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1 *eval.txt* For Vim version 7.2. Last change: 2010 Jan 19
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
7 Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
9 Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
11 Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
12 done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
13 |no-eval-feature|.
15 1. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
17 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
18 1.3 Lists |Lists|
19 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
21 2. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
22 3. Internal variable |internal-variables|
23 4. Builtin Functions |functions|
24 5. Defining functions |user-functions|
25 6. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
26 7. Commands |expression-commands|
27 8. Exception handling |exception-handling|
28 9. Examples |eval-examples|
29 10. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
30 11. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
31 12. Textlock |textlock|
33 {Vi does not have any of these commands}
35 ==============================================================================
36 1. Variables *variables*
38 1.1 Variable types ~
39 *E712*
40 There are six types of variables:
42 Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
45 Float 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
49 String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
50 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
52 Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
55 List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
58 Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
62 The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63 are used.
65 Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
66 the Number. Examples: >
67 Number 123 --> String "123"
68 Number 0 --> String "0"
69 Number -1 --> String "-1"
71 Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72 to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
73 the 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
82 To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
84 < 64 ~
86 To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87 base, use |str2nr()|.
89 For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
91 Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93 "foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94 use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
96 < *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97 List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
99 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100 When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101 there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102 to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
105 You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106 to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
107 equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108 commands: >
109 :let l = "string"
110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
111 :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!
116 1.2 Function references ~
117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
118 A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
119 in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120 around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
124 < *E704* *E705* *E707*
125 A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126 cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
128 A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129 Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
134 The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135 function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
137 A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
141 The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
142 :let func = string(Fn)
144 You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145 arguments: >
146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
149 1.3 Lists ~
150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
151 A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
152 can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
153 position in the sequence.
156 List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
158 A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
159 Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
163 An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
164 List of Lists: >
165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
167 An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
170 List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
172 An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
173 after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
177 When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
179 <
180 A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181 the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
184 To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
185 is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
190 List concatenation ~
192 Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
196 To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197 it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
200 Sublist ~
202 A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203 separated by a colon in square brackets: >
204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
206 Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
207 similar to -1. >
208 :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
212 If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213 before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214 message.
216 If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217 length minus one is used: >
218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
221 NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
222 using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
223 mylist[s : e].
226 List identity ~
227 *list-identity*
228 When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229 variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230 change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
235 < [1, 2, 3, 4]
237 Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238 works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
239 a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
242 :call add(aa, 4)
243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
245 < [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
246 :echo bb
247 < [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
249 To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
250 copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
252 The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
253 List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
254 the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
258 < 0 >
259 :echo alist == blist
260 < 1
262 Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263 same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
264 exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265 different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266 variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
268 < 1 >
269 echo [4] == ["4"]
270 < 0
272 Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
273 can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
277 :echo a == b
278 < 1 >
279 :echo [a] == [b]
280 < 0
283 List unpack ~
285 To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286 square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
289 When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290 this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291 and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
294 This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
299 Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300 empty list then.
303 List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
305 To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
309 To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
310 modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
313 Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314 examples: >
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
318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
321 :unlet list[3] " idem
322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
326 Changing the order of items in a list: >
327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
331 For loop ~
333 The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334 to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
337 :endfor
339 This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
347 Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
348 results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
349 the loop.
351 If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
352 function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
354 Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
355 requires 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
360 This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361 must remain the same to avoid an error.
363 It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
372 List functions ~
373 *E714*
374 Functions that are useful with a List: >
375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
377 :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
380 :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
382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
389 Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390 example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
394 1.4 Dictionaries ~
395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
396 A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
397 entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398 ordering.
401 Dictionary creation ~
402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
403 A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
404 braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405 only appear once. Examples: >
406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
408 < *E713* *E716* *E717*
409 A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410 String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
411 entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
412 Number will be converted to the String '4'.
414 A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
415 nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
418 An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
421 Accessing entries ~
423 The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
427 You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
429 For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430 form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
434 Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435 key lookup can be repeated: >
436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
439 Dictionary to List conversion ~
441 You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
442 turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
444 Most 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
449 The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
452 To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
457 If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
458 a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
461 :endfor
464 Dictionary identity ~
465 *dict-identity*
466 Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467 Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468 Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
475 Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476 more info see |list-identity|.
479 Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481 To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482 use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
486 Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487 Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
492 Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494 This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495 in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
496 Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497 expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498 adict.
500 Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
502 This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
505 Dictionary function ~
506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
507 When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
508 special way with a dictionary. Example: >
509 :function Mylen() dict
510 : return len(self.data)
511 :endfunction
512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
515 This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516 Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517 the function was invoked from.
519 It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520 Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
523 To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524 assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
528 :endfunction
529 :echo mydict.len()
531 The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
532 that references this function. The function can only be used through a
533 |Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534 remaining that refers to it.
536 It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
539 Functions for Dictionaries ~
540 *E715*
541 Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
542 :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
552 1.5 More about variables ~
553 *more-variables*
554 If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
555 function.
557 When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
558 start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
559 stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
561 When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
562 start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
563 stored in the session file |session-file|.
565 variable name can be stored where ~
566 my_var_6 not
567 My_Var_6 session file
568 MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
571 It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
572 |curly-braces-names|.
574 ==============================================================================
575 2. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
577 Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
579 |expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
581 |expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
583 |expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
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
594 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
595 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
596 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
597 matching case
599 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
600 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
602 |expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
603 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
604 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
606 |expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
607 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
608 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
610 |expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
611 - expr7 unary minus
612 + expr7 unary plus
615 |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
620 |expr9| number number constant
621 "string" string constant, backslash is special
622 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
623 [expr1, ...] |List|
624 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
625 &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
635 ".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
636 Example: >
637 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
639 All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
642 expr1 *expr1* *E109*
643 -----
645 expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
647 The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
648 non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
649 otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
650 Example: >
651 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
653 Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
654 other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
655 Example: >
656 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
658 To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
659 :echo lnum == 1
660 :\ ? "top"
661 :\ : lnum == 1000
662 :\ ? "last"
663 :\ : lnum
665 You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
666 use in a variable such as "a:1".
669 expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
670 ---------------
672 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
673 The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
674 are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
676 input output ~
677 n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
678 zero zero zero zero
679 zero non-zero non-zero zero
680 non-zero zero non-zero zero
681 non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
683 The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
685 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
687 Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
689 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
691 Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
692 arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
694 let a = 1
695 echo a || b
697 This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
698 so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
700 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
702 This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
703 only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
706 expr4 *expr4*
707 -----
709 expr5 {cmp} expr5
711 Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
712 if it evaluates to true.
714 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
715 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
716 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
717 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
718 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
719 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
720 *expr-is*
721 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
722 equal == ==# ==?
723 not equal != !=# !=?
724 greater than > ># >?
725 greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
726 smaller than < <# <?
727 smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
728 regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
729 regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
730 same instance is
731 different instance isnot
733 Examples:
734 "abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
735 "abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
736 "abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
738 *E691* *E692*
739 A |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.
741 Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
743 *E735* *E736*
744 A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
745 equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
746 recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
748 *E693* *E694*
749 A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
750 equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
752 When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
753 referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
754 the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
755 using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
756 different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
757 is false.
759 When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
760 and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
761 because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
763 When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
764 results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
765 necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
767 When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
768 'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
770 When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
771 'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
773 'smartcase' is not used.
775 The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
776 argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
777 This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
778 matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
779 portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
780 single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
781 Since 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
783 can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
784 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
785 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
788 expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
789 ---------------
790 expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
791 expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
792 expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
794 For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
795 result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
797 expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
798 expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
799 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
801 For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
803 Note the difference between "+" and ".":
804 "123" + "456" = 579
805 "123" . "456" = "123456"
807 Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
808 1 . 90 + 90.0
809 As: >
810 (1 . 90) + 90.0
811 That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
812 190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
813 1 . 90 * 90.0
814 Should be read as: >
815 1 . (90 * 90.0)
816 Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
817 attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
819 When 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)
825 When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
827 None of these work for |Funcref|s.
829 . and % do not work for Float. *E804*
832 expr7 *expr7*
833 -----
834 ! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
835 - expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
836 + expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
838 For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
839 For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
840 For '+' the number is unchanged.
842 A String will be converted to a Number first.
844 These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
845 !-1 == 0
846 !!8 == 1
847 --9 == 9
850 expr8 *expr8*
851 -----
852 expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
854 If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
855 expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
856 Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
857 an alternative.
859 Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
860 text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
861 cursor: >
862 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
864 If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
865 String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
866 compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
868 If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
869 for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
870 error. Example: >
871 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
873 Generally, 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
875 error.
878 expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
880 If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
881 from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
882 expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
883 |byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
885 If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
886 string minus one is used.
888 A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
889 the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
891 If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
892 expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
894 Examples: >
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
899 <
900 *sublist* *slice*
901 If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
902 the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
903 just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
904 :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
908 Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
909 error.
912 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
914 If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
915 name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
916 expr8[name].
918 The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
919 but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
921 There must not be white space before or after the dot.
923 Examples: >
924 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
925 :echo dict.one
926 :echo dict .2
928 Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
929 always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
932 expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
934 When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
938 *expr9*
939 number
940 ------
941 number number constant *expr-number*
943 Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
945 *floating-point-format*
946 Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
948 [-+]{N}.{M}
949 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
951 {N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
952 contain digits.
953 [-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
954 {exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
955 Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
956 locale is.
957 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
959 Examples:
960 123.456
961 +0.0001
962 55.0
963 -0.123
964 1.234e03
965 1.0E-6
966 -3.1416e+88
968 These are INVALID:
969 3. empty {M}
970 1e40 missing .{M}
972 *float-pi* *float-e*
973 A few useful values to copy&paste: >
974 :let pi = 3.14159265359
975 :let e = 2.71828182846
977 Rationale:
978 Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
979 the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
980 resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
981 could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
982 incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
983 for floating point numbers.
985 *floating-point-precision*
986 The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
987 means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
988 runtime.
990 The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
991 printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
992 function. Example: >
993 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
994 < 7.853981633974483e-01
998 string *expr-string* *E114*
999 ------
1000 "string" string constant *expr-quote*
1002 Note that double quotes are used.
1004 A 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.
1012 \u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
1013 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
1023 \<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
1025 Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1026 encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1027 of 'encoding'.
1029 Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1032 literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1033 ---------------
1034 'string' string constant *expr-'*
1036 Note that single quotes are used.
1038 This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
1039 meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
1041 Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
1042 to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
1043 if a =~ "\\s*"
1044 if a =~ '\s*'
1047 option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1048 ------
1049 &option option value, local value if possible
1050 &g:option global option value
1051 &l:option local option value
1053 Examples: >
1054 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1055 if &insertmode
1057 Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1058 and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1059 anyway.
1062 register *expr-register* *@r*
1063 --------
1064 @r contents of register 'r'
1066 The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1067 Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
1068 register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
1069 registers.
1071 When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1072 evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
1075 nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1076 -------
1077 (expr1) nested expression
1080 environment variable *expr-env*
1081 --------------------
1082 $VAR environment variable
1084 The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1085 result is an empty string.
1086 *expr-env-expand*
1087 Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1088 expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1089 are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1090 the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1091 fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1092 does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1093 :echo $version
1094 :echo expand("$version")
1095 The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1096 variable (if your shell supports it).
1099 internal variable *expr-variable*
1100 -----------------
1101 variable internal variable
1102 See below |internal-variables|.
1105 function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
1106 -------------
1107 function(expr1, ...) function call
1108 See below |functions|.
1111 ==============================================================================
1112 3. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1113 *E461*
1114 An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1115 cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1116 |curly-braces-names|.
1118 An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
1119 An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1120 |:unlet|.
1121 Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1122 been destroyed results in an error.
1124 There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1125 specified by what is prepended:
1127 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1128 |buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1129 |window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1130 |tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
1131 |global-variable| g: Global.
1132 |local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1133 |script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1134 |function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1135 |vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1137 The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1138 delete all script-local variables: >
1139 :for k in keys(s:)
1140 : unlet s:[k]
1141 :endfor
1142 <
1143 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1144 A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1145 Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1146 This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1147 |:bdelete|.
1149 One local buffer variable is predefined:
1150 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1151 b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1152 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1153 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1154 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1155 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1156 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1157 : call My_Update()
1158 :endif
1159 <
1160 *window-variable* *w:var*
1161 A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1162 is deleted when the window is closed.
1164 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1165 A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1166 It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1167 without the +windows feature}
1169 *global-variable* *g:var*
1170 Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1171 access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1172 place if you like.
1174 *local-variable* *l:var*
1175 Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1176 But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1177 you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1178 refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1179 same name.
1181 *script-variable* *s:var*
1182 In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1183 accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1185 They can be used in:
1186 - commands executed while the script is sourced
1187 - functions defined in the script
1188 - autocommands defined in the script
1189 - functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1190 defined in the script (recursively)
1191 - user defined commands defined in the script
1192 Thus not in:
1193 - other scripts sourced from this one
1194 - mappings
1195 - menus
1196 - etc.
1198 Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1199 Take this example: >
1201 let s:counter = 0
1202 function MyCounter()
1203 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1204 echo s:counter
1205 endfunction
1206 command Tick call MyCounter()
1208 You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1209 that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1210 "Tick" was defined is used.
1212 Another example that does the same: >
1214 let s:counter = 0
1215 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1217 When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
1218 script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
1219 defined.
1221 The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1222 function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1224 let s:counter = 0
1225 function StartCounting(incr)
1226 if a:incr
1227 function MyCounter()
1228 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1229 endfunction
1230 else
1231 function MyCounter()
1232 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1233 endfunction
1234 endif
1235 endfunction
1237 This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1238 when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1239 called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1241 When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1242 They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1243 maintain a counter: >
1245 if !exists("s:counter")
1246 let s:counter = 1
1247 echo "script executed for the first time"
1248 else
1249 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1250 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1251 endif
1253 Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1254 variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1257 Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1259 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1260 v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1261 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1262 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1264 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1265 v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1266 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1268 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1269 v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1270 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1272 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
1273 v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1274 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1275 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1276 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
1277 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1278 highlighted text is used.
1279 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1281 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1282 v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1283 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1285 *v:char* *char-variable*
1286 v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
1287 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |map-<expr>|.
1289 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1290 v:charconvert_from
1291 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1292 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1294 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1295 v:charconvert_to
1296 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1297 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1299 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1300 v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1301 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1302 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1303 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1304 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1305 possible to append this variable directly after the
1306 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1307 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1308 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1309 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1310 in 'printexpr'.
1312 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1313 v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1314 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1315 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1316 can be used.
1318 *v:count* *count-variable*
1319 v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1320 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1321 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1322 < Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1323 get when typing ':' after a count.
1324 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1325 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
1326 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
1327 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1329 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1330 v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1331 used.
1333 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1334 v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1335 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1336 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1337 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1338 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1339 command.
1340 See |multi-lang|.
1342 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1343 v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1344 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1345 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1346 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1347 Example: >
1348 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1349 <
1350 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1351 v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1352 Example: >
1353 :let v:errmsg = ""
1354 :silent! next
1355 :if v:errmsg != ""
1356 : ... handle error
1357 < "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1359 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1360 v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1361 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1362 Example: >
1363 :try
1364 : throw "oops"
1365 :catch /.*/
1366 : echo "caught" v:exception
1367 :endtry
1368 < Output: "caught oops".
1370 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1371 v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1372 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1373 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1374 deleted file no longer exists
1375 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1376 changed and buffer is modified
1377 changed file contents has changed
1378 mode mode of file changed
1379 time only file timestamp changed
1381 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1382 v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1383 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1384 do with the affected buffer:
1385 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1386 the file was deleted).
1387 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1388 was no autocommand. Except that when
1389 only the timestamp changed nothing
1390 will happen.
1391 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1392 everything that needs to be done.
1393 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1394 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1396 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1397 v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
1398 option used for ~
1399 'charconvert' file to be converted
1400 'diffexpr' original file
1401 'patchexpr' original file
1402 'printexpr' file to be printed
1403 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
1405 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1406 v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1407 evaluating:
1408 option used for ~
1409 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1410 'diffexpr' output of diff
1411 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1412 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1413 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1414 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1415 file and different from v:fname_in.
1417 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1418 v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1419 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1421 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1422 v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1423 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1425 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1426 v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1427 fold.
1428 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
1430 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1431 v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
1432 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
1434 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1435 v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
1436 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
1438 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1439 v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
1440 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
1442 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1443 v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1444 events. Values:
1445 i Insert mode
1446 r Replace mode
1447 v Virtual Replace mode
1449 *v:key* *key-variable*
1450 v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
1451 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1452 Read-only.
1454 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1455 v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1456 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1457 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1458 The value is system dependent.
1459 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1460 command.
1461 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1462 in a different language than what is used for character
1463 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1465 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1466 v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1467 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1468 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1469 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1470 command. See |multi-lang|.
1472 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
1473 v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1474 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1475 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1476 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
1478 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1479 v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1480 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1481 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1483 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1484 v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1485 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1486 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1488 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1489 v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1490 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1491 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1493 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1494 v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1495 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1496 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1497 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1498 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1499 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1500 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1501 than String this will cause trouble.
1502 {only when compiled with the +viminfo feature}
1504 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1505 v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1506 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1507 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1508 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1509 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1510 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1511 < The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1512 don't expect it to be empty.
1513 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1514 commands.
1515 Read-only.
1517 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1518 v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1519 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1520 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1521 use the count, e.g.: >
1522 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1523 < Read-only.
1525 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1526 v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1527 See |profiling|.
1529 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1530 v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1531 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1532 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1533 Read-only.
1535 *v:register* *register-variable*
1536 v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1537 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1539 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1540 v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1541 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1542 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1543 typed command.
1544 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1545 hit-enter prompt.
1547 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1548 v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1549 Read-only.
1552 v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1553 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1554 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1555 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1556 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1557 function. |function-search-undo|.
1558 Read-write.
1560 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1561 v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1562 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1563 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1564 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1565 executed. Read-only.
1566 Example: >
1567 :!mv foo bar
1568 :if v:shell_error
1569 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1570 :endif
1571 < "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1573 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1574 v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1576 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1577 v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1578 the swap file found. Read-only.
1580 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1581 v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1582 for handling an existing swap file:
1583 'o' Open read-only
1584 'e' Edit anyway
1585 'r' Recover
1586 'd' Delete swapfile
1587 'q' Quit
1588 'a' Abort
1589 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1590 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1591 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1593 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
1594 v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
1595 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1596 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1597 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
1598 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
1600 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1601 v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1602 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1603 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1604 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1605 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1606 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1607 terminal.
1608 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1609 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1610 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1611 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1612 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1614 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1615 v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1616 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1617 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1618 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1620 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1621 v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1622 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1623 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1624 Example: >
1625 :try
1626 : throw "oops"
1627 :catch /.*/
1628 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1629 :endtry
1630 < Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1632 *v:val* *val-variable*
1633 v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1634 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1635 |filter()|. Read-only.
1637 *v:version* *version-variable*
1638 v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1639 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1640 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1641 compatibility.
1642 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1643 if has("patch123")
1644 < Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1645 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1646 completely different.
1648 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1649 v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1651 ==============================================================================
1652 4. Builtin Functions *functions*
1654 See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1656 (Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
1658 USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1660 abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
1661 add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
1662 append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
1663 append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
1664 argc() Number number of files in the argument list
1665 argidx() Number current index in the argument list
1666 argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1667 argv( ) List the argument list
1668 atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
1669 browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1670 String put up a file requester
1671 browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
1672 bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
1673 buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1674 bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
1675 bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1676 bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1677 bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1678 byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
1679 byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
1680 call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1681 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
1682 ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1683 changenr() Number current change number
1684 char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
1685 cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
1686 clearmatches() none clear all matches
1687 col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
1688 complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
1689 complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1690 complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
1691 confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1692 Number number of choice picked by user
1693 copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
1694 cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
1695 count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1696 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
1697 cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1698 Number checks existence of cscope connection
1699 cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1700 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1701 cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
1702 deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
1703 delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1704 did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
1705 diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1706 diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
1707 empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
1708 escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
1709 eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
1710 eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
1711 executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1712 exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1713 extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1714 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
1715 expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1716 feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
1717 filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
1718 filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1719 filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1720 {string} is 0
1721 finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1722 String find directory {name} in {path}
1723 findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1724 String find file {name} in {path}
1725 float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1726 floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
1727 fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
1728 fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
1729 foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1730 foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1731 foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
1732 foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
1733 foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
1734 foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
1735 function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
1736 garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
1737 get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
1738 get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
1739 getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1740 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
1741 getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1742 getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1743 getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
1744 getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1745 getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1746 getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
1747 getcwd() String the current working directory
1748 getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1749 getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
1750 getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
1751 getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
1752 getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
1753 getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1754 getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
1755 getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
1756 getmatches() List list of current matches
1757 getpid() Number process ID of Vim
1758 getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
1759 getqflist() List list of quickfix items
1760 getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
1761 getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
1762 gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1763 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
1764 getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1765 getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1766 getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
1767 glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1768 globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1769 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1770 has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
1771 has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
1772 haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
1773 hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1774 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1775 histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1776 histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1777 histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1778 histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1779 hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1780 hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1781 hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
1782 iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1783 indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
1784 index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1785 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
1786 input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1787 String get input from the user
1788 inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
1789 inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
1790 inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1791 inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
1792 inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
1793 insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
1794 isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
1795 islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
1796 items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
1797 join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
1798 keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
1799 len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1800 libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
1801 libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1802 line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1803 line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
1804 lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
1805 localtime() Number current time
1806 log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
1807 map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
1808 maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1809 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1810 mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1811 String check for mappings matching {name}
1812 match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1813 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
1814 matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1815 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
1816 matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
1817 matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
1818 matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1819 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
1820 matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1821 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
1822 matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1823 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
1824 max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1825 min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1826 mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1827 Number create directory {name}
1828 mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
1829 mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
1830 nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1831 nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1832 pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
1833 pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
1834 prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
1835 printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1836 pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
1837 range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1838 List items from {expr} to {max}
1839 readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1840 List get list of lines from file {fname}
1841 reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1842 reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
1843 remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1844 String send expression
1845 remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1846 remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1847 Number check for reply string
1848 remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1849 remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1850 String send key sequence
1851 remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
1852 remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
1853 rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1854 repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1855 resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
1856 reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
1857 round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
1858 search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1859 Number search for {pattern}
1860 searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1861 Number search for variable declaration
1862 searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
1863 Number search for other end of start/end pair
1864 searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
1865 List search for other end of start/end pair
1866 searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1867 List search for {pattern}
1868 server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1869 Number send reply string
1870 serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1871 setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1872 setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1873 setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
1874 setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1875 Number modify location list using {list}
1876 setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
1877 setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
1878 setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
1879 setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
1880 settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1881 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
1882 setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
1883 shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1884 String escape {string} for use as shell
1885 command argument
1886 simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
1887 sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
1888 sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
1889 soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
1890 spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
1891 spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1892 List spelling suggestions
1893 split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1894 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
1895 sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr}
1896 str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1897 str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
1898 strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
1899 stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1900 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
1901 string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
1902 strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1903 strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1904 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
1905 strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1906 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
1907 strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
1908 submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
1909 substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1910 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
1911 synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
1912 synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1913 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1914 synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
1915 synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
1916 system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
1917 tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1918 tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1919 tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1920 Number number of current window in tab page
1921 taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
1922 tagfiles() List tags files used
1923 tempname() String name for a temporary file
1924 tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1925 toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
1926 tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1927 to chars in {tostr}
1928 trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr}
1929 type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
1930 values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
1931 virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1932 visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1933 winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1934 wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1935 winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1936 winline() Number window line of the cursor
1937 winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
1938 winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
1939 winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
1940 winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
1941 winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
1942 writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1943 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
1945 abs({expr}) *abs()*
1946 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1947 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1948 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1949 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1950 Examples: >
1951 echo abs(1.456)
1952 < 1.456 >
1953 echo abs(-5.456)
1954 < 5.456 >
1955 echo abs(-4)
1956 < 4
1957 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
1959 add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1960 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1961 resulting |List|. Examples: >
1962 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1963 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1964 < Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
1965 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
1966 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
1969 append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
1970 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1971 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
1972 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1973 the current buffer.
1974 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
1975 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1976 0 for success. Example: >
1977 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
1978 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
1979 <
1980 *argc()*
1981 argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1982 current window. See |arglist|.
1984 *argidx()*
1985 argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1986 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1988 *argv()*
1989 argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1990 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1991 Example: >
1992 :let i = 0
1993 :while i < argc()
1994 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
1995 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1996 : let i = i + 1
1997 :endwhile
1998 < Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1999 returned.
2001 atan({expr}) *atan()*
2002 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2003 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2004 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2005 Examples: >
2006 :echo atan(100)
2007 < 1.560797 >
2008 :echo atan(-4.01)
2009 < -1.326405
2010 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2012 *browse()*
2013 browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2014 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2015 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2016 The input fields are:
2017 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2018 {title} title for the requester
2019 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2020 {default} default file name
2021 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2022 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2024 *browsedir()*
2025 browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2026 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2027 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2028 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2029 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2030 to be used.
2031 The input fields are:
2032 {title} title for the requester
2033 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2034 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2035 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2037 bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2038 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2039 {expr} exists.
2040 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
2041 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
2042 exactly. The name can be:
2043 - Relative to the current directory.
2044 - A full path.
2045 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
2046 - A URL name.
2047 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2048 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2049 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2050 long name to be able to find them.
2051 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2052 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2053 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
2054 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2055 file name.
2056 *buffer_exists()*
2057 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2059 buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2060 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2061 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
2062 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
2064 bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2065 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2066 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
2067 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
2069 bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2070 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2071 ":ls" command.
2072 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2073 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2074 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
2075 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
2076 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2077 match an empty string is returned.
2078 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2079 alternate buffer.
2080 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
2081 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2082 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2083 pattern.
2084 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2085 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2086 buffers are searched for.
2087 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2088 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2089 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2090 < If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2091 string is returned. >
2092 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2093 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2094 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2095 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2096 < *buffer_name()*
2097 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2099 *bufnr()*
2100 bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2101 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
2102 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
2103 above.
2104 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2105 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2106 buffer is created and its number is returned.
2107 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2108 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2109 < The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2110 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2111 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2112 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2113 *buffer_number()*
2114 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2115 *last_buffer_nr()*
2116 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2118 bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2119 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2120 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
2121 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
2122 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2124 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2126 < The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2127 |:wincmd|.
2128 Only deals with the current tab page.
2131 byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2132 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2133 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2134 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2135 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2136 one.
2137 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2138 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2139 feature}
2141 byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2142 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2143 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2144 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2145 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2146 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2147 Example : >
2148 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2149 < will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2150 same: >
2151 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2152 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2153 < If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2154 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2155 is returned.
2157 call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
2158 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
2159 arguments.
2160 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
2161 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2162 Returns the return value of the called function.
2163 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2164 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
2166 ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2167 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2168 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2169 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2170 Examples: >
2171 echo ceil(1.456)
2172 < 2.0 >
2173 echo ceil(-5.456)
2174 < -5.0 >
2175 echo ceil(4.0)
2176 < 4.0
2177 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2179 changenr() *changenr()*
2180 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2181 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2182 with the |:undo| command.
2183 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2184 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2185 one less than the number of the undone change.
2187 char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2188 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2189 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2190 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2191 < The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
2192 char2nr("á") returns 225
2193 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
2194 < |nr2char()| does the opposite.
2196 cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2197 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2198 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2199 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2200 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2201 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2202 feature, -1 is returned.
2203 See |C-indenting|.
2205 clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2206 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2207 |:match| commands.
2209 *col()*
2210 col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
2211 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2212 . the cursor position
2213 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2214 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2215 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2216 returned)
2217 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2218 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
2219 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
2220 out of range then col() returns zero.
2221 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
2222 |getpos()|.
2223 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2224 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2225 Examples: >
2226 col(".") column of cursor
2227 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2228 col("'t") column of mark t
2229 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
2230 < The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
2231 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2232 buffer.
2233 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2234 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2235 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2236 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2237 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2238 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2239 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2240 <
2242 complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2243 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2244 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
2245 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2246 with an expression mapping.
2247 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2248 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2249 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2250 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2251 match.
2252 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2253 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2254 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2255 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
2256 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2257 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2258 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2259 Example: >
2260 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
2262 func! ListMonths()
2263 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2264 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2265 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2266 return ''
2267 endfunc
2268 < This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2269 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2271 complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2272 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2273 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2274 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2275 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2276 the list.
2277 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2278 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
2280 complete_check() *complete_check()*
2281 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2282 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2283 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2284 zero otherwise.
2285 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2286 'completefunc' option.
2288 *confirm()*
2289 confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2290 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2291 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2292 choice this is 1.
2293 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2294 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2295 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2296 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2297 used (and translated).
2298 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2299 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2300 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2301 by '\n', e.g. >
2302 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2303 < The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2304 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2305 not need to be the first letter: >
2306 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2307 < For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2308 the default shortcut key.
2309 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2310 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2311 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2312 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2313 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2314 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2315 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2316 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2317 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2318 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2319 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2321 An example: >
2322 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2323 :if choice == 0
2324 : echo "make up your mind!"
2325 :elseif choice == 3
2326 : echo "tasteful"
2327 :else
2328 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2329 :endif
2330 < In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2331 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2332 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2333 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2334 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2335 the horizontal layout is always used.
2337 *copy()*
2338 copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2339 different from using {expr} directly.
2340 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2341 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2342 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2343 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
2344 see |deepcopy()|.
2346 cos({expr}) *cos()*
2347 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2348 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2349 Examples: >
2350 :echo cos(100)
2351 < 0.862319 >
2352 :echo cos(-4.01)
2353 < -0.646043
2354 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2357 count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
2358 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
2359 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
2360 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
2361 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
2362 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2365 *cscope_connection()*
2366 cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2367 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2368 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2369 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2370 if there are no cscope connections;
2371 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2373 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2374 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2376 {num} Description of existence check
2377 ----- ------------------------------
2378 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2379 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2380 {dbpath}.
2381 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2382 {dbpath}.
2383 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2384 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2385 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2386 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2388 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2390 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2392 # pid database name prepend path
2393 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2394 <
2395 Invocation Return Val ~
2396 ---------- ---------- >
2397 cscope_connection() 1
2398 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2399 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2400 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2401 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2402 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2403 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2404 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2405 <
2406 cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2407 cursor({list})
2408 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2409 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
2410 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
2411 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2412 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
2413 Does not change the jumplist.
2414 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2415 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2416 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
2417 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
2418 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2419 line.
2420 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2421 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2422 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2423 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
2424 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
2427 deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
2428 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2429 different from using {expr} directly.
2430 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2431 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2432 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
2433 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2434 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2435 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2436 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2437 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2438 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2439 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
2440 *E724*
2441 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
2442 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2443 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
2444 Also see |copy()|.
2446 delete({fname}) *delete()*
2447 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
2448 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2449 when the deletion failed.
2450 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
2452 *did_filetype()*
2453 did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2454 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2455 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2456 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2457 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2458 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2459 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2460 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2461 file.
2463 diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2464 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2465 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2466 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2467 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2468 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2469 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2470 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2472 diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2473 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2474 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2475 diff change zero is returned.
2476 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2477 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2478 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2479 line.
2480 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2481 syntax information about the highlighting.
2483 empty({expr}) *empty()*
2484 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
2485 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2486 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2487 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
2488 length with zero.
2490 escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2491 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2492 backslash. Example: >
2493 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2494 < results in: >
2495 c:\\program\ files\\vim
2496 < Also see |shellescape()|.
2498 *eval()*
2499 eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2500 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2501 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2502 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2503 functions.
2505 eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2506 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2507 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2508 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2509 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2511 executable({expr}) *executable()*
2512 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2513 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
2514 arguments.
2515 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2516 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2517 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2518 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2519 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2520 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2521 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2522 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2523 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2524 extension.
2525 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2526 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
2527 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2528 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2529 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
2530 The result is a Number:
2531 1 exists
2532 0 does not exist
2533 -1 not implemented on this system
2535 *exists()*
2536 exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2537 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2538 which contains one of these:
2539 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2540 not if it really works)
2541 +option-name Vim option that works.
2542 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2543 done by comparing with an empty
2544 string)
2545 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2546 or user defined function (see
2547 |user-functions|).
2548 varname internal variable (see
2549 |internal-variables|). Also works
2550 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2551 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2552 that evaluating an index may cause an
2553 error message for an invalid
2554 expression. E.g.: >
2555 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2556 :echo exists("l[5]")
2557 < 0 >
2558 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2559 < E121: Undefined variable: xx
2560 0
2561 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2562 command or command modifier |:command|.
2563 Returns:
2564 1 for match with start of a command
2565 2 full match with a command
2566 3 matches several user commands
2567 To check for a supported command
2568 always check the return value to be 2.
2569 :2match The |:2match| command.
2570 :3match The |:3match| command.
2571 #event autocommand defined for this event
2572 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2573 pattern (the pattern is taken
2574 literally and compared to the
2575 autocommand patterns character by
2576 character)
2577 #group autocommand group exists
2578 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2579 event.
2580 #group#event#pattern
2581 autocommand defined for this group,
2582 event and pattern.
2583 ##event autocommand for this event is
2584 supported.
2585 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2587 Examples: >
2588 exists("&shortname")
2589 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2590 exists("*strftime")
2591 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2592 exists("bufcount")
2593 exists(":Make")
2594 exists("#CursorHold")
2595 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2596 exists("#filetypeindent")
2597 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2598 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
2599 exists("##ColorScheme")
2600 < There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2601 name.
2602 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2603 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2604 the future, thus don't count on it!
2605 Working example: >
2606 exists(":make")
2607 < NOT working example: >
2608 exists(":make install")
2610 < Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2611 variable itself. For example: >
2612 exists(bufcount)
2613 < This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2614 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
2616 expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2617 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2618 The result is a String.
2620 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2621 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2622 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2624 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2625 for a non-existing file is not included.
2627 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2628 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2629 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2631 % current file name
2632 # alternate file name
2633 #n alternate file name n
2634 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2635 <afile> autocmd file name
2636 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2637 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2638 <sfile> sourced script file name
2639 <cword> word under the cursor
2640 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2641 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2642 message |server2client()|
2643 Modifiers:
2644 :p expand to full path
2645 :h head (last path component removed)
2646 :t tail (last path component only)
2647 :r root (one extension removed)
2648 :e extension only
2650 Example: >
2651 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2652 < Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2653 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2654 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2655 < Use this: >
2656 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2657 < Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2658 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2659 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2660 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2661 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2662 <
2663 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2664 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2665 to modify normal file names.
2667 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2668 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2669 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2670 '/' added.
2672 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2673 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2674 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2675 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
2676 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2677 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2678 files in the current directory and below: >
2679 :echo expand("**/README")
2680 <
2681 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2682 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2683 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2684 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2685 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2686 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2687 "$FOOBAR".
2689 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2690 getting the raw output of an external command.
2692 extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2693 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2694 |Dictionaries|.
2696 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2697 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2698 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2699 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2700 {expr2} is appended.
2701 Examples: >
2702 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2703 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
2704 < When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2705 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2706 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2707 (where N is the original length of the List).
2708 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2709 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
2710 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
2711 <
2712 If they are |Dictionaries|:
2713 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2714 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2715 used to decide what to do:
2716 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2717 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
2718 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
2719 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2721 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2722 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2723 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2724 Returns {expr1}.
2727 feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2728 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
2729 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
2730 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
2731 being executed these characters come after them.
2732 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2733 {string}.
2734 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2735 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
2736 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
2737 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2738 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2739 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
2740 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2741 'n' Do not remap keys.
2742 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2743 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2744 opening folds, etc.
2745 Return value is always 0.
2747 filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2748 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2749 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2750 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2751 expression, which is used as a String.
2752 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2753 |glob()|.
2754 *file_readable()*
2755 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2758 filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2759 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2760 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2761 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
2762 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2765 filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2766 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
2767 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2768 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
2769 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2770 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2771 Examples: >
2772 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2773 < Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2774 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2775 < Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2776 :call filter(var, 0)
2777 < Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
2779 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2780 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2781 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2783 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2784 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
2785 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
2787 < Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
2788 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2789 further items in {expr} are processed.
2792 finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2793 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2794 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2795 for the syntax of {path}.
2796 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2797 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2798 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2799 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2800 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2801 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
2802 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
2803 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2804 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2806 findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2807 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2808 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2809 Example: >
2810 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2811 < Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2812 it finds the file "tags.vim".
2814 float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2815 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2816 decimal point.
2817 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2818 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2819 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2820 in -0x80000000.
2821 Examples: >
2822 echo float2nr(3.95)
2823 < 3 >
2824 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2825 < -23 >
2826 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2827 < 2147483647 >
2828 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2829 < -2147483647 >
2830 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2831 < 0
2832 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2835 floor({expr}) *floor()*
2836 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2837 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2838 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2839 Examples: >
2840 echo floor(1.856)
2841 < 1.0 >
2842 echo floor(-5.456)
2843 < -6.0 >
2844 echo floor(4.0)
2845 < 4.0
2846 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2848 fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
2849 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
2850 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2851 are escaped with a backslash.
2852 For most systems the characters escaped are
2853 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2854 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
2855 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2856 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
2857 Example: >
2858 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
2859 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2860 < results in executing: >
2861 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
2863 fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2864 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2865 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2866 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2867 Example: >
2868 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2869 < results in: >
2870 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2871 < Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
2872 |expand()| first then.
2874 foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2875 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2876 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2877 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2879 foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2880 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2881 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2882 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2884 foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2885 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2886 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2887 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2888 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2889 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2890 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2891 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2892 previous line is usually available.
2894 *foldtext()*
2895 foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2896 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2897 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2898 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2899 The returned string looks like this: >
2900 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2901 < The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2902 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2903 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2904 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2905 options is removed.
2906 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2908 foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2909 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2910 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2911 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2912 returned.
2913 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2914 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2915 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2916 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2918 *foreground()*
2919 foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2920 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2921 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2922 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2923 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2924 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2925 Win32 console version}
2928 function({name}) *function()* *E700*
2929 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
2930 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2933 garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
2934 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
2935 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2936 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2937 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2938 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2939 freed when they become unused.
2940 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2941 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2942 for a long time.
2943 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
2944 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
2945 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
2947 get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
2948 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
2949 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2950 omitted.
2951 get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2952 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
2953 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2954 {default} is omitted.
2956 *getbufline()*
2957 getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
2958 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2959 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2960 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
2962 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2964 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2965 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
2967 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2968 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
2970 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2971 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
2972 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
2973 returned.
2975 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
2976 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
2978 Example: >
2979 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
2981 getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2982 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2983 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2984 must be used.
2985 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
2986 buffer-local variables.
2987 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2988 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2989 window-local option.
2990 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2991 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2992 returned, there is no error message.
2993 Examples: >
2994 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2995 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2996 <
2997 getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2998 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
2999 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3000 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
3001 Return zero otherwise.
3002 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
3003 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3005 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3006 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3007 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3008 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3009 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
3010 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3011 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3012 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3013 not included in the character.
3015 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
3016 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3017 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3019 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3020 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3021 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3022 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3023 let c = getchar()
3024 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
3025 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3026 exe v:mouse_lnum
3027 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3028 endif
3029 <
3030 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3031 user that a character has to be typed.
3032 There is no mapping for the character.
3033 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3034 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3035 sequence. Examples: >
3036 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3037 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3038 < This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3039 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3040 :function FindChar()
3041 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3042 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3043 : normal l
3044 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3045 : break
3046 : endif
3047 : endwhile
3048 :endfunction
3050 getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3051 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3052 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3053 These values are added together:
3054 2 shift
3055 4 control
3056 8 alt (meta)
3057 16 mouse double click
3058 32 mouse triple click
3059 64 mouse quadruple click
3060 128 Macintosh only: command
3061 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
3062 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
3063 without a modifier.
3065 getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3066 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3067 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3068 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3069 Example: >
3070 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
3071 < Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
3073 getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
3074 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3075 byte count. The first column is 1.
3076 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3077 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
3078 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3080 getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3081 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3082 are:
3083 : normal Ex command
3084 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3085 / forward search command
3086 ? backward search command
3087 @ |input()| command
3088 - |:insert| or |:append| command
3089 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3090 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3091 otherwise.
3092 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3094 *getcwd()*
3095 getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3096 working directory.
3098 getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3099 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3100 given file {fname}.
3101 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3102 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
3103 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3104 is returned.
3106 getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3107 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3108 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3109 |hl-Normal|.
3110 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3111 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3112 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3113 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
3114 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
3115 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3116 function just after the GUI has started.
3117 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3118 for a valid name does not work.
3120 getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3121 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3122 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3123 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3124 empty string is returned.
3125 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3126 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3127 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3128 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3129 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3130 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3131 < This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3132 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
3134 getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3135 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3136 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3137 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3138 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3139 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3141 getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3142 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3143 file of the given file {fname}.
3144 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3145 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3146 results:
3147 Normal file "file"
3148 Directory "dir"
3149 Symbolic link "link"
3150 Block device "bdev"
3151 Character device "cdev"
3152 Socket "socket"
3153 FIFO "fifo"
3154 All other "other"
3155 Example: >
3156 getftype("/home")
3157 < Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3158 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3159 "file" are returned.
3161 *getline()*
3162 getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3163 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3164 from the current buffer. Example: >
3165 getline(1)
3166 < When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3167 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3168 To get the line under the cursor: >
3169 getline(".")
3170 < When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3171 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3173 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3174 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
3175 including line {end}.
3176 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3177 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
3178 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
3179 Example: >
3180 :let start = line('.')
3181 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3182 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3184 < To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3186 getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3187 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3188 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3189 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
3190 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
3191 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
3193 getmatches() *getmatches()*
3194 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3195 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3196 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3197 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3198 Example: >
3199 :echo getmatches()
3200 < [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3201 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3202 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3203 :let m = getmatches()
3204 :call clearmatches()
3205 :echo getmatches()
3206 < [] >
3207 :call setmatches(m)
3208 :echo getmatches()
3209 < [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3210 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3211 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3212 :unlet m
3213 <
3215 getqflist() *getqflist()*
3216 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3217 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3218 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3219 bufname() to get the name
3220 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3221 col column number (first column is 1)
3222 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3223 zero: "col" is byte index
3224 nr error number
3225 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
3226 text description of the error
3227 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3228 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3230 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
3231 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3232 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
3234 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3235 do something with them: >
3236 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3237 :for d in getqflist()
3238 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3239 :endfor
3242 getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
3243 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
3244 {regname}. Example: >
3245 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3246 < getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
3247 register. (For use in maps.)
3248 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3249 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3250 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
3251 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3254 getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3255 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3256 The value will be one of:
3257 "v" for |characterwise| text
3258 "V" for |linewise| text
3259 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3260 0 for an empty or unknown register
3261 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3262 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3264 gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
3265 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3266 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3267 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3268 option.
3269 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3270 use |getwinvar()|.
3271 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3272 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3273 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3274 or buffer-local variable.
3275 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3276 variables is returned.
3277 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
3278 Examples: >
3279 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3280 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
3281 <
3282 *getwinposx()*
3283 getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3284 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3285 -1 if the information is not available.
3287 *getwinposy()*
3288 getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
3289 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
3290 information is not available.
3292 getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3293 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
3294 Examples: >
3295 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3296 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3297 <
3298 glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()*
3299 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
3300 use of special characters.
3301 The result is a String.
3302 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3303 characters.
3304 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3305 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3306 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3307 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
3308 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3309 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3311 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3312 any external command. Example: >
3313 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3314 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3315 < The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
3316 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
3318 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3319 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3321 globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
3322 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3323 the results. Example: >
3324 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3325 < {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3326 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
3327 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
3328 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3329 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3330 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3331 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3332 error message.
3333 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3334 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3335 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3336 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
3338 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3339 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3340 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3341 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
3342 < Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3343 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3345 *has()*
3346 has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3347 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3348 string. See |feature-list| below.
3349 Also see |exists()|.
3352 has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
3353 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3354 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
3356 haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3357 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
3358 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
3360 hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
3361 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3362 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3363 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3364 {mode}.
3365 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3366 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3367 Command-line mode.
3368 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3369 buffer are checked for a match.
3370 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3371 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3372 n Normal mode
3373 v Visual mode
3374 o Operator-pending mode
3375 i Insert mode
3376 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3377 c Command-line mode
3378 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3380 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
3381 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
3382 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3383 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3384 :endif
3385 < This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3386 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3388 histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3389 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3390 one of: *hist-names*
3391 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3392 "search" or "/" search pattern history
3393 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
3394 "input" or "@" input line history
3395 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3396 shifted to become the newest entry.
3397 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3398 otherwise 0 is returned.
3400 Example: >
3401 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3402 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3403 < This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3405 histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
3406 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
3407 for the possible values of {history}.
3409 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3410 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3411 be removed from the history (if there are any).
3412 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
3413 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3414 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3415 be removed if it exists.
3417 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3418 otherwise 0 is returned.
3420 Examples:
3421 Clear expression register history: >
3422 :call histdel("expr")
3423 <
3424 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3425 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3426 <
3427 The following three are equivalent: >
3428 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3429 :call histdel("search", -1)
3430 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3431 <
3432 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3433 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3434 :call histdel("search", -1)
3435 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3437 histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3438 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3439 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3440 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3441 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3442 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3444 Examples:
3445 Redo the second last search from history. >
3446 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3448 < Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3449 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3450 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3451 <
3452 histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3453 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3454 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3455 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3457 Example: >
3458 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3459 <
3460 hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3461 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3462 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3463 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3464 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3465 item.
3466 *highlight_exists()*
3467 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3469 *hlID()*
3470 hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3471 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3472 zero is returned.
3473 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3474 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3475 "Comment" group: >
3476 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3477 < *highlightID()*
3478 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3480 hostname() *hostname()*
3481 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
3482 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
3483 256 characters long are truncated.
3485 iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3486 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3487 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3488 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3489 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3490 are replaced with "?".
3491 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3492 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3493 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3494 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3495 can be done.
3496 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3497 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3498 UTF-8 and use: >
3499 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3500 < Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3501 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3502 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3503 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3505 *indent()*
3506 indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3507 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3508 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3509 |getline()|.
3510 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3513 index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
3514 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
3515 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3516 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3517 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3518 is not used here, case always matters.
3519 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3520 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
3521 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3522 case must match.
3523 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3524 Example: >
3525 :let idx = index(words, "the")
3526 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
3529 input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
3530 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3531 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3532 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3533 in the prompt to start a new line.
3534 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3535 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3536 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3537 for lines typed for input().
3538 Example: >
3539 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3540 : echo "Cheers!"
3541 :endif
3542 <
3543 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3544 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3545 Example: >
3546 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3548 < The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3549 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3550 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3551 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3552 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3553 more information. Example: >
3554 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3555 <
3556 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3557 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
3558 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3559 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3560 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3561 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3562 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3563 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3564 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3566 Example with a mapping: >
3567 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3568 :function GetFoo()
3569 : call inputsave()
3570 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3571 : call inputrestore()
3572 :endfunction
3574 inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3575 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3576 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3577 Example: >
3578 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3579 :if n != ""
3580 : let &sw = n
3581 :endif
3582 < When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3583 omitted an empty string is returned.
3584 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3585 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
3586 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
3588 inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
3589 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3590 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3591 enter a number, which is returned.
3592 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3593 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3594 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3595 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3596 is returned.
3597 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
3598 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3599 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3600 Example: >
3601 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3602 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3604 inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3605 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
3606 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3607 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3608 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3610 inputsave() *inputsave()*
3611 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3612 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3613 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3614 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3615 many inputrestore() calls.
3616 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3618 inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3619 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3620 two exceptions:
3621 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3622 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3623 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3624 |history| stack.
3625 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3626 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
3627 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
3629 insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
3630 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
3631 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3632 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3633 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3634 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
3635 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
3636 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3637 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3638 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
3639 < The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
3640 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
3641 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
3643 isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3644 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3645 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3646 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3647 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3649 islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
3650 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3651 name of a locked variable.
3652 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3653 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
3654 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3655 :lockvar 1 alist
3656 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3657 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3659 < When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3660 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
3662 items({dict}) *items()*
3663 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3664 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3665 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3666 order.
3669 join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3670 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3671 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3672 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3673 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3674 add it there too: >
3675 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3676 < String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
3677 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3678 The opposite function is |split()|.
3680 keys({dict}) *keys()*
3681 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
3682 arbitrary order.
3684 *len()* *E701*
3685 len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3686 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3687 used, as with |strlen()|.
3688 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
3689 returned.
3690 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3691 |Dictionary| is returned.
3692 Otherwise an error is given.
3694 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3695 libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3696 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3697 with single argument {argument}.
3698 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3699 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3700 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3701 limited.
3702 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3703 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3704 to Vim.
3705 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3706 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3707 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3708 null-terminated string.
3709 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3711 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3712 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3713 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3714 very probably crash.
3716 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3717 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3718 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3719 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3720 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3721 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3722 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3723 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3724 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3725 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3727 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3728 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3729 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3730 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3731 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3732 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3733 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3734 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3735 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3736 feature is present}
3737 Examples: >
3738 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3739 <
3740 *libcallnr()*
3741 libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3742 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
3743 int instead of a string.
3744 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3745 feature is present}
3746 Examples: >
3747 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3748 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3749 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3750 <
3751 *line()*
3752 line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3753 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3754 . the cursor position
3755 $ the last line in the current buffer
3756 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3757 returned)
3758 w0 first line visible in current window
3759 w$ last line visible in current window
3760 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3761 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3762 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3763 that it's updated right away.
3764 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3765 then applies to another buffer.
3766 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3767 |getpos()|.
3768 Examples: >
3769 line(".") line number of the cursor
3770 line("'t") line number of mark t
3771 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3772 < *last-position-jump*
3773 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3774 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3775 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
3777 line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3778 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3779 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3780 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3781 line returns 1.
3782 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3783 below the last line: >
3784 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3785 < This is the file size plus one.
3786 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3787 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3788 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3790 lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3791 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3792 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3793 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3794 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3795 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3796 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3798 localtime() *localtime()*
3799 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3800 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3803 log10({expr}) *log10()*
3804 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3805 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3806 Examples: >
3807 :echo log10(1000)
3808 < 3.0 >
3809 :echo log10(0.01)
3810 < -2.0
3811 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3813 map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3814 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
3815 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3816 {string}.
3817 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3818 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
3819 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
3820 Example: >
3821 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
3822 < This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
3824 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
3825 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
3826 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3827 still have to double ' quotes
3829 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3830 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3831 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
3833 < Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
3834 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3835 further items in {expr} are processed.
3838 maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
3839 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3840 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3841 {mode} can be one of these strings:
3842 "n" Normal
3843 "v" Visual
3844 "o" Operator-pending
3845 "i" Insert
3846 "c" Cmd-line
3847 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3848 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3849 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
3850 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3851 instead of mappings.
3852 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3853 command. The returned String has special characters
3854 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3855 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3856 then the global mappings.
3857 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3858 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3859 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3862 mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
3863 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3864 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3865 {name}.
3866 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3867 instead of mappings.
3868 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3869 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3871 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3872 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3873 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3874 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3875 mapcheck("b") no no no
3877 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3878 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3879 mapping for {name} exactly.
3880 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3881 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3882 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3883 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3884 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3885 then the global mappings.
3886 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3887 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3888 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3889 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3890 :endif
3891 < This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3892 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3894 match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
3895 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3896 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
3897 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
3898 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3899 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3900 {pat} matches.
3901 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
3902 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3903 Example: >
3904 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3905 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
3906 < See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
3907 *strpbrk()*
3908 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3909 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3910 < *strcasestr()*
3911 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3912 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3913 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3914 <
3915 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3916 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
3917 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
3918 first character/item. Example: >
3919 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3920 < result is again "4". >
3921 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3922 < result is again "4". >
3923 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3924 < result is "3".
3925 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
3926 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3927 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3928 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3929 backwards compatible).
3930 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3931 the index is counted from the end.
3932 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3933 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
3935 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
3936 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
3937 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3938 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3939 < In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
3940 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3941 see above.
3943 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3944 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3945 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3946 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3948 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
3949 matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
3950 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
3951 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
3952 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
3953 match using |matchdelete()|.
3955 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
3956 match. A match with a high priority will have its
3957 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
3958 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
3959 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
3960 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
3961 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
3962 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
3963 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
3964 always overrule syntax highlighting.
3966 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
3967 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
3968 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
3969 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
3970 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
3971 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
3972 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
3974 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
3975 the |:match| commands.
3977 Example: >
3978 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
3979 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
3980 < Deletion of the pattern: >
3981 :call matchdelete(m)
3983 < A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
3984 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
3985 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
3987 matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
3988 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
3989 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3990 Return a |List| with two elements:
3991 The name of the highlight group used
3992 The pattern used.
3993 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3994 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
3995 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
3996 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
3997 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
3999 matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4000 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
4001 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
4002 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4003 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
4005 matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
4006 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4007 after the match. Example: >
4008 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4009 < results in "7".
4010 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4011 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4012 do it with matchend(): >
4013 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4014 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4015 < Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4017 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
4018 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4019 < results in "7". >
4020 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4021 < result is "-1".
4022 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
4024 matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
4025 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
4026 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4027 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
4028 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4029 empty string is used. Example: >
4030 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4031 < Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
4032 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4034 matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
4035 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
4036 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4037 < results in "ing".
4038 When there is no match "" is returned.
4039 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
4040 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4041 < results in "ing". >
4042 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4043 < result is "".
4044 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
4045 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
4047 *max()*
4048 max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4049 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4050 be used as a Number this results in an error.
4051 An empty |List| results in zero.
4053 *min()*
4054 min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
4055 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4056 be used as a Number this results in an error.
4057 An empty |List| results in zero.
4059 *mkdir()* *E739*
4060 mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4061 Create directory {name}.
4062 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4063 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4064 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4065 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
4066 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
4067 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4068 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4069 with 0755.
4070 Example: >
4071 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4072 < This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4073 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4074 :if exists("*mkdir")
4075 <
4076 *mode()*
4077 mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
4078 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4079 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4080 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4081 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
4083 n Normal
4084 no Operator-pending
4085 v Visual by character
4086 V Visual by line
4087 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4088 s Select by character
4089 S Select by line
4090 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4091 i Insert
4092 R Replace |R|
4093 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
4094 c Command-line
4095 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4096 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
4097 r Hit-enter prompt
4098 rm The -- more -- prompt
4099 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4100 ! Shell or external command is executing
4101 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4102 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4103 "c" or "n".
4104 Also see |visualmode()|.
4106 mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4107 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
4108 convert to Vim data structures.
4109 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4110 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4111 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4112 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4113 converted to strings.
4114 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4115 Examples: >
4116 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4117 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4118 :echo mzeval("l")
4119 :echo mzeval("h")
4120 <
4121 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4123 nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4124 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4125 that is not blank. Example: >
4126 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4127 < When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4128 below it, zero is returned.
4129 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4131 nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4132 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4133 value {expr}. Examples: >
4134 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4135 nr2char(32) returns " "
4136 < The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4137 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4138 < Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4139 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4140 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
4141 string, thus results in an empty string.
4143 *getpid()*
4144 getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
4145 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4146 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
4148 *getpos()*
4149 getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4150 see |line()|.
4151 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4152 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4153 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4154 is the buffer number of the mark.
4155 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4156 column is 1.
4157 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4158 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4159 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
4160 character.
4161 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4162 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4163 MoveTheCursorAround
4164 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
4165 < Also see |setpos()|.
4167 pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4168 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4169 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4170 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4171 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4172 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4173 < ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4174 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4176 pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4177 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4178 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4179 Examples: >
4180 :echo pow(3, 3)
4181 < 27.0 >
4182 :echo pow(2, 16)
4183 < 65536.0 >
4184 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4185 < 2.0
4186 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4188 prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4189 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4190 that is not blank. Example: >
4191 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4192 < When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4193 above it, zero is returned.
4194 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4197 printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4198 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4199 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
4200 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
4201 < May result in:
4202 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
4204 Often used items are:
4205 %s string
4206 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
4207 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4208 %c single byte
4209 %d decimal number
4210 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4211 %x hex number
4212 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4213 %X hex number using upper case letters
4214 %o octal number
4215 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4216 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4217 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4218 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4219 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4220 %% the % character itself
4222 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4223 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4224 the result.
4226 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
4227 arguments appear in sequence:
4229 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
4231 flags
4232 Zero or more of the following flags:
4234 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4235 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4236 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4237 of the number is increased to force the first
4238 character of the output string to a zero (except
4239 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4240 precision of zero).
4241 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4242 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4243 prepended to it.
4245 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4246 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4247 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4248 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4249 is ignored.
4251 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4252 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4253 The converted value is padded on the right with
4254 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4255 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
4257 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4258 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
4260 + A sign must always be placed before a number
4261 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
4262 a space if both are used.
4264 field-width
4265 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
4266 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4267 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4268 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4269 been given) to fill out the field width.
4271 .precision
4272 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4273 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4274 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4275 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4276 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
4277 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
4278 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4279 the decimal point.
4281 type
4282 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4283 be applied, see below.
4285 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4286 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
4287 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
4288 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4289 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4290 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
4291 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
4292 < This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
4293 "width" bytes.
4295 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
4297 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4298 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
4299 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4300 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4301 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
4302 conversions.
4303 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4304 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4305 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4306 zeros.
4307 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4308 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4309 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4310 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4312 *printf-c*
4313 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4314 resulting character is written.
4316 *printf-s*
4317 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4318 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4319 specified are used.
4321 *printf-f* *E807*
4322 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4323 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4324 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4325 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4326 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4327 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4328 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4329 Example: >
4330 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4331 < 12.12
4332 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4333 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4335 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4336 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4337 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4338 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4339 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4341 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4342 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4343 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4344 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4345 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4346 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4347 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4348 results in 1.0e7.
4350 *printf-%*
4351 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4352 complete conversion specification is "%%".
4354 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4355 accepted and automatically converted.
4356 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4357 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4358 Any other argument type results in an error message.
4360 *E766* *E767*
4361 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4362 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
4363 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
4366 pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4367 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4368 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
4369 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4370 popup menu.
4372 *E726* *E727*
4373 range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
4374 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
4375 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4376 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4377 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4378 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4379 producing a value past {max}).
4380 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4381 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4382 start this is an error.
4383 Examples: >
4384 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
4385 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4386 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
4387 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
4388 range(0) " []
4389 range(2, 0) " error!
4390 <
4391 *readfile()*
4392 readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
4393 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4394 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
4395 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4396 NL appears somewhere).
4397 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4398 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4399 added.
4400 - No CR characters are removed.
4401 Otherwise:
4402 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4403 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
4404 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
4405 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4406 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4407 lines of a file: >
4408 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4409 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4410 :endfor
4411 < When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4412 are returned, or as many as there are.
4413 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
4414 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4415 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4416 file into a buffer if you need to.
4417 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4418 the result is an empty list.
4419 Also see |writefile()|.
4421 reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4422 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4423 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4424 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4425 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4426 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4427 specified in the argument.
4428 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
4429 and {end}.
4430 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4431 reltime().
4432 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4434 reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4435 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4436 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4437 microseconds. Example: >
4438 let start = reltime()
4439 call MyFunction()
4440 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4441 < Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4442 The accuracy depends on the system.
4443 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4444 can use split() to remove it. >
4445 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4446 < Also see |profiling|.
4447 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4449 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4450 remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
4451 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
4452 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
4453 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4454 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4455 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
4456 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4457 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4458 remote_read() is stored there.
4459 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4460 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4461 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4462 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4463 and the result will be the empty string.
4464 Examples: >
4465 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4466 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4467 <
4469 remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4470 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4471 This works like: >
4472 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4473 < Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4474 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4475 to bring itself to the foreground.
4476 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4477 like foreground() does.
4478 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4479 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4480 Win32 console version}
4483 remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4484 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4485 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
4486 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
4487 name of a variable.
4488 Returns zero if none are available.
4489 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4490 See also |clientserver|.
4491 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4492 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4493 Examples: >
4494 :let repl = ""
4495 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4497 remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4498 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4499 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4500 See also |clientserver|.
4501 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4502 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4503 Example: >
4504 :echo remote_read(id)
4505 <
4506 *remote_send()* *E241*
4507 remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
4508 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
4509 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4510 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
4511 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4512 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4513 there.
4514 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4515 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4516 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4517 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4518 up the display.
4519 Examples: >
4520 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4521 \ remote_read(serverid)
4523 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4524 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4525 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4526 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
4527 <
4528 remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
4529 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
4530 return the item.
4531 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
4532 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
4533 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4534 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4535 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
4536 Example: >
4537 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
4538 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
4539 remove({dict}, {key})
4540 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4541 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4542 < If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4544 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
4546 rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4547 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4548 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4549 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4550 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
4551 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
4552 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4554 repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4555 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4556 result. Example: >
4557 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
4558 < When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
4559 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
4560 {count} times. Example: >
4561 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4562 < Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
4565 resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4566 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4567 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4568 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4569 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4570 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4571 stopped after 100 iterations.
4572 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4573 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4574 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4575 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4576 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4578 *reverse()*
4579 reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
4580 {list}.
4581 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4582 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4584 round({expr}) *round()*
4585 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
4586 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4587 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4588 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4589 Examples: >
4590 echo round(0.456)
4591 < 0.0 >
4592 echo round(4.5)
4593 < 5.0 >
4594 echo round(-4.5)
4595 < -5.0
4596 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4599 search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
4600 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
4601 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
4603 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4604 'b' search backward instead of forward
4605 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
4606 'e' move to the End of the match
4607 'n' do Not move the cursor
4608 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4609 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
4610 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4611 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4612 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4614 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4615 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4616 flag.
4618 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4620 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4621 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4622 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4623 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4624 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4625 < When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4626 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
4627 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4629 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
4630 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
4631 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4632 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4633 giving the argument.
4634 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4636 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4637 move. No error message is given.
4638 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4639 *search()-sub-match*
4640 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4641 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4642 whole pattern did match.
4643 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
4645 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4646 flag is used.
4648 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4649 :let n = 1
4650 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4651 : exe "argument " . n
4652 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4653 : " first search to find match at start of file
4654 : normal G$
4655 : let flags = "w"
4656 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
4657 : s/foo/bar/g
4658 : let flags = "W"
4659 : endwhile
4660 : update " write the file if modified
4661 : let n = n + 1
4662 :endwhile
4663 <
4664 Example for using some flags: >
4665 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4666 < This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4667 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4668 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4669 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4670 line:
4671 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4672 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4673 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4674 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4675 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4678 searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4679 Search for the declaration of {name}.
4681 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4682 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4683 first match in the function.
4685 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4686 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4687 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4689 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4690 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4691 Example: >
4692 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4693 echo getline('.')
4694 endif
4695 <
4696 *searchpair()*
4697 searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4698 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
4699 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4700 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4701 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
4702 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4703 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4704 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4705 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4706 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4707 given.
4709 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4710 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4711 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4712 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4713 typical use is: >
4714 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4715 < By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4717 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4718 |search()|. Additionally:
4719 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4720 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4721 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
4722 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
4723 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4724 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
4726 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4727 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4728 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4729 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4730 or a string.
4731 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4732 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4733 and -1 returned.
4735 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
4737 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4738 patterns are used like it's on.
4740 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4741 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4742 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4743 if 1
4744 if 2
4745 endif 2
4746 endif 1
4747 < When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4748 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4749 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4750 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4751 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4752 "endif 2".
4753 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4754 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4755 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4756 the matching start.
4758 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4760 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4761 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4763 < The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4764 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4765 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4766 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4767 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4768 match.
4769 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4771 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4773 < This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4774 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4775 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4777 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4778 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4779 <
4780 *searchpairpos()*
4781 searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4782 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
4783 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
4784 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4785 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4786 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4787 returns [0, 0].
4788 >
4789 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4790 <
4791 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4793 searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
4794 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
4795 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4796 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4797 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4798 returns [0, 0].
4799 Example: >
4800 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4802 < When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4803 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4804 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4805 < In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4806 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4808 server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4809 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4810 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4811 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4812 Note:
4813 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
4814 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
4815 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4816 See also |clientserver|.
4817 Example: >
4818 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4819 <
4820 serverlist() *serverlist()*
4821 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4822 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4823 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4824 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4825 Example: >
4826 :echo serverlist()
4827 <
4828 setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4829 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4830 {val}.
4831 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4832 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4833 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4834 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4835 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4836 Examples: >
4837 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4838 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4839 < This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4841 setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4842 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4843 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4844 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4845 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
4846 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4847 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4848 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4849 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4850 before inserting the resulting text.
4851 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4852 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4853 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4854 line.
4856 setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
4857 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
4858 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
4859 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
4860 added as a new line.
4861 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4862 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
4863 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
4864 < When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
4865 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4866 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4867 < This is equivalent to: >
4868 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4869 : call setline(n, l)
4870 :endfor
4871 < Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4873 setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4874 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4875 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
4876 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4877 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
4878 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
4879 Also see |location-list|.
4881 setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
4882 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
4883 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
4884 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
4886 *setpos()*
4887 setpos({expr}, {list})
4888 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4889 . the cursor
4890 'x mark x
4892 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4893 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4895 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
4896 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
4897 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4898 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4899 number.
4900 Does not change the jumplist.
4902 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4903 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
4904 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
4906 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4907 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4908 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
4909 character.
4911 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
4912 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
4914 Also see |getpos()|
4916 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
4917 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
4920 setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
4921 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4922 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4923 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4924 item can contain the following entries:
4926 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
4927 buffer
4928 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
4929 present or it is invalid.
4930 lnum line number in the file
4931 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
4932 col column number
4933 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
4934 when zero: "col" is byte index
4935 nr error number
4936 text description of the error
4937 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
4939 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4940 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4941 locate a matching error line.
4942 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
4943 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
4944 item will not be handled as an error line.
4945 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4946 be used.
4947 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
4948 |getqflist()| returns.
4950 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4951 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4952 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4953 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4954 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4955 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4957 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4959 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4960 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4961 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4964 *setreg()*
4965 setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4966 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4967 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4968 then the value is appended.
4969 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4970 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4971 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4972 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4973 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4974 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4975 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4976 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
4978 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4979 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4980 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4981 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4983 Examples: >
4984 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4985 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4986 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4988 < This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4989 register. >
4990 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
4991 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4992 ....
4993 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4995 < You can also change the type of a register by appending
4996 nothing: >
4997 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4999 settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5000 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5001 {val}.
5002 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5003 use |setwinvar()|.
5004 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
5005 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5006 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5007 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5008 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
5009 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5010 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5011 Examples: >
5012 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5013 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5014 < This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5016 setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5017 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
5018 Examples: >
5019 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5020 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
5022 shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
5023 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
5024 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
5025 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
5026 quotes within {string}.
5027 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5028 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
5029 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5030 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
5031 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5032 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
5033 command.
5034 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5035 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5036 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5037 even when inside single quotes.
5038 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5039 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5040 escaped a second time.
5041 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5042 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5043 < This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5044 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5045 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
5048 simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5049 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5050 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5051 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5052 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5053 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5054 not removed either.
5055 Example: >
5056 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5057 < Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5058 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5059 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5060 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5061 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5064 sin({expr}) *sin()*
5065 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5066 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5067 Examples: >
5068 :echo sin(100)
5069 < -0.506366 >
5070 :echo sin(-4.01)
5071 < 0.763301
5072 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5075 sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
5076 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5077 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5078 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5079 < Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
5080 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
5081 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
5082 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
5083 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5084 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
5085 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5086 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5087 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5088 Example: >
5089 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5090 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5091 endfunc
5092 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
5093 < A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5094 ignores overflow: >
5095 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5096 return a:i1 - a:i2
5097 endfunc
5098 <
5099 *soundfold()*
5100 soundfold({word})
5101 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
5102 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
5103 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5104 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
5105 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5106 the method can be quite slow.
5108 *spellbadword()*
5109 spellbadword([{sentence}])
5110 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5111 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5112 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5113 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5115 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5116 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5117 result is an empty string.
5119 The return value is a list with two items:
5120 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5121 - The type of the spelling error:
5122 "bad" spelling mistake
5123 "rare" rare word
5124 "local" word only valid in another region
5125 "caps" word should start with Capital
5126 Example: >
5127 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5128 < ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5130 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5131 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5132 used.
5134 *spellsuggest()*
5135 spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
5136 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
5137 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5138 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5140 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5141 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5142 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5144 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5145 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
5146 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5147 replace a line.
5149 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
5150 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5151 although it may appear capitalized.
5153 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5154 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5155 'spellsuggest' are used.
5158 split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
5159 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5160 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5161 item.
5162 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
5163 removing the matched characters.
5164 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5165 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
5166 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5167 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
5168 Example: >
5169 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
5170 < To split a string in individual characters: >
5171 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
5172 < If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5173 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5174 < ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
5175 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5176 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5177 < The opposite function is |join()|.
5180 sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5181 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5182 |Float|.
5183 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5184 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5185 Examples: >
5186 :echo sqrt(100)
5187 < 10.0 >
5188 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5189 < nan
5190 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
5191 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5194 str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5195 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5196 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5197 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5198 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5199 write "1.0e40".
5200 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5201 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5202 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5203 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5204 |substitute()|: >
5205 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5206 < {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5209 str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5210 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5211 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5212 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5213 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5214 with the default String to Number conversion.
5215 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5216 different base the result will be zero.
5217 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5220 strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5221 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5222 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5223 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5224 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5225 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5226 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5227 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5228 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5229 Examples: >
5230 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5231 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5232 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5233 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5234 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5235 Show mod time of file.c.
5236 < Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5237 :if exists("*strftime")
5239 stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5240 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5241 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
5242 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5243 This can be used to find a second match: >
5244 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
5245 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
5246 < The search is done case-sensitive.
5247 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5248 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
5249 See also |strridx()|.
5250 Examples: >
5251 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5252 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5253 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
5254 < *strstr()* *strchr()*
5255 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5256 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5258 *string()*
5259 string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
5260 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5261 parsed back with |eval()|.
5262 {expr} type result ~
5263 String 'string'
5264 Number 123
5265 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
5266 Funcref function('name')
5267 List [item, item]
5268 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
5269 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
5270 Also see |strtrans()|.
5272 *strlen()*
5273 strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
5274 {expr} in bytes.
5275 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5276 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
5278 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
5279 <
5280 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5281 For other types an error is given.
5282 Also see |len()|.
5284 strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5285 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
5286 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
5287 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5288 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5289 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5290 end of the {src}. >
5291 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5292 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5293 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
5294 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
5295 < Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5296 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
5297 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
5298 <
5299 strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5300 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5301 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5302 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5303 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5304 match: >
5305 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5306 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5307 < The search is done case-sensitive.
5308 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5309 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
5310 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
5311 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
5312 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
5313 < *strrchr()*
5314 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5315 function strrchr().
5317 strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5318 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5319 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5320 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5321 echo strtrans(@a)
5322 < This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5323 starting a new line.
5325 submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
5326 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
5327 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
5328 the whole matched text is returned.
5329 Example: >
5330 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5331 < This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5332 A line break is included as a newline character.
5334 substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5335 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
5336 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
5337 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
5338 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
5339 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
5340 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
5341 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5342 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
5343 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
5344 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
5345 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
5346 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5347 unmodified.
5348 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5349 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5350 Example: >
5351 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5352 < This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5353 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5354 < results in "TESTING".
5356 synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
5357 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
5358 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
5359 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5360 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
5362 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
5363 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5365 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
5366 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
5367 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5368 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5369 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5370 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5371 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5373 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5374 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5375 <
5376 synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5377 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5378 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5379 about a syntax item.
5380 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
5381 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
5382 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5383 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5384 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5385 {what} result
5386 "name" the name of the syntax item
5387 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5388 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5389 term: empty string)
5390 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
5391 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5392 |highlight-font|
5393 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
5394 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5395 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5396 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
5397 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
5398 "bold" "1" if bold
5399 "italic" "1" if italic
5400 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5401 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
5402 "standout" "1" if standout
5403 "underline" "1" if underlined
5404 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
5406 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5407 cursor): >
5408 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5409 <
5410 synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5411 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5412 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5413 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5414 ":highlight link" are followed.
5416 synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5417 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5418 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5419 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
5420 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5421 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5422 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5423 transparent item.
5424 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5425 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5426 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5427 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5428 endfor
5430 system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5431 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5432 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5433 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5434 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
5435 yourself. Pipes are not used.
5436 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5437 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5438 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5439 also cause trouble.
5440 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
5442 The result is a String. Example: >
5443 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
5445 < To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5446 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5447 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5448 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5449 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5450 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5451 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5452 concatenated commands.
5454 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5455 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5457 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5458 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
5460 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5461 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5462 when using a security agent application.
5463 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5464 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5467 tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
5468 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
5469 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5470 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5471 omitted the current tab page is used.
5472 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5473 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5474 tablist = []
5475 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5476 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5477 endfor
5478 < Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5481 tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
5482 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5483 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5484 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5485 page is returned (the tab page count).
5486 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5489 tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
5490 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
5491 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5492 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5493 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5494 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5495 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5496 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5497 Useful examples: >
5498 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5499 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5500 < When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5502 *tagfiles()*
5503 tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5504 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5507 taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5508 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
5509 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5510 entries:
5511 name Name of the tag.
5512 filename Name of the file where the tag is
5513 defined. It is either relative to the
5514 current directory or a full path.
5515 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5516 the file.
5517 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
5518 entry depends on the language specific
5519 kind values. Only available when
5520 using a tags file generated by
5521 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
5522 static A file specific tag. Refer to
5523 |static-tag| for more information.
5524 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5525 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5526 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5527 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5528 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5529 contained in.
5531 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5532 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
5534 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5536 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5537 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5538 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5540 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5541 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5542 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5544 tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5545 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
5546 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
5547 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5548 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5549 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
5550 < For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
5551 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5552 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5554 tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5555 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5556 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5557 the string).
5559 toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5560 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5561 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5562 the string).
5564 tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5565 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5566 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5567 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5568 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5569 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5570 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5572 Examples: >
5573 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5574 < returns "Hello THere" >
5575 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5576 < returns "{blob}"
5578 trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
5579 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
5580 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5581 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5582 Examples: >
5583 echo trunc(1.456)
5584 < 1.0 >
5585 echo trunc(-5.456)
5586 < -5.0 >
5587 echo trunc(4.0)
5588 < 4.0
5589 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5591 *type()*
5592 type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
5593 Number: 0
5594 String: 1
5595 Funcref: 2
5596 List: 3
5597 Dictionary: 4
5598 Float: 5
5599 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
5600 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5601 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5602 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5603 :if type(myvar) == type([])
5604 :if type(myvar) == type({})
5605 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
5607 values({dict}) *values()*
5608 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
5609 in arbitrary order.
5612 virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5613 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5614 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5615 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5616 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5617 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5618 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5619 set to 8, it returns 8.
5620 For the byte position use |col()|.
5621 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5622 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
5623 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
5624 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
5625 character.
5626 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5627 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5628 The accepted positions are:
5629 . the cursor position
5630 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5631 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5632 plus one)
5633 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5634 returned)
5635 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5636 Examples: >
5637 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5638 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
5639 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5640 < The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
5641 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5642 all lines: >
5643 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5646 visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5647 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
5648 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5649 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5650 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5651 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5652 respectively.
5653 Example: >
5654 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5655 < This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5656 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5657 Visual mode that was used.
5658 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
5659 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
5660 *non-zero-arg*
5661 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
5662 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
5663 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
5664 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
5665 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
5666 cause the mode to be cleared.
5668 *winbufnr()*
5669 winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
5670 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
5671 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5672 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5673 Example: >
5674 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5675 <
5676 *wincol()*
5677 wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5678 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5679 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5681 winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5682 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5683 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5684 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5685 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5686 Examples: >
5687 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5688 <
5689 *winline()*
5690 winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
5691 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
5692 the window. The first line is one.
5693 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5694 first, this may cause a scroll.
5696 *winnr()*
5697 winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5698 window. The top window has number 1.
5699 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
5700 last window is returned (the window count).
5701 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5702 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
5703 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
5704 is returned.
5705 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5706 |:wincmd|.
5707 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
5709 *winrestcmd()*
5710 winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5711 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
5712 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5713 unchanged.
5714 Example: >
5715 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5716 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5717 :exe cmd
5718 <
5719 *winrestview()*
5720 winrestview({dict})
5721 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5722 the view of the current window.
5723 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5724 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5726 *winsaveview()*
5727 winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5728 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5729 restore the view.
5730 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5731 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5732 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
5733 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5734 not opened when moving around.
5735 The return value includes:
5736 lnum cursor line number
5737 col cursor column
5738 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5739 curswant column for vertical movement
5740 topline first line in the window
5741 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5742 leftcol first column displayed
5743 skipcol columns skipped
5744 Note that no option values are saved.
5747 winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5748 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5749 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5750 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5751 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5752 Examples: >
5753 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5754 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5755 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5756 :endif
5757 <
5758 *writefile()*
5759 writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
5760 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
5761 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5762 Number.
5763 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5764 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5765 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5766 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5767 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5768 to writefile().
5769 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5770 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5771 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5772 fails.
5773 Also see |readfile()|.
5774 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5775 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5776 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5777 <
5779 *feature-list*
5780 There are three types of features:
5781 1. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5782 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5783 :if has("cindent")
5784 2. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5785 Example: >
5786 :if has("gui_running")
5787 < *has-patch*
5788 3. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5789 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5790 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5791 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
5792 < Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
5793 included.
5795 all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5796 amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5797 arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5798 arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
5799 autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
5800 balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
5801 balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
5802 beos BeOS version of Vim.
5803 browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5804 work.
5805 builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5806 byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5807 cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5808 clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5809 clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5810 cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5811 cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5812 cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5813 comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5814 cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5815 cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5816 compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5817 debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5818 dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5819 dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5820 diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5821 digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5822 dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5823 dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5824 dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5825 ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5826 emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5827 eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5828 true, of course!
5829 ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5830 extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5831 |'hlsearch'|
5832 farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5833 file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
5834 filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5835 read/write/filter commands
5836 find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5837 |+find_in_path|.
5838 float Compiled with support for |Float|.
5839 fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5840 Windows this is not present).
5841 folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5842 footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5843 fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5844 gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5845 gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5846 gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
5847 gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5848 gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
5849 gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
5850 gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5851 gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5852 gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5853 gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5854 gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5855 gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5856 hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5857 iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5858 insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5859 Insert mode.
5860 jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5861 keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5862 langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5863 libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5864 linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5865 support.
5866 lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5867 listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5868 and the argument list |arglist|.
5869 localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5870 mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5871 macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5872 menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5873 mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5874 modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5875 mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5876 mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5877 mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5878 mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5879 mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5880 mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5881 mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
5882 mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5883 multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
5884 multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
5885 multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5886 multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
5887 mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
5888 netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
5889 netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
5890 ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5891 os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5892 osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5893 path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5894 perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5895 postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5896 printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
5897 profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
5898 python Compiled with Python interface.
5899 qnx QNX version of Vim.
5900 quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
5901 reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
5902 rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5903 ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5904 scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5905 showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5906 signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5907 smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
5908 sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
5909 startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
5910 statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5911 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5912 sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
5913 spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5914 syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
5915 syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5916 current buffer.
5917 system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5918 tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5919 |tag-binary-search|.
5920 tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5921 |tag-old-static|.
5922 tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5923 files |tag-any-white|.
5924 tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5925 terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5926 termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5927 textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5928 tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5929 or terminfo file.
5930 title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5931 toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5932 unix Unix version of Vim.
5933 user_commands User-defined commands.
5934 viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5935 vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5936 vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5937 virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5938 visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5939 visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5940 |blockwise-operators|.
5941 vms VMS version of Vim.
5942 vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5943 wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5944 wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5945 windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5946 winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5947 win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5948 win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5949 win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5950 win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5951 win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5952 writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5953 xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5954 xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5955 xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5956 xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5957 xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5958 xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5959 xterm screen.
5960 x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5962 *string-match*
5963 Matching a pattern in a String
5965 A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5966 the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5967 everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5968 like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5969 line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5970 with ".". Example: >
5971 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5972 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5973 aa
5974 xx
5975 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5976 a
5977 x
5979 Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5980 "$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5981 "\n".
5983 ==============================================================================
5984 5. Defining functions *user-functions*
5986 New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5987 functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5988 commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5990 The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5991 builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5992 avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5993 the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5995 It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5996 |autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
5998 *local-function*
5999 A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6000 can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6001 and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
6002 function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
6003 instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6005 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6006 :fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6008 :fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
6009 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6010 |Funcref|: >
6011 :function dict.init
6013 :fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6014 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6015 :function /File$
6016 <
6017 *:function-verbose*
6018 When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6019 last defined. Example: >
6021 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6022 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6023 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6024 <
6025 See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
6027 *E124* *E125*
6028 :fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
6029 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6030 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6031 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
6033 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6034 |Funcref|: >
6035 :function dict.init(arg)
6036 < "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
6037 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
6038 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
6039 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6040 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6041 deleted if there are no more references to it.
6042 *E127* *E122*
6043 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6044 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6045 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6046 is currently being executed, that is an error.
6048 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6050 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6051 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6052 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6053 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6054 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6055 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6056 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
6058 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6059 abort as soon as an error is detected.
6061 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
6062 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
6063 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6064 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
6066 *function-search-undo*
6067 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
6068 will not be changed by the function. This also
6069 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6070 when the function returns.
6072 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6073 :endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6074 by its own, without other commands.
6076 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6077 :delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
6078 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6079 |Funcref|: >
6080 :delfunc dict.init
6081 < This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
6082 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6083 it.
6084 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6085 :retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6086 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6087 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6088 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6089 the number 0 is returned.
6090 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6091 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6093 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6094 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6095 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6096 are executed first. This process applies to all
6097 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6098 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6100 *function-argument* *a:var*
6101 An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
6102 be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
6103 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
6104 Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6105 arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6106 may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6107 as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
6108 can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6109 that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
6110 *E742*
6111 The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
6112 However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
6113 Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6114 it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6115 |Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
6117 When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6118 to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6119 may be larger.
6121 It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6122 still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6123 until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6124 inside a function body.
6126 *local-variables*
6127 Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6128 will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6129 accessed with "g:".
6131 Example: >
6132 :function Table(title, ...)
6133 : echohl Title
6134 : echo a:title
6135 : echohl None
6136 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6137 : for s in a:000
6138 : echon ' ' . s
6139 : endfor
6140 :endfunction
6142 This function can then be called with: >
6143 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6144 call Table("Empty Table")
6146 To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6147 :function Compute(n1, n2)
6148 : if a:n2 == 0
6149 : return ["fail", 0]
6150 : endif
6151 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
6152 :endfunction
6154 This function can then be called with: >
6155 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
6156 :if success == "ok"
6157 : echo div
6158 :endif
6159 <
6160 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
6161 :[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6162 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6163 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
6164 used. The returned value is discarded.
6165 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6166 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6167 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6168 function.
6169 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6170 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6171 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6172 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
6173 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
6174 this works:
6175 *function-range-example* >
6176 :function Mynumber(arg)
6177 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6178 :endfunction
6179 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6180 <
6181 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6182 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6183 the range.
6185 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6187 :function Cont() range
6188 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6189 :endfunction
6190 :4,8call Cont()
6191 <
6192 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6193 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6195 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6196 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6197 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6198 < Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6200 *E132*
6201 The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6202 option.
6205 AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
6206 *autoload-functions*
6207 When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
6208 only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6209 the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6212 Using an autocommand ~
6214 This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6216 The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6217 You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
6218 That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
6219 again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6221 Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6222 function(s) to be defined. Example: >
6224 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6226 The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6227 "BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6230 Using an autoload script ~
6231 *autoload* *E746*
6232 This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6234 Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6235 exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6236 like this: >
6238 :call filename#funcname()
6240 When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6241 "autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6242 "filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6243 then define the function like this: >
6245 function filename#funcname()
6246 echo "Done!"
6247 endfunction
6249 The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
6250 exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6251 called.
6253 It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6254 a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
6256 :call foo#bar#func()
6258 Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6260 This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6262 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
6264 However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6265 for an unknown variable.
6267 When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6268 be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6270 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6271 :call foo#bar#func()
6273 Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6274 defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6275 function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
6276 And you will get an error message every time.
6278 Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
6279 other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
6280 Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
6282 Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6283 |vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6285 ==============================================================================
6286 6. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6288 Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6289 This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6290 {} like this: >
6291 my_{adjective}_variable
6293 When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6294 that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6295 name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6296 "noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6297 "adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6299 One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
6300 value. For example, the statement >
6301 echo my_{&background}_message
6303 would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6304 on the current value of 'background'.
6306 You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6307 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6308 ..or even nest them: >
6309 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6310 where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6312 However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
6313 variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
6314 :let foo='a + b'
6315 :echo c{foo}d
6316 .. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6318 *curly-braces-function-names*
6319 You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6320 Example: >
6321 :let func_end='whizz'
6322 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6324 This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6326 ==============================================================================
6327 7. Commands *expression-commands*
6329 :let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6330 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6331 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6332 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6333 is created.
6335 :let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6336 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6337 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6338 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6339 the index can be repeated.
6340 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6341 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6342 can do that like this: >
6343 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6344 <
6345 *E711* *E719*
6346 :let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
6347 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6348 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
6349 correct number of items.
6350 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6351 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6352 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6353 end of the list, items will be added.
6355 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
6356 :let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6357 :let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6358 :let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6359 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6360 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6363 :let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6364 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6365 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
6366 :let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6367 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6368 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6369 works like "=".
6371 :let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6372 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6373 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6374 must be the name of a writable register (see
6375 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6376 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6377 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6378 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6379 characterwise.
6380 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6381 :let @/ = ""
6382 < This is different from searching for an empty string,
6383 that would match everywhere.
6385 :let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
6386 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
6387 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6389 :let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
6390 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
6391 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6392 always converted to the type of the option.
6393 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6394 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
6395 value and the global value are changed.
6396 Example: >
6397 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
6399 :let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6400 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6401 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6403 :let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6404 :let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6405 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6406 {expr1}.
6408 :let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
6409 :let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6410 :let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6411 :let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
6412 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6413 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6415 :let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
6416 :let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6417 :let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6418 :let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
6419 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6420 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6422 :let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
6423 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
6424 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6425 {name2}, etc.
6426 The number of names must match the number of items in
6427 the |List|.
6428 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6429 command as mentioned above.
6430 Example: >
6431 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
6432 < Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6433 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6434 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6435 :let x = [0, 1]
6436 :let i = 0
6437 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6438 :echo x
6439 < The result is [0, 2].
6441 :let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6442 :let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6443 :let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6444 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
6445 |List| item.
6447 :let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
6448 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
6449 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6450 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6451 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
6452 Example: >
6453 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6454 <
6455 :let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6456 :let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6457 :let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6458 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
6459 |List| item.
6460 *E106*
6461 :let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
6462 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6463 here: *E738*
6464 g: global variables
6465 b: local buffer variables
6466 w: local window variables
6467 t: local tab page variables
6468 s: script-local variables
6469 l: local function variables
6470 v: Vim variables.
6472 :let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6473 variable is indicated before the value:
6474 <nothing> String
6475 # Number
6476 * Funcref
6479 :unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
6480 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6481 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
6482 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
6483 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6484 variables.
6485 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
6486 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6487 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
6488 < One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
6489 :unlet dict['two']
6490 :unlet dict.two
6491 < This is especially useful to clean up used global
6492 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6493 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6494 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6495 ends.
6497 :lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6498 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6499 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6500 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6501 :lockvar v
6502 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6503 :unlet v
6504 < *E741*
6505 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6506 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6508 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6509 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6510 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
6511 cannot add or remove items, but can
6512 still change their values.
6513 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
6514 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6515 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
6516 items, but can still change the
6517 values.
6518 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6519 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6520 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6521 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6522 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
6523 *E743*
6524 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6525 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6526 loops.
6528 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6529 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
6530 locked when used through the other variable.
6531 Example: >
6532 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6533 :let cl = l
6534 :lockvar l
6535 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6536 < You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6537 See |deepcopy()|.
6540 :unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6541 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6542 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6545 :if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6546 :en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6547 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6549 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6550 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6551 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6552 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6553 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6554 part was not executed either.
6556 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6557 versions: >
6558 :if version >= 500
6559 : version-5-specific-commands
6560 :endif
6561 < The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6562 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6563 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6564 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6565 avoid problems: >
6566 :if version >= 600
6567 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6568 :endif
6569 <
6570 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6571 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6573 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6574 :el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6575 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6576 executed.
6578 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6579 :elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6580 is no extra ":endif".
6582 :wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
6583 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
6584 :endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6585 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6586 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6587 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
6588 Example: >
6589 :let lnum = 1
6590 :while lnum <= line("$")
6591 :call FixLine(lnum)
6592 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6593 :endwhile
6594 <
6595 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6596 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
6598 :for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
6599 :endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6600 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
6601 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
6602 value of each item.
6603 When an error is detected for a command inside the
6604 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
6605 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6606 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
6607 :for item in copy(mylist)
6608 < When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6609 next item in the list, before executing the commands
6610 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
6611 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6612 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6613 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
6614 for item in mylist
6615 call remove(mylist, 0)
6616 endfor
6617 < Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6618 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6619 Note that the type of each list item should be
6620 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6621 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
6622 to allow multiple item types: >
6623 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
6624 echo item
6625 unlet item " E706 without this
6626 endfor
6628 :for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6629 :endfo[r]
6630 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6631 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6632 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6633 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6634 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6635 :endfor
6636 <
6637 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
6638 :con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6639 to the start of the loop.
6640 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6641 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6642 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6643 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6644 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6645 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
6647 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
6648 :brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6649 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6650 ":endfor".
6651 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6652 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6653 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6654 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6655 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6656 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
6658 :try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6659 :endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6660 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6661 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6662 or autocommand invocations.
6664 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6665 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6666 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6667 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6668 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6669 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6670 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6671 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6672 Example: >
6673 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6674 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6675 <
6676 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6677 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6678 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6679 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6680 processing is not terminated.
6682 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6683 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6684 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6685 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6686 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6687 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6688 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6689 the error number.
6690 Examples: >
6691 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6692 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6693 <
6694 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
6695 :cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
6696 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6697 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6698 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6699 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6700 commands are skipped.
6701 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6702 Examples: >
6703 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6704 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6705 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6706 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6707 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6708 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6709 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6710 :catch " same as /.*/
6711 <
6712 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6713 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6714 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6715 {pattern}.
6716 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6717 an error message because it may vary in different
6718 locales.
6720 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6721 :fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6722 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6723 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6724 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6725 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6726 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6728 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6729 :th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6730 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6731 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6732 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6733 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6734 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6735 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6736 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6737 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6738 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6739 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6740 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6741 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6742 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6743 is terminated.
6744 Example: >
6745 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6746 <
6748 *:ec* *:echo*
6749 :ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6750 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6751 Also see |:comment|.
6752 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6753 cursor to the first column.
6754 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6755 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6756 Example: >
6757 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
6758 < *:echo-redraw*
6759 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6760 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
6761 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
6762 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
6763 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
6764 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
6765 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
6766 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6767 <
6768 *:echon*
6769 :echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6770 |:comment|.
6771 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6772 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6773 Example: >
6774 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6775 <
6776 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6777 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6778 command: >
6779 :!echo % --> filename
6780 < The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6781 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6782 < Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6783 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6784 :echo % --> nothing
6785 < The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6786 :echo "%" --> %
6787 < This just echoes the '%' character. >
6788 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6789 < This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6791 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6792 :echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6793 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6794 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6795 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6796 < Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6797 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6799 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6800 :echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6801 message in the |message-history|.
6802 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6803 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6804 displayed, not interpreted.
6805 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
6806 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
6807 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
6808 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
6809 Dictionary or List causes an error.
6810 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6811 Example: >
6812 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
6813 < See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
6814 when the screen is redrawn.
6815 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6816 :echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6817 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6818 script or function the line number will be added.
6819 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6820 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
6821 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6822 (see |try-echoerr|).
6823 Example: >
6824 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6825 < If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6826 And to get a beep: >
6827 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6828 <
6829 *:exe* *:execute*
6830 :exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6831 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
6832 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
6833 used as the processed command, command line editing
6834 keys are not recognized.
6835 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6836 Examples: >
6837 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6838 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6839 <
6840 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6841 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6842 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6844 < ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6845 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6846 command: >
6847 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6848 < This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6850 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
6851 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
6852 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
6853 Examples: >
6854 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
6855 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
6856 <
6857 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
6858 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6859 command. Thus this is illegal: >
6860 :execute 'while i > 5'
6861 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6862 <
6863 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6864 completely in the executed string: >
6865 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6866 <
6868 *:exe-comment*
6869 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6870 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6871 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6872 comment. Example: >
6873 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6875 ==============================================================================
6876 8. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6878 The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6879 explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6881 Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6882 |catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6883 exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6886 TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6888 Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6889 use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6890 a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6891 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6892 |:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6893 a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6894 be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6895 which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6896 clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6898 :try
6899 : ...
6900 : ... TRY BLOCK
6901 : ...
6902 :catch /{pattern}/
6903 : ...
6904 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6905 : ...
6906 :catch /{pattern}/
6907 : ...
6908 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6909 : ...
6910 :finally
6911 : ...
6912 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6913 : ...
6914 :endtry
6916 The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6917 appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6918 from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6919 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6920 is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6921 script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6922 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6923 lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6924 patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6925 after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6926 executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6927 ":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6928 (if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6929 continues in the following line as usual.
6930 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6931 ":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6932 that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6933 finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6934 the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6935 the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6936 see |try-nesting|.
6937 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6938 remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6939 not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6940 try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6941 a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6942 execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6943 exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6944 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6945 thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6946 clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6947 catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6948 following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6949 clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6951 The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6952 a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6953 try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6954 from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6955 sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6956 ":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6957 ":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6958 from the finally clause.
6959 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6960 try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6961 clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6962 ":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6963 clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6964 ":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6965 this pending exception or command is discarded.
6967 For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6970 NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6972 Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6973 conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6974 clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6975 catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6976 of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6977 checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6978 try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6979 otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6980 nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6981 one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6982 the inner try conditional.
6984 When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6985 finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6986 An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6987 thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6988 implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6989 as usual.
6991 For examples see |throw-catch|.
6994 EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6996 Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6997 'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6998 script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6999 finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7000 a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7001 (see |debug-scripts|).
7004 THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7006 You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7007 and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7008 :throw 4711
7009 :throw "string"
7010 < *throw-expression*
7011 You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7012 first, and the result is thrown: >
7013 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7014 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7016 An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7017 command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7018 The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7019 Example: >
7021 :function! Foo(arg)
7022 : try
7023 : throw a:arg
7024 : catch /foo/
7025 : endtry
7026 : return 1
7027 :endfunction
7028 :
7029 :function! Bar()
7030 : echo "in Bar"
7031 : return 4710
7032 :endfunction
7033 :
7034 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7036 This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7037 executed. >
7038 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7039 however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7041 Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
7042 abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
7043 exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7044 Example: >
7046 :if Foo("arrgh")
7047 : echo "then"
7048 :else
7049 : echo "else"
7050 :endif
7052 Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7054 *catch-order*
7055 Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7056 commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7057 command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7058 gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7059 Example: >
7061 :function! Foo(value)
7062 : try
7063 : throw a:value
7064 : catch /^\d\+$/
7065 : echo "Number thrown"
7066 : catch /.*/
7067 : echo "String thrown"
7068 : endtry
7069 :endfunction
7070 :
7071 :call Foo(0x1267)
7072 :call Foo('string')
7074 The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7075 An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7076 specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7077 specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7079 : catch /.*/
7080 : echo "String thrown"
7081 : catch /^\d\+$/
7082 : echo "Number thrown"
7084 The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7085 never taken.
7087 *throw-variables*
7088 If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7089 in the variable |v:exception|: >
7091 : catch /^\d\+$/
7092 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7094 You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7095 |v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7096 exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7097 Example: >
7099 :function! Caught()
7100 : if v:exception != ""
7101 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7102 : else
7103 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7104 : endif
7105 :endfunction
7106 :
7107 :function! Foo()
7108 : try
7109 : try
7110 : try
7111 : throw 4711
7112 : finally
7113 : call Caught()
7114 : endtry
7115 : catch /.*/
7116 : call Caught()
7117 : throw "oops"
7118 : endtry
7119 : catch /.*/
7120 : call Caught()
7121 : finally
7122 : call Caught()
7123 : endtry
7124 :endfunction
7125 :
7126 :call Foo()
7128 This displays >
7130 Nothing caught
7131 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7132 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7133 Nothing caught
7135 A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7136 number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7138 :function! LineNumber()
7139 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7140 :endfunction
7141 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7142 <
7143 *try-nested*
7144 An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7145 a surrounding try conditional: >
7147 :try
7148 : try
7149 : throw "foo"
7150 : catch /foobar/
7151 : echo "foobar"
7152 : finally
7153 : echo "inner finally"
7154 : endtry
7155 :catch /foo/
7156 : echo "foo"
7157 :endtry
7159 The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7160 clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7161 conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7163 *throw-from-catch*
7164 You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7165 catch clause: >
7167 :function! Foo()
7168 : throw "foo"
7169 :endfunction
7170 :
7171 :function! Bar()
7172 : try
7173 : call Foo()
7174 : catch /foo/
7175 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7176 : throw "bar"
7177 : endtry
7178 :endfunction
7179 :
7180 :try
7181 : call Bar()
7182 :catch /.*/
7183 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7184 :endtry
7186 This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7188 *rethrow*
7189 There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7190 "v:exception" instead: >
7192 :function! Bar()
7193 : try
7194 : call Foo()
7195 : catch /.*/
7196 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7197 : throw v:exception
7198 : endtry
7199 :endfunction
7200 < *try-echoerr*
7201 Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7202 exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7203 Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7204 denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7205 the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7207 :try
7208 : try
7209 : asdf
7210 : catch /.*/
7211 : echoerr v:exception
7212 : endtry
7213 :catch /.*/
7214 : echo v:exception
7215 :endtry
7217 This code displays
7219 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
7222 CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7224 Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7225 user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
7226 an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
7227 a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7228 catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7229 a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7230 normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7231 (Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
7232 to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
7233 clause has been executed.)
7234 Example: >
7236 :try
7237 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7238 : set ts=17
7239 :
7240 : " Do the hard work here.
7241 :
7242 :finally
7243 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7244 : unlet s:saved_ts
7245 :endtry
7247 This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7248 changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7249 that function or script part.
7251 *break-finally*
7252 Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7253 a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7254 Example: >
7256 :let first = 1
7257 :while 1
7258 : try
7259 : if first
7260 : echo "first"
7261 : let first = 0
7262 : continue
7263 : else
7264 : throw "second"
7265 : endif
7266 : catch /.*/
7267 : echo v:exception
7268 : break
7269 : finally
7270 : echo "cleanup"
7271 : endtry
7272 : echo "still in while"
7273 :endwhile
7274 :echo "end"
7276 This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7278 :function! Foo()
7279 : try
7280 : return 4711
7281 : finally
7282 : echo "cleanup\n"
7283 : endtry
7284 : echo "Foo still active"
7285 :endfunction
7286 :
7287 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7289 This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
7290 extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
7291 return value.)
7293 *except-from-finally*
7294 Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7295 a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7296 cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7297 exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7298 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7299 working correctly: >
7301 :try
7302 : try
7303 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7304 : while 1
7305 : endwhile
7306 : finally
7307 : unlet novar
7308 : endtry
7309 :catch /novar/
7310 :endtry
7311 :echo "Script still running"
7312 :sleep 1
7314 If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7315 think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7316 |catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7319 CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7321 If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7322 watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7323 presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7324 exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7325 the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7326 the error exception is.
7327 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7329 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7330 or >
7331 Vim:{errmsg}
7333 {cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
7334 the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
7335 when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7336 a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7337 a space.
7339 Examples:
7341 The command >
7342 :unlet novar
7343 normally produces the error message >
7344 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7345 which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7346 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7348 The command >
7349 :dwim
7350 normally produces the error message >
7351 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7352 which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7353 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7355 You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7356 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7357 or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7358 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7360 Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7361 :function nofunc
7362 and >
7363 :delfunction nofunc
7364 both produce the error message >
7365 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7366 which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7367 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7368 or >
7369 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7370 respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7371 command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7372 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7374 Some commands like >
7375 :let x = novar
7376 produce multiple error messages, here: >
7377 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7378 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7379 Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7380 one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7381 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7383 You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7384 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7386 You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7387 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7389 You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7390 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7391 <
7392 *catch-text*
7393 NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7394 :catch /No such variable/
7395 only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7396 a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7397 cite the message text in a comment: >
7398 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7401 IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7403 You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7405 :try
7406 : write
7407 :catch
7408 :endtry
7410 But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7411 catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7412 be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7414 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7416 There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7417 writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7418 then hide the error from the user.
7419 It is much better to use >
7421 :try
7422 : write
7423 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7424 :endtry
7426 which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7427 intentionally.
7429 For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7430 even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7431 command: >
7432 :silent! nunmap k
7433 This works also when a try conditional is active.
7436 CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7438 When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
7439 the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
7440 script is not terminated, then.
7441 Example: >
7443 :function! TASK1()
7444 : sleep 10
7445 :endfunction
7447 :function! TASK2()
7448 : sleep 20
7449 :endfunction
7451 :while 1
7452 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7453 : try
7454 : if command == ""
7455 : continue
7456 : elseif command == "END"
7457 : break
7458 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7459 : call TASK1()
7460 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7461 : call TASK2()
7462 : else
7463 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7464 : continue
7465 : endif
7466 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7467 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7468 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7469 : endtry
7470 :endwhile
7472 You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
7473 a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
7475 For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7476 your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7477 command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7480 CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7482 The commands >
7484 :catch /.*/
7485 :catch //
7486 :catch
7488 catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7489 explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7490 a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7491 Example: >
7493 :try
7494 :
7495 : " do the hard work here
7496 :
7497 :catch /MyException/
7498 :
7499 : " handle known problem
7500 :
7501 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7502 : echo "Script interrupted"
7503 :catch /.*/
7504 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7505 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7506 :endtry
7507 :" end of script
7509 Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7510 strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7511 specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7512 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7513 by pressing CTRL-C: >
7515 :while 1
7516 : try
7517 : sleep 1
7518 : catch
7519 : endtry
7520 :endwhile
7523 EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7525 Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7527 :autocmd User x try
7528 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7529 :autocmd User x catch
7530 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7531 :autocmd User x endtry
7532 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7533 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7534 :
7535 :try
7536 : doautocmd User x
7537 :catch
7538 : echo v:exception
7539 :endtry
7541 This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7543 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7544 For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7545 command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7546 of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7547 abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7548 Example: >
7550 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7551 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7552 :
7553 :try
7554 : write
7555 :catch
7556 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7557 :endtry
7559 Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7560 you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7561 autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7562 script displays: >
7564 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7565 <
7566 *except-autocmd-Post*
7567 For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7568 command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7569 an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7570 is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7571 Example: >
7573 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7574 :
7575 :try
7576 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7577 :catch
7578 : echo v:exception
7579 :endtry
7581 This just displays: >
7583 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7585 If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7586 fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7587 Example: >
7589 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7590 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7591 :
7592 :try
7593 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7594 :catch
7595 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7596 :endtry
7597 <
7598 You can also use ":silent!": >
7600 :let x = "ok"
7601 :let v:errmsg = ""
7602 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7603 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7604 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7605 :try
7606 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7607 :catch
7608 :endtry
7609 :echo x
7611 This displays "after fail".
7613 If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7614 autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7616 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7617 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7618 :
7619 :try
7620 : write
7621 :catch
7622 : echo v:exception
7623 :endtry
7624 <
7625 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7626 For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7627 autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7628 of the command.
7629 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
7630 had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
7631 some way. >
7633 :if !exists("cnt")
7634 : let cnt = 0
7635 :
7636 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7637 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7638 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7639 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7640 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7641 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7642 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7643 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7644 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7645 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7646 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7647 :endif
7648 :
7649 :try
7650 : write
7651 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7652 : if &modified
7653 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7654 : else
7655 : echo "Error after writing"
7656 : endif
7657 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7658 : echo "Error on writing"
7659 :endtry
7661 When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
7662 first >
7663 File successfully written!
7664 then >
7665 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
7666 then >
7667 Error after writing
7668 etc.
7670 *except-autocmd-ill*
7671 You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
7672 The following code is ill-formed: >
7674 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7675 :
7676 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7677 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7678 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7679 :
7680 :write
7683 EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7685 Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7686 pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7687 similar things in Vim.
7688 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7689 class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7690 string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7691 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7692 it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7693 for an error when writing "myfile".
7694 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7695 base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7696 parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7697 Example: >
7699 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7700 : if a:a < 0
7701 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7702 : endif
7703 :endfunction
7704 :
7705 :function! Add(a, b)
7706 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7707 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7708 : let c = a:a + a:b
7709 : if c < 0
7710 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7711 : endif
7712 : return c
7713 :endfunction
7714 :
7715 :function! Div(a, b)
7716 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7717 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7718 : if (a:b == 0)
7719 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7720 : endif
7721 : return a:a / a:b
7722 :endfunction
7723 :
7724 :function! Write(file)
7725 : try
7726 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
7727 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7728 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7729 : endtry
7730 :endfunction
7731 :
7732 :try
7733 :
7734 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7735 :
7736 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7737 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7738 : echo "Range error in" function
7739 :
7740 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7741 : echo "Math error"
7742 :
7743 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7744 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7745 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7746 : if file !~ '^/'
7747 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7748 : endif
7749 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7750 :
7751 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7752 : echo "Unspecified error"
7753 :
7754 :endtry
7756 The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7757 a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7758 exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7759 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7760 failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7763 PECULIARITIES
7764 *except-compat*
7765 The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7766 exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7767 and/or a catch clause.
7769 In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7770 continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7771 after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7772 functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7773 or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7774 (thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7776 This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7777 immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
7778 conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7779 be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
7780 termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7781 catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7782 by specifying a finally clause.)
7784 When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7785 behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7786 scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7788 However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7789 commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7790 conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7791 script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7792 error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7793 messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
7794 |v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7795 not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
7796 where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7797 error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7798 scripts.
7800 *except-syntax-err*
7801 Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7802 the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7803 clauses, however, is executed.
7804 Example: >
7806 :try
7807 : try
7808 : throw 4711
7809 : catch /\(/
7810 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7811 : catch
7812 : echo "inner catch-all"
7813 : finally
7814 : echo "inner finally"
7815 : endtry
7816 :catch
7817 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7818 : finally
7819 : echo "outer finally"
7820 :endtry
7822 This displays: >
7823 inner finally
7824 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7825 outer finally
7826 The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7828 *except-single-line*
7829 The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7830 a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7831 "catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7832 Example: >
7833 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7834 raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7835 argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7836 error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7837 displayed.
7839 *except-several-errors*
7840 When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7841 usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7842 Example: >
7843 echo novar
7844 causes >
7845 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7846 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7847 The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7848 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7849 < *except-syntax-error*
7850 But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7851 the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7852 Example: >
7853 unlet novar #
7854 causes >
7855 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7856 E488: Trailing characters
7857 The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7858 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7859 This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7860 not intended by the user. Example: >
7861 try
7862 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7863 catch /.*/
7864 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7865 endtry
7866 This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7867 a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7869 ==============================================================================
7870 9. Examples *eval-examples*
7872 Printing in Binary ~
7873 >
7874 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
7875 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
7876 : let n = a:nr
7877 : let r = ""
7878 : while n
7879 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
7880 : let n = n / 2
7881 : endwhile
7882 : return r
7883 :endfunc
7885 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
7886 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
7887 :func String2Bin(str)
7888 : let out = ''
7889 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
7890 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7891 : endfor
7892 : return out[1:]
7893 :endfunc
7895 Example of its use: >
7896 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
7897 result: "100000" >
7898 :echo String2Bin("32")
7899 result: "110011-110010"
7902 Sorting lines ~
7904 This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
7906 :func SortBuffer()
7907 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
7908 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
7909 : call setline(1, lines)
7910 :endfunction
7912 As a one-liner: >
7913 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
7916 scanf() replacement ~
7917 *sscanf*
7918 There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7919 line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7920 how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7921 "foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7922 :" Set up the match bit
7923 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7924 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7925 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7926 :"get each item out of the match
7927 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7928 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7929 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7931 The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7932 "lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7935 getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
7936 *scriptnames-dictionary*
7937 The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
7938 have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
7939 (because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
7940 code can be used: >
7941 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
7942 let scriptnames_output = ''
7943 redir => scriptnames_output
7944 silent scriptnames
7945 redir END
7947 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
7948 " "scripts" dictionary.
7949 let scripts = {}
7950 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
7951 " Only do non-blank lines.
7952 if line =~ '\S'
7953 " Get the first number in the line.
7954 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
7955 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
7956 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
7957 " Add an item to the Dictionary
7958 let scripts[nr] = name
7959 endif
7960 endfor
7961 unlet scriptnames_output
7963 ==============================================================================
7964 10. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7966 When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7967 evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7968 to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7969 recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7970 and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7971 only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7972 recognized.
7974 Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7975 missing: >
7977 :if 1
7978 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7979 :else
7980 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7981 :endif
7983 ==============================================================================
7984 11. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7986 The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7987 options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7988 these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7989 these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
7990 a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
7991 The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
7993 These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7994 - changing the buffer text
7995 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7996 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7997 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
7998 - executing a shell command
7999 - reading or writing a file
8000 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
8001 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
8002 This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8004 *:san* *:sandbox*
8005 :san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
8006 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8007 'foldexpr'.
8009 *sandbox-option*
8010 A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
8011 have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
8012 restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8013 location. Insecure in this context are:
8014 - sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
8015 - while executing in the sandbox
8016 - value coming from a modeline
8018 Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8019 option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8021 ==============================================================================
8022 12. Textlock *textlock*
8024 In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8025 to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8026 is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
8027 actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
8028 happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8030 This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8031 - changing the buffer text
8032 - jumping to another buffer or window
8033 - editing another file
8034 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8035 - etc.
8038 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: