004205
4206 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004207 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004208 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004209 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4210 %c single byte
4211 %d decimal number
4212 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4213 %x hex number
4214 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4215 %X hex number using upper case letters
4216 %o octal number
4217 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4218 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4219 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4220 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4221 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4222 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004223
4224 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4225 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4226 the result.
4227
4228 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004229 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004230
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004231 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004232
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004233 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004234 Zero or more of the following flags:
4235
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004236 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4237 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4238 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4239 of the number is increased to force the first
4240 character of the output string to a zero (except
4241 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4242 precision of zero).
4243 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4244 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4245 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004246
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004247 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4248 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4249 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4250 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4251 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004252
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004253 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4254 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4255 The converted value is padded on the right with
4256 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4257 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004258
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004259 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4260 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004261
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004262 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004263 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004264 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004265
4266 field-width
4267 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004268 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4269 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4270 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4271 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004272
4273 .precision
4274 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4275 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4276 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4277 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4278 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004279 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004280 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4281 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004282
4283 type
4284 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4285 be applied, see below.
4286
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004287 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4288 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004289 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004290 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4291 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4292 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004293 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004294< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004295 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004296
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004297 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004298
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004299 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4300 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004301 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4302 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4303 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004304 conversions.
4305 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4306 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4307 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4308 zeros.
4309 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4310 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4311 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4312 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4313
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004314 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004315 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4316 resulting character is written.
4317
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004318 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004319 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4320 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4321 specified are used.
4322
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004323 *printf-f* *E807*
4324 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4325 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4326 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4327 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4328 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4329 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4330 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4331 Example: >
4332 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4333< 12.12
4334 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4335 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4336
4337 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4338 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4339 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4340 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4341 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4342
4343 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4344 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4345 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4346 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4347 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4348 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4349 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4350 results in 1.0e7.
4351
4352 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004353 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4354 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004355
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004356 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4357 accepted and automatically converted.
4358 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4359 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4360 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004361
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004362 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004363 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4364 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004365 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004366
4367
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004368pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4369 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4370 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004371 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4372 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004373
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004374 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004375range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004376 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004377 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4378 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4379 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4380 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4381 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004382 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4383 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4384 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004385 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004386 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004387 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4388 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004389 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004390 range(0) " []
4391 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004392<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004393 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004394readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004395 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4396 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004397 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4398 NL appears somewhere).
4399 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4400 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4401 added.
4402 - No CR characters are removed.
4403 Otherwise:
4404 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4405 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
4406 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004407 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4408 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4409 lines of a file: >
4410 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4411 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4412 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004413< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4414 are returned, or as many as there are.
4415 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004416 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4417 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4418 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004419 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4420 the result is an empty list.
4421 Also see |writefile()|.
4422
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004423reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4424 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4425 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4426 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4427 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4428 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4429 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004430 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004431 and {end}.
4432 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4433 reltime().
4434 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4435
4436reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4437 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4438 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4439 microseconds. Example: >
4440 let start = reltime()
4441 call MyFunction()
4442 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4443< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4444 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004445 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4446 can use split() to remove it. >
4447 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4448< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004449 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4450
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004451 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4452remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004453 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004454 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004455 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4456 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4457 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004458 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4459 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4460 remote_read() is stored there.
4461 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4462 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4463 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4464 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4465 and the result will be the empty string.
4466 Examples: >
4467 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4468 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4469<
4470
4471remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4472 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4473 This works like: >
4474 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4475< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4476 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4477 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004478 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4479 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004480 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4481 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4482 Win32 console version}
4483
4484
4485remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4486 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4487 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004488 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004489 name of a variable.
4490 Returns zero if none are available.
4491 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4492 See also |clientserver|.
4493 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4494 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4495 Examples: >
4496 :let repl = ""
4497 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4498
4499remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4500 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4501 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4502 See also |clientserver|.
4503 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4504 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4505 Example: >
4506 :echo remote_read(id)
4507<
4508 *remote_send()* *E241*
4509remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004510 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004511 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4512 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004513 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4514 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4515 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004516 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4517 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4518 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4519 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4520 up the display.
4521 Examples: >
4522 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4523 \ remote_read(serverid)
4524
4525 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4526 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4527 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4528 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004529<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004530remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004531 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004532 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004533 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004534 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004535 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4536 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4537 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004538 Example: >
4539 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004540 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004541remove({dict}, {key})
4542 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4543 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4544< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4545
4546 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004547
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004548rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4549 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4550 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4551 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4552 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004553 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004554 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4555
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004556repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4557 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4558 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004559 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004560< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004561 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004562 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004563 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4564< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004565
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004566
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004567resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4568 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4569 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4570 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4571 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4572 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4573 stopped after 100 iterations.
4574 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4575 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4576 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4577 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4578 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4579
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004580 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004581reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004582 {list}.
4583 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4584 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4585
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004586round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004587 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004588 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4589 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4590 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4591 Examples: >
4592 echo round(0.456)
4593< 0.0 >
4594 echo round(4.5)
4595< 5.0 >
4596 echo round(-4.5)
4597< -5.0
4598 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4599
4600
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004601search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004602 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004603 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004604
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004605 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4606 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004607 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004608 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004609 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004610 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4611 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004612 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4613 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4614 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4615
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004616 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4617 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4618 flag.
4619
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004620 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4621
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004622 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4623 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4624 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4625 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4626 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4627< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4628 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004629 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4630
4631 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004632 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004633 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4634 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4635 giving the argument.
4636 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004637
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004638 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4639 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004640 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4641 *search()-sub-match*
4642 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4643 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4644 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004645 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004646
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004647 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4648 flag is used.
4649
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004650 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4651 :let n = 1
4652 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4653 : exe "argument " . n
4654 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4655 : " first search to find match at start of file
4656 : normal G$
4657 : let flags = "w"
4658 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004659 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004660 : let flags = "W"
4661 : endwhile
4662 : update " write the file if modified
4663 : let n = n + 1
4664 :endwhile
4665<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004666 Example for using some flags: >
4667 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4668< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4669 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4670 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4671 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4672 line:
4673 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4674 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4675 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4676 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4677 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4678
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004679
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004680searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4681 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004682
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004683 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4684 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4685 first match in the function.
4686
4687 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4688 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4689 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4690
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004691 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4692 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4693 Example: >
4694 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4695 echo getline('.')
4696 endif
4697<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004698 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004699searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4700 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004701 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4702 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4703 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004704 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4705 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4706 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4707 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4708 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4709 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004710
4711 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4712 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4713 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4714 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4715 typical use is: >
4716 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4717< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4718
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004719 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4720 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004721 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004722 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4723 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004724 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004725 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4726 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004727
4728 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4729 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4730 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4731 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4732 or a string.
4733 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4734 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4735 and -1 returned.
4736
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004737 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004738
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004739 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4740 patterns are used like it's on.
4741
4742 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4743 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4744 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4745 if 1
4746 if 2
4747 endif 2
4748 endif 1
4749< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4750 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4751 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004752 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004753 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4754 "endif 2".
4755 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4756 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4757 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4758 the matching start.
4759
4760 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4761
4762 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4763 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4764
4765< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4766 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4767 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4768 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4769 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4770 match.
4771 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4772
4773 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4774
4775< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4776 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4777 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4778
4779 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4780 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4781<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004782 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004783searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4784 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004785 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004786 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4787 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004788 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4789 returns [0, 0].
4790>
4791 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4792<
4793 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4794
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004795searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004796 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004797 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4798 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4799 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4800 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004801 Example: >
4802 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4803
4804< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4805 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4806 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4807< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4808 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4809
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004810server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4811 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4812 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4813 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4814 Note:
4815 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004816 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004817 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4818 See also |clientserver|.
4819 Example: >
4820 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4821<
4822serverlist() *serverlist()*
4823 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4824 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4825 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4826 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4827 Example: >
4828 :echo serverlist()
4829<
4830setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4831 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4832 {val}.
4833 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4834 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4835 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4836 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4837 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4838 Examples: >
4839 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4840 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4841< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4842
4843setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4844 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004845 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004846 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4847 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004848 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4849 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4850 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4851 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4852 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004853 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4854 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4855 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4856 line.
4857
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004858setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
4859 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004860 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004861 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004862 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004863 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4864 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004865 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004866< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004867 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4868 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4869< This is equivalent to: >
4870 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4871 : call setline(n, l)
4872 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004873< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4874
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004875setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4876 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4877 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004878 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4879 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004880 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
4881 Also see |location-list|.
4882
4883setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
4884 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004885 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004886 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004887
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004888 *setpos()*
4889setpos({expr}, {list})
4890 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4891 . the cursor
4892 'x mark x
4893
4894 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4895 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4896
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004897 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004898 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004899 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4900 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4901 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004902 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004903
4904 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004905 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
4906 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004907
4908 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4909 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004910 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004911 character.
4912
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00004913 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
4914 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
4915
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004916 Also see |getpos()|
4917
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004918 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
4919 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
4920
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004921
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004922setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004923 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4924 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4925 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4926 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004927
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004928 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004929 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004930 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004931 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004932 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004933 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004934 col column number
4935 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004936 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004937 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004938 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004939 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004940
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004941 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4942 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4943 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004944 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
4945 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
4946 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004947 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4948 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02004949 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
4950 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004951 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
4952 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004953
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004954 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4955 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4956 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4957 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4958 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4959 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4960
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004961 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4962
4963 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4964 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4965 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4966
4967
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004968 *setreg()*
4969setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4970 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4971 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4972 then the value is appended.
4973 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4974 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4975 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4976 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4977 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4978 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4979 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004980 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004981
4982 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4983 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4984 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4985 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4986
4987 Examples: >
4988 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4989 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4990 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4991
4992< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4993 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004994 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004995 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4996 ....
4997 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4998
4999< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5000 nothing: >
5001 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5002
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005003settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5004 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5005 {val}.
5006 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5007 use |setwinvar()|.
5008 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005009 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5010 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5011 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5012 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005013 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5014 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5015 Examples: >
5016 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5017 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5018< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5019
5020setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5021 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005022 Examples: >
5023 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5024 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005025
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005026shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005027 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005028 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005029 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005030 quotes within {string}.
5031 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5032 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005033 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5034 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005035 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5036 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005037 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005038 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5039 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5040 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5041 even when inside single quotes.
5042 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5043 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5044 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005045 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5046 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5047< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5048 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5049 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005050
5051
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005052simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5053 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5054 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5055 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5056 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5057 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5058 not removed either.
5059 Example: >
5060 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5061< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5062 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5063 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5064 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5065 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5066
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005067
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005068sin({expr}) *sin()*
5069 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5070 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5071 Examples: >
5072 :echo sin(100)
5073< -0.506366 >
5074 :echo sin(-4.01)
5075< 0.763301
5076 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5077
5078
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005079sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005080 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5081 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5082 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5083< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005084 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005085 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005086 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005087 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5088 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005089 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5090 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5091 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5092 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005093 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5094 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5095 endfunc
5096 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005097< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5098 ignores overflow: >
5099 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5100 return a:i1 - a:i2
5101 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005102<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005103 *soundfold()*
5104soundfold({word})
5105 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005106 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005107 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5108 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005109 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5110 the method can be quite slow.
5111
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005112 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005113spellbadword([{sentence}])
5114 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5115 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5116 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5117 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5118
5119 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5120 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5121 result is an empty string.
5122
5123 The return value is a list with two items:
5124 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5125 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005126 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005127 "rare" rare word
5128 "local" word only valid in another region
5129 "caps" word should start with Capital
5130 Example: >
5131 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5132< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5133
5134 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5135 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5136 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005137
5138 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005139spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005140 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005141 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5142 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5143
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005144 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5145 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5146 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5147
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005148 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5149 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005150 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5151 replace a line.
5152
5153 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005154 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5155 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005156
5157 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005158 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5159 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005160
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005161
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005162split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005163 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5164 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5165 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005166 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005167 removing the matched characters.
5168 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5169 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005170 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5171 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005172 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005173 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005174< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005175 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005176< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5177 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5178< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005179 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5180 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5181< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005182
5183
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005184sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5185 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5186 |Float|.
5187 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5188 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5189 Examples: >
5190 :echo sqrt(100)
5191< 10.0 >
5192 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5193< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005194 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005195 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5196
5197
5198str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5199 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5200 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5201 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5202 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5203 write "1.0e40".
5204 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5205 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5206 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5207 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5208 |substitute()|: >
5209 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5210< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5211
5212
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005213str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5214 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5215 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5216 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5217 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5218 with the default String to Number conversion.
5219 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5220 different base the result will be zero.
5221 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005222
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005223
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005224strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5225 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5226 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5227 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5228 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5229 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5230 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5231 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5232 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5233 Examples: >
5234 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5235 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5236 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5237 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5238 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5239 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005240< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5241 :if exists("*strftime")
5242
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005243stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5244 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5245 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005246 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5247 This can be used to find a second match: >
5248 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
5249 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
5250< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005251 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005252 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005253 See also |strridx()|.
5254 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005255 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5256 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5257 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005258< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005259 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5260 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5261
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005262 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005263string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005264 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5265 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005266 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005267 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005268 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005269 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005270 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005271 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005272 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005273 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005274 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005275
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005276 *strlen()*
5277strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005278 {expr} in bytes.
5279 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5280 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005281
5282 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005283<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005284 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5285 For other types an error is given.
5286 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005287
5288strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5289 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005290 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005291 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5292 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5293 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5294 end of the {src}. >
5295 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5296 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5297 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005298 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005299< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5300 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005301 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005302<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005303strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5304 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5305 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5306 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5307 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5308 match: >
5309 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5310 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5311< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005312 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5313 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005314 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005315 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005316 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005317< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005318 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5319 function strrchr().
5320
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005321strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5322 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5323 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5324 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5325 echo strtrans(@a)
5326< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5327 starting a new line.
5328
5329submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
5330 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
5331 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
5332 the whole matched text is returned.
5333 Example: >
5334 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5335< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5336 A line break is included as a newline character.
5337
5338substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5339 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
5340 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
5341 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
5342 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
5343 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005344 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005345 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5346 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
5347 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005348 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005349 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
5350 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5351 unmodified.
5352 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5353 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5354 Example: >
5355 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5356< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5357 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5358< results in "TESTING".
5359
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005360synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005361 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005362 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005363 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5364 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005365
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005366 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005367 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5368
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005369 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005370 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005371 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5372 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5373 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5374 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5375 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5376
5377 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5378 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5379<
5380synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5381 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5382 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5383 about a syntax item.
5384 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005385 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005386 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5387 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5388 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5389 {what} result
5390 "name" the name of the syntax item
5391 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5392 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5393 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005394 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005395 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5396 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005397 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005398 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5399 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5400 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005401 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005402 "bold" "1" if bold
5403 "italic" "1" if italic
5404 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5405 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005406 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005407 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005408 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005409
5410 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5411 cursor): >
5412 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5413<
5414synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5415 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5416 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5417 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5418 ":highlight link" are followed.
5419
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005420synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5421 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5422 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5423 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005424 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5425 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5426 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5427 transparent item.
5428 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5429 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5430 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5431 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5432 endfor
5433
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005434system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5435 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5436 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5437 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5438 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005439 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005440 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5441 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5442 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5443 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005444 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005445
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005446 The result is a String. Example: >
5447 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005448
5449< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5450 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5451 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5452 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5453 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5454 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5455 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5456 concatenated commands.
5457
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005458 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5459 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5460
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005461 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5462 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005463
5464 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5465 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5466 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005467 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5468 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5469
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005470
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005471tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005472 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005473 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5474 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5475 omitted the current tab page is used.
5476 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5477 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5478 tablist = []
5479 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5480 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5481 endfor
5482< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5483
5484
5485tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005486 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5487 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5488 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5489 page is returned (the tab page count).
5490 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5491
5492
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005493tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
5494 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
5495 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5496 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5497 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5498 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5499 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5500 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5501 Useful examples: >
5502 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5503 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5504< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5505
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005506 *tagfiles()*
5507tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5508 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5509
5510
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005511taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5512 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005513 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5514 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005515 name Name of the tag.
5516 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005517 defined. It is either relative to the
5518 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005519 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5520 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005521 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005522 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005523 kind values. Only available when
5524 using a tags file generated by
5525 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005526 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005527 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005528 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5529 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5530 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5531 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5532 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5533 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005534
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005535 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5536 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005537
5538 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5539
5540 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5541 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5542 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5543
5544 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5545 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5546 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5547
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005548tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5549 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005550 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005551 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5552 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5553 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005554< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005555 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5556 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5557
5558tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5559 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5560 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5561 the string).
5562
5563toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5564 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5565 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5566 the string).
5567
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005568tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5569 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5570 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5571 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5572 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5573 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5574 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5575
5576 Examples: >
5577 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5578< returns "Hello THere" >
5579 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5580< returns "{blob}"
5581
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005582trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005583 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005584 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5585 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5586 Examples: >
5587 echo trunc(1.456)
5588< 1.0 >
5589 echo trunc(-5.456)
5590< -5.0 >
5591 echo trunc(4.0)
5592< 4.0
5593 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5594
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005595 *type()*
5596type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005597 Number: 0
5598 String: 1
5599 Funcref: 2
5600 List: 3
5601 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005602 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005603 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005604 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5605 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5606 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5607 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005608 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005609 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005610
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005611values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005612 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005613 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005614
5615
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005616virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5617 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5618 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5619 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5620 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5621 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5622 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5623 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005624 For the byte position use |col()|.
5625 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5626 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005627 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005628 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005629 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005630 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5631 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5632 The accepted positions are:
5633 . the cursor position
5634 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5635 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5636 plus one)
5637 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5638 returned)
5639 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5640 Examples: >
5641 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5642 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005643 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5644< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005645 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5646 all lines: >
5647 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5648
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005649
5650visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5651 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005652 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5653 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5654 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5655 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5656 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005657 Example: >
5658 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5659< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5660 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5661 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005662 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
5663 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005664 *non-zero-arg*
5665 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
5666 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005667 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005668 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
5669 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
5670 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005671
5672 *winbufnr()*
5673winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005674 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005675 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5676 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5677 Example: >
5678 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5679<
5680 *wincol()*
5681wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5682 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5683 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5684
5685winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5686 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5687 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5688 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5689 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5690 Examples: >
5691 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5692<
5693 *winline()*
5694winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005695 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005696 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005697 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5698 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005699
5700 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005701winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5702 window. The top window has number 1.
5703 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005704 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005705 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5706 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005707 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
5708 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005709 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5710 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005711 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005712
5713 *winrestcmd()*
5714winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5715 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005716 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5717 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005718 Example: >
5719 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5720 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5721 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005722<
5723 *winrestview()*
5724winrestview({dict})
5725 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5726 the view of the current window.
5727 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5728 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5729
5730 *winsaveview()*
5731winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5732 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5733 restore the view.
5734 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5735 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5736 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005737 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5738 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005739 The return value includes:
5740 lnum cursor line number
5741 col cursor column
5742 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5743 curswant column for vertical movement
5744 topline first line in the window
5745 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5746 leftcol first column displayed
5747 skipcol columns skipped
5748 Note that no option values are saved.
5749
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005750
5751winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5752 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5753 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5754 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5755 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5756 Examples: >
5757 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5758 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5759 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5760 :endif
5761<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005762 *writefile()*
5763writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005764 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005765 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5766 Number.
5767 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5768 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5769 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5770 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5771 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5772 to writefile().
5773 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5774 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5775 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5776 fails.
5777 Also see |readfile()|.
5778 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5779 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5780 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5781<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005782
5783 *feature-list*
5784There are three types of features:
57851. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5786 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5787 :if has("cindent")
57882. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5789 Example: >
5790 :if has("gui_running")
5791< *has-patch*
57923. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5793 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5794 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5795 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005796< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
5797 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005798
5799all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5800amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5801arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5802arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005803autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005804balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005805balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005806beos BeOS version of Vim.
5807browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5808 work.
5809builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5810byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5811cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5812clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5813clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5814cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5815cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5816cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5817comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5818cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5819cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5820compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5821debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5822dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5823dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5824diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5825digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5826dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5827dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5828dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5829ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5830emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5831eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5832 true, of course!
5833ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5834extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5835 |'hlsearch'|
5836farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5837file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005838filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5839 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005840find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5841 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005842float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005843fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5844 Windows this is not present).
5845folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5846footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5847fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5848gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5849gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5850gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005851gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5852gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005853gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005854gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5855gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5856gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5857gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5858gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5859gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5860hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5861iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5862insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5863 Insert mode.
5864jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5865keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5866langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5867libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5868linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5869 support.
5870lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5871listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5872 and the argument list |arglist|.
5873localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5874mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5875macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5876menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5877mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5878modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5879mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5880mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5881mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5882mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5883mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5884mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005885mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005886mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00005887multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
5888multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005889multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5890multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005891mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005892netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005893netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005894ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5895os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5896osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5897path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5898perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5899postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5900printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005901profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005902python Compiled with Python interface.
5903qnx QNX version of Vim.
5904quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005905reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005906rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5907ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5908scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5909showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5910signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5911smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005912sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00005913startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005914statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5915 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5916sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005917spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5918syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005919syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5920 current buffer.
5921system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5922tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5923 |tag-binary-search|.
5924tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5925 |tag-old-static|.
5926tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5927 files |tag-any-white|.
5928tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5929terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5930termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5931textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5932tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5933 or terminfo file.
5934title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5935toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5936unix Unix version of Vim.
5937user_commands User-defined commands.
5938viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5939vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5940vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5941virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5942visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5943visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5944 |blockwise-operators|.
5945vms VMS version of Vim.
5946vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5947wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5948wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5949windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5950winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5951win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5952win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5953win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5954win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5955win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5956writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5957xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5958xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5959xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5960xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5961xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5962xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5963 xterm screen.
5964x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5965
5966 *string-match*
5967Matching a pattern in a String
5968
5969A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5970the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5971everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5972like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5973line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5974with ".". Example: >
5975 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5976 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5977 aa
5978 xx
5979 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5980 a
5981 x
5982
5983Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5984"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5985"\n".
5986
5987==============================================================================
59885. Defining functions *user-functions*
5989
5990New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5991functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5992commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5993
5994The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5995builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5996avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5997the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5998
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005999It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6000|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006001
6002 *local-function*
6003A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6004can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6005and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006006function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006007instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6008
6009 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6010:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6011
6012:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006013 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6014 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006015 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006016
6017:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6018 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6019 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006020<
6021 *:function-verbose*
6022When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6023last defined. Example: >
6024
6025 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6026 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6027 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6028<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006029See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006030
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006031 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006032:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006033 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6034 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6035 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006036
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006037 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6038 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006039 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006040< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006041 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006042 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006043 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6044 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6045 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006046 *E127* *E122*
6047 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6048 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6049 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6050 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006051
6052 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6053
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006054 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6055 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6056 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6057 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6058 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6059 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6060 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006061
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006062 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6063 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006064
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006065 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006066 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006067 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6068 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006069
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006070 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006071 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006072 will not be changed by the function. This also
6073 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6074 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006075
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006076 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6077:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6078 by its own, without other commands.
6079
6080 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6081:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006082 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6083 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006084 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006085< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006086 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6087 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006088 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6089:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6090 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6091 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6092 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6093 the number 0 is returned.
6094 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6095 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6096
6097 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6098 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6099 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6100 are executed first. This process applies to all
6101 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6102 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6103
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006104 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006105An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006106be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006107 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006108Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6109arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6110may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6111as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006112can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6113that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006114 *E742*
6115The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006116However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006117Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6118it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6119|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006120
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006121When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6122to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6123may be larger.
6124
6125It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6126still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6127until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6128inside a function body.
6129
6130 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006131Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6132will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6133accessed with "g:".
6134
6135Example: >
6136 :function Table(title, ...)
6137 : echohl Title
6138 : echo a:title
6139 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006140 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6141 : for s in a:000
6142 : echon ' ' . s
6143 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006144 :endfunction
6145
6146This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006147 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6148 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006149
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006150To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6151 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006152 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006153 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006154 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006155 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006156 :endfunction
6157
6158This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006159 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006160 :if success == "ok"
6161 : echo div
6162 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006163<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006164 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006165:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6166 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6167 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006168 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006169 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6170 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6171 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6172 function.
6173 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6174 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6175 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6176 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006177 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006178 this works:
6179 *function-range-example* >
6180 :function Mynumber(arg)
6181 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6182 :endfunction
6183 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6184<
6185 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6186 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6187 the range.
6188
6189 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6190
6191 :function Cont() range
6192 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6193 :endfunction
6194 :4,8call Cont()
6195<
6196 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6197 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6198
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006199 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6200 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6201 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6202< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6203
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006204 *E132*
6205The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6206option.
6207
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006208
6209AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006210 *autoload-functions*
6211When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006212only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6213the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6214
6215
6216Using an autocommand ~
6217
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006218This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6219
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006220The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6221You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006222That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006223again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6224
6225Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6226function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006227
6228 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6229
6230The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6231"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6232
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006233
6234Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006235 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006236This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6237
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006238Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6239exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6240like this: >
6241
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006242 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006243
6244When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6245"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6246"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6247then define the function like this: >
6248
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006249 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006250 echo "Done!"
6251 endfunction
6252
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006253The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006254exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6255called.
6256
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006257It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6258a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006259
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006260 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006261
6262Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6263
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006264This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6265
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006266 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006267
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006268However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6269for an unknown variable.
6270
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006271When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6272be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6273
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006274 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6275 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006276
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006277Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6278defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6279function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006280And you will get an error message every time.
6281
6282Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006283other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006284Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006285
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006286Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6287|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6288
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006289==============================================================================
62906. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6291
6292Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6293This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6294{} like this: >
6295 my_{adjective}_variable
6296
6297When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6298that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6299name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6300"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6301"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6302
6303One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006304value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006305 echo my_{&background}_message
6306
6307would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6308on the current value of 'background'.
6309
6310You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6311 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6312..or even nest them: >
6313 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6314where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6315
6316However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006317variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006318 :let foo='a + b'
6319 :echo c{foo}d
6320.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6321
6322 *curly-braces-function-names*
6323You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6324Example: >
6325 :let func_end='whizz'
6326 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6327
6328This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6329
6330==============================================================================
63317. Commands *expression-commands*
6332
6333:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6334 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6335 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6336 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6337 is created.
6338
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006339:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6340 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6341 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6342 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6343 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006344 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6345 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6346 can do that like this: >
6347 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6348<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006349 *E711* *E719*
6350:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006351 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6352 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006353 correct number of items.
6354 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6355 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6356 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6357 end of the list, items will be added.
6358
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006359 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006360:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6361:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6362:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6363 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6364 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6365
6366
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006367:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6368 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6369 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006370:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6371 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6372 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6373 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006374
6375:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6376 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6377 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6378 must be the name of a writable register (see
6379 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6380 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6381 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6382 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6383 characterwise.
6384 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6385 :let @/ = ""
6386< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6387 that would match everywhere.
6388
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006389:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006390 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006391 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6392
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006393:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006394 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006395 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6396 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006397 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6398 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006399 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006400 Example: >
6401 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006402
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006403:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6404 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6405 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6406
6407:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6408:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6409 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6410 {expr1}.
6411
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006412:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006413:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6414:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6415:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006416 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6417 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6418
6419:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006420:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6421:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6422:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006423 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6424 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6425
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006426:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006427 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006428 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6429 {name2}, etc.
6430 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006431 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006432 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6433 command as mentioned above.
6434 Example: >
6435 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006436< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6437 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6438 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6439 :let x = [0, 1]
6440 :let i = 0
6441 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6442 :echo x
6443< The result is [0, 2].
6444
6445:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6446:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6447:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6448 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006449 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006450
6451:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006452 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006453 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6454 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6455 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006456 Example: >
6457 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6458<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006459:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6460:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6461:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6462 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006463 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006464 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006465:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006466 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6467 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006468 g: global variables
6469 b: local buffer variables
6470 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006471 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006472 s: script-local variables
6473 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006474 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006475
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00006476:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6477 variable is indicated before the value:
6478 <nothing> String
6479 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006480 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006481
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006482
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006483:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006484 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6485 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006486 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006487 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6488 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006489 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006490 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6491 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006492< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006493 :unlet dict['two']
6494 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006495< This is especially useful to clean up used global
6496 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6497 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6498 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6499 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006500
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006501:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6502 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6503 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6504 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6505 :lockvar v
6506 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6507 :unlet v
6508< *E741*
6509 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6510 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6511
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006512 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6513 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6514 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006515 cannot add or remove items, but can
6516 still change their values.
6517 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006518 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6519 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006520 items, but can still change the
6521 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006522 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6523 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6524 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6525 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6526 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006527 *E743*
6528 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6529 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6530 loops.
6531
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006532 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6533 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006534 locked when used through the other variable.
6535 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006536 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6537 :let cl = l
6538 :lockvar l
6539 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6540< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6541 See |deepcopy()|.
6542
6543
6544:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6545 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6546 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6547
6548
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006549:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6550:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6551 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6552
6553 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6554 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6555 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6556 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6557 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6558 part was not executed either.
6559
6560 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6561 versions: >
6562 :if version >= 500
6563 : version-5-specific-commands
6564 :endif
6565< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6566 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6567 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6568 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6569 avoid problems: >
6570 :if version >= 600
6571 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6572 :endif
6573<
6574 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6575 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6576
6577 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6578:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6579 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6580 executed.
6581
6582 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6583:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6584 is no extra ":endif".
6585
6586:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006587 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006588:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6589 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6590 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6591 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006592 Example: >
6593 :let lnum = 1
6594 :while lnum <= line("$")
6595 :call FixLine(lnum)
6596 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6597 :endwhile
6598<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006599 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006600 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006601
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006602:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006603:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6604 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006605 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006606 value of each item.
6607 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006608 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006609 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6610 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006611 :for item in copy(mylist)
6612< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6613 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006614 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006615 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6616 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6617 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006618 for item in mylist
6619 call remove(mylist, 0)
6620 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006621< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6622 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6623 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006624 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6625 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006626 to allow multiple item types: >
6627 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
6628 echo item
6629 unlet item " E706 without this
6630 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006631
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006632:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6633:endfo[r]
6634 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6635 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6636 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6637 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6638 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6639 :endfor
6640<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006641 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006642:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6643 to the start of the loop.
6644 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6645 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6646 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6647 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6648 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6649 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006650
6651 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006652:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6653 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6654 ":endfor".
6655 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6656 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6657 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6658 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6659 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6660 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006661
6662:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6663:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6664 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6665 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6666 or autocommand invocations.
6667
6668 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6669 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6670 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6671 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6672 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6673 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6674 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6675 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6676 Example: >
6677 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6678 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6679<
6680 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6681 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6682 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6683 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6684 processing is not terminated.
6685
6686 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6687 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6688 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6689 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6690 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6691 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6692 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6693 the error number.
6694 Examples: >
6695 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6696 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6697<
6698 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006699:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006700 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6701 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6702 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6703 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6704 commands are skipped.
6705 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6706 Examples: >
6707 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6708 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6709 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6710 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6711 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6712 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6713 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6714 :catch " same as /.*/
6715<
6716 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6717 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6718 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6719 {pattern}.
6720 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6721 an error message because it may vary in different
6722 locales.
6723
6724 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6725:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6726 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6727 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6728 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6729 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6730 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6731
6732 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6733:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6734 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6735 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6736 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6737 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6738 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6739 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6740 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6741 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6742 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6743 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6744 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6745 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6746 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6747 is terminated.
6748 Example: >
6749 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6750<
6751
6752 *:ec* *:echo*
6753:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6754 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6755 Also see |:comment|.
6756 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6757 cursor to the first column.
6758 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6759 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6760 Example: >
6761 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006762< *:echo-redraw*
6763 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6764 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
6765 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
6766 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
6767 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
6768 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
6769 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006770 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6771<
6772 *:echon*
6773:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6774 |:comment|.
6775 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6776 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6777 Example: >
6778 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6779<
6780 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6781 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6782 command: >
6783 :!echo % --> filename
6784< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6785 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6786< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6787 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6788 :echo % --> nothing
6789< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6790 :echo "%" --> %
6791< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6792 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6793< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6794
6795 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6796:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6797 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6798 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6799 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6800< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6801 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6802
6803 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6804:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6805 message in the |message-history|.
6806 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6807 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6808 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006809 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
6810 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
6811 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
6812 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
6813 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006814 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6815 Example: >
6816 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006817< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
6818 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006819 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6820:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6821 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6822 script or function the line number will be added.
6823 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006824 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006825 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6826 (see |try-echoerr|).
6827 Example: >
6828 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6829< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6830 And to get a beep: >
6831 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6832<
6833 *:exe* *:execute*
6834:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02006835 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
6836 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
6837 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
6838 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
6839 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
6840 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006841 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6842 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02006843 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
6844 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006845<
6846 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6847 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6848 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6849
6850< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6851 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6852 command: >
6853 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6854< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6855
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006856 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
6857 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006858 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
6859 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006860 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006861 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006862<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006863 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006864 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6865 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006866 :execute 'while i > 5'
6867 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6868<
6869 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6870 completely in the executed string: >
6871 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6872<
6873
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006874 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006875 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6876 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6877 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6878 comment. Example: >
6879 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6880
6881==============================================================================
68828. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6883
6884The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6885explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6886
6887Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6888|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6889exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6890
6891
6892TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6893
6894Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6895use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6896a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6897 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6898|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6899a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6900be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6901which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6902clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6903
6904 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006905 : ...
6906 : ... TRY BLOCK
6907 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006908 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006909 : ...
6910 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6911 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006912 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006913 : ...
6914 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6915 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006916 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006917 : ...
6918 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6919 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006920 :endtry
6921
6922The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6923appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6924from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6925 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6926is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6927script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6928 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6929lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6930patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6931after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6932executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6933":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6934(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6935continues in the following line as usual.
6936 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6937":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6938that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6939finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6940the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6941the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6942see |try-nesting|.
6943 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006944remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006945not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6946try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6947a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6948execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6949exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6950 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006951thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006952clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6953catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6954following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6955clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6956
6957The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6958a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6959try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6960from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6961sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6962":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6963":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6964from the finally clause.
6965 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6966try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6967clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6968":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6969clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6970":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6971this pending exception or command is discarded.
6972
6973For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6974
6975
6976NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6977
6978Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6979conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6980clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6981catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6982of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6983checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6984try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006985otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006986nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6987one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6988the inner try conditional.
6989
6990When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6991finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6992An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6993thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6994implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6995as usual.
6996
6997For examples see |throw-catch|.
6998
6999
7000EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7001
7002Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7003'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7004script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7005finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7006a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7007(see |debug-scripts|).
7008
7009
7010THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7011
7012You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7013and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7014 :throw 4711
7015 :throw "string"
7016< *throw-expression*
7017You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7018first, and the result is thrown: >
7019 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7020 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7021
7022An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7023command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7024The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7025 Example: >
7026
7027 :function! Foo(arg)
7028 : try
7029 : throw a:arg
7030 : catch /foo/
7031 : endtry
7032 : return 1
7033 :endfunction
7034 :
7035 :function! Bar()
7036 : echo "in Bar"
7037 : return 4710
7038 :endfunction
7039 :
7040 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7041
7042This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7043executed. >
7044 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7045however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7046
7047Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007048abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007049exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7050 Example: >
7051
7052 :if Foo("arrgh")
7053 : echo "then"
7054 :else
7055 : echo "else"
7056 :endif
7057
7058Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7059
7060 *catch-order*
7061Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7062commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7063command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7064gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7065 Example: >
7066
7067 :function! Foo(value)
7068 : try
7069 : throw a:value
7070 : catch /^\d\+$/
7071 : echo "Number thrown"
7072 : catch /.*/
7073 : echo "String thrown"
7074 : endtry
7075 :endfunction
7076 :
7077 :call Foo(0x1267)
7078 :call Foo('string')
7079
7080The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7081An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7082specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7083specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7084
7085 : catch /.*/
7086 : echo "String thrown"
7087 : catch /^\d\+$/
7088 : echo "Number thrown"
7089
7090The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7091never taken.
7092
7093 *throw-variables*
7094If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7095in the variable |v:exception|: >
7096
7097 : catch /^\d\+$/
7098 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7099
7100You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7101|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7102exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7103 Example: >
7104
7105 :function! Caught()
7106 : if v:exception != ""
7107 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7108 : else
7109 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7110 : endif
7111 :endfunction
7112 :
7113 :function! Foo()
7114 : try
7115 : try
7116 : try
7117 : throw 4711
7118 : finally
7119 : call Caught()
7120 : endtry
7121 : catch /.*/
7122 : call Caught()
7123 : throw "oops"
7124 : endtry
7125 : catch /.*/
7126 : call Caught()
7127 : finally
7128 : call Caught()
7129 : endtry
7130 :endfunction
7131 :
7132 :call Foo()
7133
7134This displays >
7135
7136 Nothing caught
7137 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7138 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7139 Nothing caught
7140
7141A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7142number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7143
7144 :function! LineNumber()
7145 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7146 :endfunction
7147 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7148<
7149 *try-nested*
7150An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7151a surrounding try conditional: >
7152
7153 :try
7154 : try
7155 : throw "foo"
7156 : catch /foobar/
7157 : echo "foobar"
7158 : finally
7159 : echo "inner finally"
7160 : endtry
7161 :catch /foo/
7162 : echo "foo"
7163 :endtry
7164
7165The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7166clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7167conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7168
7169 *throw-from-catch*
7170You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7171catch clause: >
7172
7173 :function! Foo()
7174 : throw "foo"
7175 :endfunction
7176 :
7177 :function! Bar()
7178 : try
7179 : call Foo()
7180 : catch /foo/
7181 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7182 : throw "bar"
7183 : endtry
7184 :endfunction
7185 :
7186 :try
7187 : call Bar()
7188 :catch /.*/
7189 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7190 :endtry
7191
7192This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7193
7194 *rethrow*
7195There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7196"v:exception" instead: >
7197
7198 :function! Bar()
7199 : try
7200 : call Foo()
7201 : catch /.*/
7202 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7203 : throw v:exception
7204 : endtry
7205 :endfunction
7206< *try-echoerr*
7207Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7208exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7209Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7210denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7211the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7212
7213 :try
7214 : try
7215 : asdf
7216 : catch /.*/
7217 : echoerr v:exception
7218 : endtry
7219 :catch /.*/
7220 : echo v:exception
7221 :endtry
7222
7223This code displays
7224
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007225 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007226
7227
7228CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7229
7230Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7231user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007232an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007233a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7234catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7235a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7236normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7237(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007238to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007239clause has been executed.)
7240Example: >
7241
7242 :try
7243 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7244 : set ts=17
7245 :
7246 : " Do the hard work here.
7247 :
7248 :finally
7249 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7250 : unlet s:saved_ts
7251 :endtry
7252
7253This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7254changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7255that function or script part.
7256
7257 *break-finally*
7258Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7259a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7260 Example: >
7261
7262 :let first = 1
7263 :while 1
7264 : try
7265 : if first
7266 : echo "first"
7267 : let first = 0
7268 : continue
7269 : else
7270 : throw "second"
7271 : endif
7272 : catch /.*/
7273 : echo v:exception
7274 : break
7275 : finally
7276 : echo "cleanup"
7277 : endtry
7278 : echo "still in while"
7279 :endwhile
7280 :echo "end"
7281
7282This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7283
7284 :function! Foo()
7285 : try
7286 : return 4711
7287 : finally
7288 : echo "cleanup\n"
7289 : endtry
7290 : echo "Foo still active"
7291 :endfunction
7292 :
7293 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7294
7295This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007296extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007297return value.)
7298
7299 *except-from-finally*
7300Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7301a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7302cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7303exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7304 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7305working correctly: >
7306
7307 :try
7308 : try
7309 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7310 : while 1
7311 : endwhile
7312 : finally
7313 : unlet novar
7314 : endtry
7315 :catch /novar/
7316 :endtry
7317 :echo "Script still running"
7318 :sleep 1
7319
7320If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7321think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7322|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7323
7324
7325CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7326
7327If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7328watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7329presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7330exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7331the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7332the error exception is.
7333 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7334
7335 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7336or >
7337 Vim:{errmsg}
7338
7339{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007340the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007341when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7342a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7343a space.
7344
7345Examples:
7346
7347The command >
7348 :unlet novar
7349normally produces the error message >
7350 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7351which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7352 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7353
7354The command >
7355 :dwim
7356normally produces the error message >
7357 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7358which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7359 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7360
7361You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7362 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7363or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7364 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7365
7366Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7367 :function nofunc
7368and >
7369 :delfunction nofunc
7370both produce the error message >
7371 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7372which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7373 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7374or >
7375 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7376respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7377command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7378 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7379
7380Some commands like >
7381 :let x = novar
7382produce multiple error messages, here: >
7383 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7384 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7385Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7386one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7387 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7388
7389You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7390 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7391
7392You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7393 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7394
7395You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7396 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7397<
7398 *catch-text*
7399NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7400 :catch /No such variable/
7401only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7402a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7403cite the message text in a comment: >
7404 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7405
7406
7407IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7408
7409You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7410
7411 :try
7412 : write
7413 :catch
7414 :endtry
7415
7416But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7417catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7418be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7419
7420 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7421
7422There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7423writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7424then hide the error from the user.
7425 It is much better to use >
7426
7427 :try
7428 : write
7429 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7430 :endtry
7431
7432which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7433intentionally.
7434
7435For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7436even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7437command: >
7438 :silent! nunmap k
7439This works also when a try conditional is active.
7440
7441
7442CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7443
7444When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007445the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007446script is not terminated, then.
7447 Example: >
7448
7449 :function! TASK1()
7450 : sleep 10
7451 :endfunction
7452
7453 :function! TASK2()
7454 : sleep 20
7455 :endfunction
7456
7457 :while 1
7458 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7459 : try
7460 : if command == ""
7461 : continue
7462 : elseif command == "END"
7463 : break
7464 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7465 : call TASK1()
7466 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7467 : call TASK2()
7468 : else
7469 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7470 : continue
7471 : endif
7472 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7473 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7474 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7475 : endtry
7476 :endwhile
7477
7478You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007479a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007480
7481For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7482your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7483command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7484
7485
7486CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7487
7488The commands >
7489
7490 :catch /.*/
7491 :catch //
7492 :catch
7493
7494catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7495explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7496a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7497 Example: >
7498
7499 :try
7500 :
7501 : " do the hard work here
7502 :
7503 :catch /MyException/
7504 :
7505 : " handle known problem
7506 :
7507 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7508 : echo "Script interrupted"
7509 :catch /.*/
7510 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7511 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7512 :endtry
7513 :" end of script
7514
7515Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7516strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7517specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7518 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7519by pressing CTRL-C: >
7520
7521 :while 1
7522 : try
7523 : sleep 1
7524 : catch
7525 : endtry
7526 :endwhile
7527
7528
7529EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7530
7531Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7532
7533 :autocmd User x try
7534 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7535 :autocmd User x catch
7536 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7537 :autocmd User x endtry
7538 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7539 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7540 :
7541 :try
7542 : doautocmd User x
7543 :catch
7544 : echo v:exception
7545 :endtry
7546
7547This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7548
7549 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7550For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7551command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7552of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7553abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7554 Example: >
7555
7556 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7557 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7558 :
7559 :try
7560 : write
7561 :catch
7562 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7563 :endtry
7564
7565Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7566you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7567autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7568script displays: >
7569
7570 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7571<
7572 *except-autocmd-Post*
7573For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7574command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7575an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7576is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7577 Example: >
7578
7579 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7580 :
7581 :try
7582 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7583 :catch
7584 : echo v:exception
7585 :endtry
7586
7587This just displays: >
7588
7589 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7590
7591If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7592fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7593 Example: >
7594
7595 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7596 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7597 :
7598 :try
7599 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7600 :catch
7601 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7602 :endtry
7603<
7604You can also use ":silent!": >
7605
7606 :let x = "ok"
7607 :let v:errmsg = ""
7608 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7609 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7610 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7611 :try
7612 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7613 :catch
7614 :endtry
7615 :echo x
7616
7617This displays "after fail".
7618
7619If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7620autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7621
7622 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7623 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7624 :
7625 :try
7626 : write
7627 :catch
7628 : echo v:exception
7629 :endtry
7630<
7631 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7632For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7633autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7634of the command.
7635 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007636had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007637some way. >
7638
7639 :if !exists("cnt")
7640 : let cnt = 0
7641 :
7642 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7643 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7644 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7645 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7646 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7647 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7648 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7649 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7650 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7651 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7652 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7653 :endif
7654 :
7655 :try
7656 : write
7657 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7658 : if &modified
7659 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7660 : else
7661 : echo "Error after writing"
7662 : endif
7663 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7664 : echo "Error on writing"
7665 :endtry
7666
7667When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
7668first >
7669 File successfully written!
7670then >
7671 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
7672then >
7673 Error after writing
7674etc.
7675
7676 *except-autocmd-ill*
7677You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
7678The following code is ill-formed: >
7679
7680 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7681 :
7682 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7683 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7684 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7685 :
7686 :write
7687
7688
7689EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7690
7691Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7692pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7693similar things in Vim.
7694 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7695class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7696string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7697 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7698it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7699for an error when writing "myfile".
7700 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7701base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7702parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7703 Example: >
7704
7705 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7706 : if a:a < 0
7707 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7708 : endif
7709 :endfunction
7710 :
7711 :function! Add(a, b)
7712 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7713 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7714 : let c = a:a + a:b
7715 : if c < 0
7716 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7717 : endif
7718 : return c
7719 :endfunction
7720 :
7721 :function! Div(a, b)
7722 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7723 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7724 : if (a:b == 0)
7725 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7726 : endif
7727 : return a:a / a:b
7728 :endfunction
7729 :
7730 :function! Write(file)
7731 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007732 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007733 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7734 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7735 : endtry
7736 :endfunction
7737 :
7738 :try
7739 :
7740 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7741 :
7742 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7743 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7744 : echo "Range error in" function
7745 :
7746 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7747 : echo "Math error"
7748 :
7749 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7750 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7751 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7752 : if file !~ '^/'
7753 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7754 : endif
7755 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7756 :
7757 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7758 : echo "Unspecified error"
7759 :
7760 :endtry
7761
7762The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7763a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7764exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7765 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7766failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7767
7768
7769PECULIARITIES
7770 *except-compat*
7771The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7772exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7773and/or a catch clause.
7774
7775In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7776continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7777after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7778functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7779or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7780(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7781
7782This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7783immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007784conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7785be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007786termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7787catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7788by specifying a finally clause.)
7789
7790When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7791behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7792scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7793
7794However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7795commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7796conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7797script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7798error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7799messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007800|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7801not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007802where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7803error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7804scripts.
7805
7806 *except-syntax-err*
7807Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7808the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7809clauses, however, is executed.
7810 Example: >
7811
7812 :try
7813 : try
7814 : throw 4711
7815 : catch /\(/
7816 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7817 : catch
7818 : echo "inner catch-all"
7819 : finally
7820 : echo "inner finally"
7821 : endtry
7822 :catch
7823 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7824 : finally
7825 : echo "outer finally"
7826 :endtry
7827
7828This displays: >
7829 inner finally
7830 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7831 outer finally
7832The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7833
7834 *except-single-line*
7835The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7836a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7837"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7838 Example: >
7839 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7840raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7841argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7842error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7843displayed.
7844
7845 *except-several-errors*
7846When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7847usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7848 Example: >
7849 echo novar
7850causes >
7851 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7852 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7853The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7854 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7855< *except-syntax-error*
7856But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7857the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7858 Example: >
7859 unlet novar #
7860causes >
7861 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7862 E488: Trailing characters
7863The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7864 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7865This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7866not intended by the user. Example: >
7867 try
7868 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7869 catch /.*/
7870 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7871 endtry
7872This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7873a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7874
7875==============================================================================
78769. Examples *eval-examples*
7877
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007878Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007879>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007880 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007881 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007882 : let n = a:nr
7883 : let r = ""
7884 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007885 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
7886 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007887 : endwhile
7888 : return r
7889 :endfunc
7890
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007891 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
7892 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
7893 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007894 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007895 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
7896 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7897 : endfor
7898 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007899 :endfunc
7900
7901Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007902 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
7903result: "100000" >
7904 :echo String2Bin("32")
7905result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007906
7907
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007908Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007909
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007910This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
7911
7912 :func SortBuffer()
7913 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
7914 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
7915 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007916 :endfunction
7917
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007918As a one-liner: >
7919 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007920
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007921
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007922scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007923 *sscanf*
7924There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7925line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7926how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7927"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7928 :" Set up the match bit
7929 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7930 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7931 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7932 :"get each item out of the match
7933 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7934 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7935 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7936
7937The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7938"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7939
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007940
7941getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
7942 *scriptnames-dictionary*
7943The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
7944have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
7945(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
7946code can be used: >
7947 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
7948 let scriptnames_output = ''
7949 redir => scriptnames_output
7950 silent scriptnames
7951 redir END
7952
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007953 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007954 " "scripts" dictionary.
7955 let scripts = {}
7956 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
7957 " Only do non-blank lines.
7958 if line =~ '\S'
7959 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007960 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007961 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007962 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007963 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007964 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007965 endif
7966 endfor
7967 unlet scriptnames_output
7968
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007969==============================================================================
797010. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7971
7972When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7973evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7974to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7975recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7976and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7977only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7978recognized.
7979
7980Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7981missing: >
7982
7983 :if 1
7984 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7985 :else
7986 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7987 :endif
7988
7989==============================================================================
799011. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7991
7992The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7993options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7994these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007995these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007996a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007997The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007998
7999These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8000 - changing the buffer text
8001 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8002 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008003 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008004 - executing a shell command
8005 - reading or writing a file
8006 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008007 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008008This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8009
8010 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008011:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008012 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8013 'foldexpr'.
8014
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008015 *sandbox-option*
8016A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008017have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008018restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8019location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008020- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008021- while executing in the sandbox
8022- value coming from a modeline
8023
8024Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8025option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8026
8027==============================================================================
802812. Textlock *textlock*
8029
8030In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8031to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8032is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008033actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008034happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8035
8036This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8037 - changing the buffer text
8038 - jumping to another buffer or window
8039 - editing another file
8040 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8041 - etc.
8042
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008043
8044 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: