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1 *editing.txt* For Vim version 7.1. Last change: 2008 Apr 29
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
7 Editing files *edit-files*
9 1. Introduction |edit-intro|
10 2. Editing a file |edit-a-file|
11 3. The argument list |argument-list|
12 4. Writing |writing|
13 5. Writing and quitting |write-quit|
14 6. Dialogs |edit-dialogs|
15 7. The current directory |current-directory|
16 8. Editing binary files |edit-binary|
17 9. Encryption |encryption|
18 10. Timestamps |timestamps|
19 11. File Searching |file-searching|
21 ==============================================================================
22 1. Introduction *edit-intro*
24 Editing a file with Vim means:
26 1. reading the file into a buffer
27 2. changing the buffer with editor commands
28 3. writing the buffer into a file
30 *current-file*
31 As long as you don't write the buffer, the original file remains unchanged.
32 If you start editing a file (read a file into the buffer), the file name is
33 remembered as the "current file name". This is also known as the name of the
34 current buffer. It can be used with "%" on the command line |:_%|.
36 *alternate-file*
37 If there already was a current file name, then that one becomes the alternate
38 file name. It can be used with "#" on the command line |:_#| and you can use
39 the |CTRL-^| command to toggle between the current and the alternate file.
40 However, the alternate file name is not changed when |:keepalt| is used.
42 *:keepalt* *:keepa*
43 :keepalt {cmd} Execute {cmd} while keeping the current alternate file
44 name. Note that commands invoked indirectly (e.g.,
45 with a function) may still set the alternate file
46 name. {not in Vi}
48 All file names are remembered in the buffer list. When you enter a file name,
49 for editing (e.g., with ":e filename") or writing (e.g., with ":w filename"),
50 the file name is added to the list. You can use the buffer list to remember
51 which files you edited and to quickly switch from one file to another (e.g.,
52 to copy text) with the |CTRL-^| command. First type the number of the file
53 and then hit CTRL-^. {Vi: only one alternate file name is remembered}
56 CTRL-G or *CTRL-G* *:f* *:fi* *:file*
57 :f[ile] Prints the current file name (as typed, unless ":cd"
58 was used), the cursor position (unless the 'ruler'
59 option is set), and the file status (readonly,
60 modified, read errors, new file). See the 'shortmess'
61 option about how to make this message shorter.
62 {Vi does not include column number}
64 :f[ile]! like |:file|, but don't truncate the name even when
65 'shortmess' indicates this.
67 {count}CTRL-G Like CTRL-G, but prints the current file name with
68 full path. If the count is higher than 1 the current
69 buffer number is also given. {not in Vi}
71 *g_CTRL-G* *word-count* *byte-count*
72 g CTRL-G Prints the current position of the cursor in five
73 ways: Column, Line, Word, Character and Byte. If the
74 number of Characters and Bytes is the same then the
75 Character position is omitted.
76 If there are characters in the line that take more
77 than one position on the screen (<Tab> or special
78 character), both the "real" column and the screen
79 column are shown, separated with a dash.
80 See also 'ruler' option. {not in Vi}
82 *v_g_CTRL-G*
83 {Visual}g CTRL-G Similar to "g CTRL-G", but Word, Character, Line, and
84 Byte counts for the visually selected region are
85 displayed.
86 In Blockwise mode, Column count is also shown. (For
87 {Visual} see |Visual-mode|.)
88 {not in VI}
90 *:file_f*
91 :f[ile][!] {name} Sets the current file name to {name}. The optional !
92 avoids truncating the message, as with |:file|.
93 If the buffer did have a name, that name becomes the
94 |alternate-file| name. An unlisted buffer is created
95 to hold the old name.
96 *:0file*
97 :0f[ile][!] Remove the name of the current buffer. The optional !
98 avoids truncating the message, as with |:file|. {not
99 in Vi}
101 :buffers
102 :files
103 :ls List all the currently known file names. See
104 'windows.txt' |:files| |:buffers| |:ls|. {not in
105 Vi}
107 Vim will remember the full path name of a file name that you enter. In most
108 cases when the file name is displayed only the name you typed is shown, but
109 the full path name is being used if you used the ":cd" command |:cd|.
111 *home-replace*
112 If the environment variable $HOME is set, and the file name starts with that
113 string, it is often displayed with HOME replaced with "~". This was done to
114 keep file names short. When reading or writing files the full name is still
115 used, the "~" is only used when displaying file names. When replacing the
116 file name would result in just "~", "~/" is used instead (to avoid confusion
117 between options set to $HOME with 'backupext' set to "~").
119 When writing the buffer, the default is to use the current file name. Thus
120 when you give the "ZZ" or ":wq" command, the original file will be
121 overwritten. If you do not want this, the buffer can be written into another
122 file by giving a file name argument to the ":write" command. For example: >
124 vim testfile
125 [change the buffer with editor commands]
126 :w newfile
127 :q
129 This will create a file "newfile", that is a modified copy of "testfile".
130 The file "testfile" will remain unchanged. Anyway, if the 'backup' option is
131 set, Vim renames or copies the original file before it will be overwritten.
132 You can use this file if you discover that you need the original file. See
133 also the 'patchmode' option. The name of the backup file is normally the same
134 as the original file with 'backupext' appended. The default "~" is a bit
135 strange to avoid accidentally overwriting existing files. If you prefer ".bak"
136 change the 'backupext' option. Extra dots are replaced with '_' on MS-DOS
137 machines, when Vim has detected that an MS-DOS-like filesystem is being used
138 (e.g., messydos or crossdos) or when the 'shortname' option is on. The
139 backup file can be placed in another directory by setting 'backupdir'.
141 *auto-shortname*
142 Technical: On the Amiga you can use 30 characters for a file name. But on an
143 MS-DOS-compatible filesystem only 8 plus 3 characters are
144 available. Vim tries to detect the type of filesystem when it is
145 creating the .swp file. If an MS-DOS-like filesystem is suspected,
146 a flag is set that has the same effect as setting the 'shortname'
147 option. This flag will be reset as soon as you start editing a
148 new file. The flag will be used when making the file name for the
149 ".swp" and ".~" files for the current file. But when you are
150 editing a file in a normal filesystem and write to an MS-DOS-like
151 filesystem the flag will not have been set. In that case the
152 creation of the ".~" file may fail and you will get an error
153 message. Use the 'shortname' option in this case.
155 When you started editing without giving a file name, "No File" is displayed in
156 messages. If the ":write" command is used with a file name argument, the file
157 name for the current file is set to that file name. This only happens when
158 the 'F' flag is included in 'cpoptions' (by default it is included) |cpo-F|.
159 This is useful when entering text in an empty buffer and then writing it to a
160 file. If 'cpoptions' contains the 'f' flag (by default it is NOT included)
161 |cpo-f| the file name is set for the ":read file" command. This is useful
162 when starting Vim without an argument and then doing ":read file" to start
163 editing a file.
164 When the file name was set and 'filetype' is empty the filetype detection
165 autocommands will be triggered.
166 *not-edited*
167 Because the file name was set without really starting to edit that file, you
168 are protected from overwriting that file. This is done by setting the
169 "notedited" flag. You can see if this flag is set with the CTRL-G or ":file"
170 command. It will include "[Not edited]" when the "notedited" flag is set.
171 When writing the buffer to the current file name (with ":w!"), the "notedited"
172 flag is reset.
174 *abandon*
175 Vim remembers whether you have changed the buffer. You are protected from
176 losing the changes you made. If you try to quit without writing, or want to
177 start editing another file, Vim will refuse this. In order to overrule this
178 protection, add a '!' to the command. The changes will then be lost. For
179 example: ":q" will not work if the buffer was changed, but ":q!" will. To see
180 whether the buffer was changed use the "CTRL-G" command. The message includes
181 the string "[Modified]" if the buffer has been changed.
183 If you want to automatically save the changes without asking, switch on the
184 'autowriteall' option. 'autowrite' is the associated Vi-compatible option
185 that does not work for all commands.
187 If you want to keep the changed buffer without saving it, switch on the
188 'hidden' option. See |hidden-buffer|.
190 ==============================================================================
191 2. Editing a file *edit-a-file*
193 *:e* *:edit*
194 :e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] Edit the current file. This is useful to re-edit the
195 current file, when it has been changed outside of Vim.
196 This fails when changes have been made to the current
197 buffer and 'autowriteall' isn't set or the file can't
198 be written.
199 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
200 {Vi: no ++opt}
202 *:edit!*
203 :e[dit]! [++opt] [+cmd]
204 Edit the current file always. Discard any changes to
205 the current buffer. This is useful if you want to
206 start all over again.
207 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
208 {Vi: no ++opt}
210 *:edit_f*
211 :e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
212 Edit {file}.
213 This fails when changes have been made to the current
214 buffer, unless 'hidden' is set or 'autowriteall' is
215 set and the file can be written.
216 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
217 {Vi: no ++opt}
219 *:edit!_f*
220 :e[dit]! [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
221 Edit {file} always. Discard any changes to the
222 current buffer.
223 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
224 {Vi: no ++opt}
226 :e[dit] [++opt] [+cmd] #[count]
227 Edit the [count]th buffer (as shown by |:files|).
228 This command does the same as [count] CTRL-^. But ":e
229 #" doesn't work if the alternate buffer doesn't have a
230 file name, while CTRL-^ still works then.
231 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
232 {Vi: no ++opt}
234 *:ene* *:enew*
235 :ene[w] Edit a new, unnamed buffer. This fails when changes
236 have been made to the current buffer, unless 'hidden'
237 is set or 'autowriteall' is set and the file can be
238 written.
239 If 'fileformats' is not empty, the first format given
240 will be used for the new buffer. If 'fileformats' is
241 empty, the 'fileformat' of the current buffer is used.
242 {not in Vi}
244 *:ene!* *:enew!*
245 :ene[w]! Edit a new, unnamed buffer. Discard any changes to
246 the current buffer.
247 Set 'fileformat' like |:enew|.
248 {not in Vi}
250 *:fin* *:find*
251 :fin[d][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
252 Find {file} in 'path' and then |:edit| it.
253 {not in Vi} {not available when the |+file_in_path|
254 feature was disabled at compile time}
256 :{count}fin[d][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
257 Just like ":find", but use the {count} match in
258 'path'. Thus ":2find file" will find the second
259 "file" found in 'path'. When there are fewer matches
260 for the file in 'path' than asked for, you get an
261 error message.
263 *:ex*
264 :ex [++opt] [+cmd] [file]
265 Same as |:edit|.
267 *:vi* *:visual*
268 :vi[sual][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file]
269 When used in Ex mode: Leave |Ex-mode|, go back to
270 Normal mode. Otherwise same as |:edit|.
272 *:vie* *:view*
273 :vie[w] [++opt] [+cmd] file
274 When used in Ex mode: Leave |Ex mode|, go back to
275 Normal mode. Otherwise same as |:edit|, but set
276 'readonly' option for this buffer. {not in Vi}
278 *CTRL-^* *CTRL-6*
279 CTRL-^ Edit the alternate file (equivalent to ":e #").
280 Mostly the alternate file is the previously edited
281 file. This is a quick way to toggle between two
282 files.
283 If the 'autowrite' or 'autowriteall' option is on and
284 the buffer was changed, write it.
285 Mostly the ^ character is positioned on the 6 key,
286 pressing CTRL and 6 then gets you what we call CTRL-^.
287 But on some non-US keyboards CTRL-^ is produced in
288 another way.
290 {count}CTRL-^ Edit [count]th file in the buffer list (equivalent to
291 ":e #[count]"). This is a quick way to switch between
292 files.
293 See |CTRL-^| above for further details.
294 {not in Vi}
296 [count]]f *]f* *[f*
297 [count][f Same as "gf". Deprecated.
299 *gf* *E446* *E447*
300 [count]gf Edit the file whose name is under or after the cursor.
301 Mnemonic: "goto file".
302 Uses the 'isfname' option to find out which characters
303 are supposed to be in a file name. Trailing
304 punctuation characters ".,:;!" are ignored.
305 Uses the 'path' option as a list of directory names
306 to look for the file. Also looks for the file
307 relative to the current file.
308 Uses the 'suffixesadd' option to check for file names
309 with a suffix added.
310 If the file can't be found, 'includeexpr' is used to
311 modify the name and another attempt is done.
312 If a [count] is given, the count'th file that is found
313 in the 'path' is edited.
314 This command fails if Vim refuses to |abandon| the
315 current file.
316 If you want to edit the file in a new window use
317 |CTRL-W_CTRL-F|.
318 If you do want to edit a new file, use: >
319 :e <cfile>
320 < To make gf always work like that: >
321 :map gf :e <cfile><CR>
322 < If the name is a hypertext link, that looks like
323 "type://machine/path", you need the |netrw| plugin.
324 For Unix the '~' character is expanded, like in
325 "~user/file". Environment variables are expanded too
326 |expand-env|.
327 {not in Vi}
328 {not available when the |+file_in_path| feature was
329 disabled at compile time}
331 *v_gf*
332 {Visual}[count]gf Same as "gf", but the highlighted text is used as the
333 name of the file to edit. 'isfname' is ignored.
334 Leading blanks are skipped, otherwise all blanks and
335 special characters are included in the file name.
336 (For {Visual} see |Visual-mode|.)
337 {not in VI}
339 *gF*
340 [count]gF Same as "gf", except if a number follows the file
341 name, then the cursor is positioned on that line in
342 the file. The file name and the number must be
343 separated by a non-filename (see 'isfname') and
344 non-numeric character. White space between the
345 filename, the separator and the number are ignored.
346 Examples:
347 eval.c:10 ~
348 eval.c @ 20 ~
349 eval.c (30) ~
350 eval.c 40 ~
352 *v_gF*
353 {Visual}[count]gF Same as "v_gf".
355 These commands are used to start editing a single file. This means that the
356 file is read into the buffer and the current file name is set. The file that
357 is opened depends on the current directory, see |:cd|.
359 See |read-messages| for an explanation of the message that is given after the
360 file has been read.
362 You can use the ":e!" command if you messed up the buffer and want to start
363 all over again. The ":e" command is only useful if you have changed the
364 current file name.
366 *:filename* *{file}*
367 Besides the things mentioned here, more special items for where a filename is
368 expected are mentioned at |cmdline-special|.
370 Note for systems other than Unix and MS-DOS: When using a command that
371 accepts a single file name (like ":edit file") spaces in the file name are
372 allowed, but trailing spaces are ignored. This is useful on systems that
373 allow file names with embedded spaces (like MS-Windows and the Amiga).
374 Example: The command ":e Long File Name " will edit the file "Long File
375 Name". When using a command that accepts more than one file name (like ":next
376 file1 file2") embedded spaces must be escaped with a backslash.
378 *wildcard* *wildcards*
379 Wildcards in {file} are expanded. Which wildcards are supported depends on
380 the system. These are the common ones:
381 ? matches one character
382 * matches anything, including nothing
383 ** matches anything, including nothing, recurses into directories
384 [abc] match 'a', 'b' or 'c'
386 To avoid the special meaning of the wildcards prepend a backslash. However,
387 on MS-Windows the backslash is a path separator and "path\[abc]" is still seen
388 as a wildcard when "[" is in the 'isfname' option. A simple way to avoid this
389 is to use "path\[[]abc]". Then the file "path[abc]" literally.
391 *starstar-wildcard*
392 Expanding "**" is possible on Unix, Win32, Mac OS/X and a few other systems.
393 This allows searching a directory tree. This goes up to 100 directories deep.
394 Example: >
395 :n **/*.txt
396 Finds files:
397 ttt.txt
398 subdir/ttt.txt
399 a/b/c/d/ttt.txt
400 When non-wildcard characters are used these are only matched in the first
401 directory. Example: >
402 :n /usr/inc**/*.h
403 Finds files:
404 /usr/include/types.h
405 /usr/include/sys/types.h
406 /usr/inc_old/types.h
407 *backtick-expansion* *`-expansion*
408 On Unix and a few other systems you can also use backticks in the file name,
409 for example: >
410 :e `find . -name ver\\*.c -print`
411 The backslashes before the star are required to prevent "ver*.c" to be
412 expanded by the shell before executing the find program.
413 This also works for most other systems, with the restriction that the
414 backticks must be around the whole item. It is not possible to have text
415 directly before the first or just after the last backtick.
417 *`=*
418 You can have the backticks expanded as a Vim expression, instead of an
419 external command, by using the syntax `={expr}` e.g.: >
420 :e `=tempname()`
421 The expression can contain just about anything, thus this can also be used to
422 avoid the special meaning of '"', '|', '%' and '#'. Names are to be separated
423 with line breaks. When the result is a |List| then each item is used as a
424 name. Line breaks also separate names.
426 *++opt* *[++opt]*
427 The [++opt] argument can be used to force the value of 'fileformat',
428 'fileencoding' or 'binary' to a value for one command, and to specify the
429 behavior for bad characters. The form is: >
430 ++{optname}
431 Or: >
432 ++{optname}={value}
434 Where {optname} is one of: *++ff* *++enc* *++bin* *++nobin* *++edit*
435 ff or fileformat overrides 'fileformat'
436 enc or encoding overrides 'fileencoding'
437 bin or binary sets 'binary'
438 nobin or nobinary resets 'binary'
439 bad specifies behavior for bad characters
440 edit for |:read| only: keep option values as if editing
441 a file
443 {value} cannot contain white space. It can be any valid value for these
444 options. Examples: >
445 :e ++ff=unix
446 This edits the same file again with 'fileformat' set to "unix". >
448 :w ++enc=latin1 newfile
449 This writes the current buffer to "newfile" in latin1 format.
451 There may be several ++opt arguments, separated by white space. They must all
452 appear before any |+cmd| argument.
454 *++bad*
455 The argument of "++bad=" specifies what happens with characters that can't be
456 converted and illegal bytes. It can be one of three things:
457 ++bad=X A single-byte character that replaces each bad character.
458 ++bad=keep Keep bad characters without conversion. Note that this may
459 result in illegal bytes in your text!
460 ++bad=drop Remove the bad characters.
462 The default is like "++bad=?": Replace each bad character with a question
463 mark.
465 Note that when reading, the 'fileformat' and 'fileencoding' options will be
466 set to the used format. When writing this doesn't happen, thus a next write
467 will use the old value of the option. Same for the 'binary' option.
470 *+cmd* *[+cmd]*
471 The [+cmd] argument can be used to position the cursor in the newly opened
472 file, or execute any other command:
473 + Start at the last line.
474 +{num} Start at line {num}.
475 +/{pat} Start at first line containing {pat}.
476 +{command} Execute {command} after opening the new file.
477 {command} is any Ex command.
478 To include a white space in the {pat} or {command}, precede it with a
479 backslash. Double the number of backslashes. >
480 :edit +/The\ book file
481 :edit +/dir\ dirname\\ file
482 :edit +set\ dir=c:\\\\temp file
483 Note that in the last example the number of backslashes is halved twice: Once
484 for the "+cmd" argument and once for the ":set" command.
486 *file-formats*
487 The 'fileformat' option sets the <EOL> style for a file:
488 'fileformat' characters name ~
489 "dos" <CR><NL> or <NL> DOS format *DOS-format*
490 "unix" <NL> Unix format *Unix-format*
491 "mac" <CR> Mac format *Mac-format*
492 Previously 'textmode' was used. It is obsolete now.
494 When reading a file, the mentioned characters are interpreted as the <EOL>.
495 In DOS format (default for MS-DOS, OS/2 and Win32), <CR><NL> and <NL> are both
496 interpreted as the <EOL>. Note that when writing the file in DOS format,
497 <CR> characters will be added for each single <NL>. Also see |file-read|.
499 When writing a file, the mentioned characters are used for <EOL>. For DOS
500 format <CR><NL> is used. Also see |DOS-format-write|.
502 You can read a file in DOS format and write it in Unix format. This will
503 replace all <CR><NL> pairs by <NL> (assuming 'fileformats' includes "dos"): >
504 :e file
505 :set fileformat=unix
506 :w
507 If you read a file in Unix format and write with DOS format, all <NL>
508 characters will be replaced with <CR><NL> (assuming 'fileformats' includes
509 "unix"): >
510 :e file
511 :set fileformat=dos
512 :w
514 If you start editing a new file and the 'fileformats' option is not empty
515 (which is the default), Vim will try to detect whether the lines in the file
516 are separated by the specified formats. When set to "unix,dos", Vim will
517 check for lines with a single <NL> (as used on Unix and Amiga) or by a <CR>
518 <NL> pair (MS-DOS). Only when ALL lines end in <CR><NL>, 'fileformat' is set
519 to "dos", otherwise it is set to "unix". When 'fileformats' includes "mac",
520 and no <NL> characters are found in the file, 'fileformat' is set to "mac".
522 If the 'fileformat' option is set to "dos" on non-MS-DOS systems the message
523 "[dos format]" is shown to remind you that something unusual is happening. On
524 MS-DOS systems you get the message "[unix format]" if 'fileformat' is set to
525 "unix". On all systems but the Macintosh you get the message "[mac format]"
526 if 'fileformat' is set to "mac".
528 If the 'fileformats' option is empty and DOS format is used, but while reading
529 a file some lines did not end in <CR><NL>, "[CR missing]" will be included in
530 the file message.
531 If the 'fileformats' option is empty and Mac format is used, but while reading
532 a file a <NL> was found, "[NL missing]" will be included in the file message.
534 If the new file does not exist, the 'fileformat' of the current buffer is used
535 when 'fileformats' is empty. Otherwise the first format from 'fileformats' is
536 used for the new file.
538 Before editing binary, executable or Vim script files you should set the
539 'binary' option. A simple way to do this is by starting Vim with the "-b"
540 option. This will avoid the use of 'fileformat'. Without this you risk that
541 single <NL> characters are unexpectedly replaced with <CR><NL>.
543 You can encrypt files that are written by setting the 'key' option. This
544 provides some security against others reading your files. |encryption|
547 ==============================================================================
548 3. The argument list *argument-list* *arglist*
550 If you give more than one file name when starting Vim, this list is remembered
551 as the argument list. You can jump to each file in this list.
553 Do not confuse this with the buffer list, which you can see with the
554 |:buffers| command. The argument list was already present in Vi, the buffer
555 list is new in Vim. Every file name in the argument list will also be present
556 in the buffer list (unless it was deleted with |:bdel| or |:bwipe|). But it's
557 common that names in the buffer list are not in the argument list.
559 This subject is introduced in section |07.2| of the user manual.
561 There is one global argument list, which is used for all windows by default.
562 It is possible to create a new argument list local to a window, see
563 |:arglocal|.
565 You can use the argument list with the following commands, and with the
566 expression functions |argc()| and |argv()|. These all work on the argument
567 list of the current window.
569 *:ar* *:args*
570 :ar[gs] Print the argument list, with the current file in
571 square brackets.
573 :ar[gs] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:args_f*
574 Define {arglist} as the new argument list and edit
575 the first one. This fails when changes have been made
576 and Vim does not want to |abandon| the current buffer.
577 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
578 {Vi: no ++opt}
580 :ar[gs]! [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:args_f!*
581 Define {arglist} as the new argument list and edit
582 the first one. Discard any changes to the current
583 buffer.
584 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
585 {Vi: no ++opt}
587 :[count]arge[dit][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {name} *:arge* *:argedit*
588 Add {name} to the argument list and edit it.
589 When {name} already exists in the argument list, this
590 entry is edited.
591 This is like using |:argadd| and then |:edit|.
592 Note that only one file name is allowed, and spaces
593 inside the file name are allowed, like with |:edit|.
594 [count] is used like with |:argadd|.
595 [!] is required if the current file cannot be
596 |abandon|ed.
597 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
598 {not in Vi}
600 :[count]arga[dd] {name} .. *:arga* *:argadd* *E479*
601 Add the {name}s to the argument list.
602 If [count] is omitted, the {name}s are added just
603 after the current entry in the argument list.
604 Otherwise they are added after the [count]'th file.
605 If the argument list is "a b c", and "b" is the
606 current argument, then these commands result in:
607 command new argument list ~
608 :argadd x a b x c
609 :0argadd x x a b c
610 :1argadd x a x b c
611 :99argadd x a b c x
612 There is no check for duplicates, it is possible to
613 add a file to the argument list twice.
614 The currently edited file is not changed.
615 {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
616 |+listcmds| feature}
617 Note: you can also use this method: >
618 :args ## x
619 < This will add the "x" item and sort the new list.
621 :argd[elete] {pattern} .. *:argd* *:argdelete* *E480*
622 Delete files from the argument list that match the
623 {pattern}s. {pattern} is used like a file pattern,
624 see |file-pattern|. "%" can be used to delete the
625 current entry.
626 This command keeps the currently edited file, also
627 when it's deleted from the argument list.
628 Example: >
629 :argdel *.obj
630 < {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
631 |+listcmds| feature}
633 :{range}argd[elete] Delete the {range} files from the argument list.
634 When the last number in the range is too high, up to
635 the last argument is deleted. Example: >
636 :10,1000argdel
637 < Deletes arguments 10 and further, keeping 1-9.
638 {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
639 |+listcmds| feature}
641 *:argu* *:argument*
642 :[count]argu[ment] [count] [++opt] [+cmd]
643 Edit file [count] in the argument list. When [count]
644 is omitted the current entry is used. This fails
645 when changes have been made and Vim does not want to
646 |abandon| the current buffer.
647 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
648 {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
649 |+listcmds| feature}
651 :[count]argu[ment]! [count] [++opt] [+cmd]
652 Edit file [count] in the argument list, discard any
653 changes to the current buffer. When [count] is
654 omitted the current entry is used.
655 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
656 {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
657 |+listcmds| feature}
659 :[count]n[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] *:n* *:ne* *:next* *E165* *E163*
660 Edit [count] next file. This fails when changes have
661 been made and Vim does not want to |abandon| the
662 current buffer. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no
663 count or ++opt}.
665 :[count]n[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd]
666 Edit [count] next file, discard any changes to the
667 buffer. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no count
668 or ++opt}.
670 :n[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist} *:next_f*
671 Same as |:args_f|.
673 :n[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist}
674 Same as |:args_f!|.
676 :[count]N[ext] [count] [++opt] [+cmd] *:Next* *:N* *E164*
677 Edit [count] previous file in argument list. This
678 fails when changes have been made and Vim does not
679 want to |abandon| the current buffer.
680 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no count or ++opt}.
682 :[count]N[ext]! [count] [++opt] [+cmd]
683 Edit [count] previous file in argument list. Discard
684 any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt| and
685 |+cmd|. {Vi: no count or ++opt}.
687 :[count]prev[ious] [count] [++opt] [+cmd] *:prev* *:previous*
688 Same as :Next. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi:
689 only in some versions}
691 *:rew* *:rewind*
692 :rew[ind] [++opt] [+cmd]
693 Start editing the first file in the argument list.
694 This fails when changes have been made and Vim does
695 not want to |abandon| the current buffer.
696 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {Vi: no ++opt}
698 :rew[ind]! [++opt] [+cmd]
699 Start editing the first file in the argument list.
700 Discard any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt|
701 and |+cmd|. {Vi: no ++opt}
703 *:fir* *:first*
704 :fir[st][!] [++opt] [+cmd]
705 Other name for ":rewind". {not in Vi}
707 *:la* *:last*
708 :la[st] [++opt] [+cmd]
709 Start editing the last file in the argument list.
710 This fails when changes have been made and Vim does
711 not want to |abandon| the current buffer.
712 Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
714 :la[st]! [++opt] [+cmd]
715 Start editing the last file in the argument list.
716 Discard any changes to the buffer. Also see |++opt|
717 and |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
719 *:wn* *:wnext*
720 :[count]wn[ext] [++opt] [+cmd]
721 Write current file and start editing the [count]
722 next file. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
724 :[count]wn[ext] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
725 Write current file to {file} and start editing the
726 [count] next file, unless {file} already exists and
727 the 'writeany' option is off. Also see |++opt| and
728 |+cmd|. {not in Vi}
730 :[count]wn[ext]! [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
731 Write current file to {file} and start editing the
732 [count] next file. Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|. {not
733 in Vi}
735 :[count]wN[ext][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file] *:wN* *:wNext*
736 :[count]wp[revious][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file] *:wp* *:wprevious*
737 Same as :wnext, but go to previous file instead of
738 next. {not in Vi}
740 The [count] in the commands above defaults to one. For some commands it is
741 possible to use two counts. The last one (rightmost one) is used.
743 If no [+cmd] argument is present, the cursor is positioned at the last known
744 cursor position for the file. If 'startofline' is set, the cursor will be
745 positioned at the first non-blank in the line, otherwise the last know column
746 is used. If there is no last known cursor position the cursor will be in the
747 first line (the last line in Ex mode).
749 *{arglist}*
750 The wildcards in the argument list are expanded and the file names are sorted.
751 Thus you can use the command "vim *.c" to edit all the C files. From within
752 Vim the command ":n *.c" does the same.
754 White space is used to separate file names. Put a backslash before a space or
755 tab to include it in a file name. E.g., to edit the single file "foo bar": >
756 :next foo\ bar
758 On Unix and a few other systems you can also use backticks, for example: >
759 :next `find . -name \\*.c -print`
760 The backslashes before the star are required to prevent "*.c" to be expanded
761 by the shell before executing the find program.
763 *arglist-position*
764 When there is an argument list you can see which file you are editing in the
765 title of the window (if there is one and 'title' is on) and with the file
766 message you get with the "CTRL-G" command. You will see something like
767 (file 4 of 11)
768 If 'shortmess' contains 'f' it will be
769 (4 of 11)
770 If you are not really editing the file at the current position in the argument
771 list it will be
772 (file (4) of 11)
773 This means that you are position 4 in the argument list, but not editing the
774 fourth file in the argument list. This happens when you do ":e file".
777 LOCAL ARGUMENT LIST
779 {not in Vi}
780 {not available when compiled without the |+windows| or |+listcmds| feature}
782 *:arglocal*
783 :argl[ocal] Make a local copy of the global argument list.
784 Doesn't start editing another file.
786 :argl[ocal][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist}
787 Define a new argument list, which is local to the
788 current window. Works like |:args_f| otherwise.
790 *:argglobal*
791 :argg[lobal] Use the global argument list for the current window.
792 Doesn't start editing another file.
794 :argg[lobal][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {arglist}
795 Use the global argument list for the current window.
796 Define a new global argument list like |:args_f|.
797 All windows using the global argument list will see
798 this new list.
800 There can be several argument lists. They can be shared between windows.
801 When they are shared, changing the argument list in one window will also
802 change it in the other window.
804 When a window is split the new window inherits the argument list from the
805 current window. The two windows then share this list, until one of them uses
806 |:arglocal| or |:argglobal| to use another argument list.
809 USING THE ARGUMENT LIST
811 *:argdo*
812 :argdo[!] {cmd} Execute {cmd} for each file in the argument list.
813 It works like doing this: >
814 :rewind
815 :{cmd}
816 :next
817 :{cmd}
818 etc.
819 < When the current file can't be |abandon|ed and the [!]
820 is not present, the command fails.
821 When an error is detected on one file, further files
822 in the argument list will not be visited.
823 The last file in the argument list (or where an error
824 occurred) becomes the current file.
825 {cmd} can contain '|' to concatenate several commands.
826 {cmd} must not change the argument list.
827 Note: While this command is executing, the Syntax
828 autocommand event is disabled by adding it to
829 'eventignore'. This considerably speeds up editing
830 each file.
831 {not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
832 |+listcmds| feature}
833 Also see |:windo|, |:tabdo| and |:bufdo|.
835 Example: >
836 :args *.c
837 :argdo set ff=unix | update
838 This sets the 'fileformat' option to "unix" and writes the file if is now
839 changed. This is done for all *.c files.
841 Example: >
842 :args *.[ch]
843 :argdo %s/\<my_foo\>/My_Foo/ge | update
844 This changes the word "my_foo" to "My_Foo" in all *.c and *.h files. The "e"
845 flag is used for the ":substitute" command to avoid an error for files where
846 "my_foo" isn't used. ":update" writes the file only if changes were made.
848 ==============================================================================
849 4. Writing *writing* *save-file*
851 Note: When the 'write' option is off, you are not able to write any file.
853 *:w* *:write*
854 *E502* *E503* *E504* *E505*
855 *E512* *E514* *E667* *E796*
856 :w[rite] Write the whole buffer to the current file. This is
857 the normal way to save changes to a file. It fails
858 when the 'readonly' option is set or when there is
859 another reason why the file can't be written.
861 :w[rite]! Like ":write", but forcefully write when 'readonly' is
862 set or there is another reason why writing was
863 refused.
864 Note: This may change the permission and ownership of
865 the file and break (symbolic) links. Add the 'W' flag
866 to 'cpoptions' to avoid this.
868 :[range]w[rite][!] Write the specified lines to the current file. This
869 is unusual, because the file will not contain all
870 lines in the buffer.
872 *:w_f* *:write_f*
873 :[range]w[rite] {file} Write the specified lines to {file}, unless it
874 already exists and the 'writeany' option is off.
876 *:w!*
877 :[range]w[rite]! {file} Write the specified lines to {file}. Overwrite an
878 existing file.
880 *:w_a* *:write_a* *E494*
881 :[range]w[rite][!] >> Append the specified lines to the current file.
883 :[range]w[rite][!] >> {file}
884 Append the specified lines to {file}. '!' forces the
885 write even if file does not exist.
887 *:w_c* *:write_c*
888 :[range]w[rite] !{cmd} Execute {cmd} with [range] lines as standard input
889 (note the space in front of the '!'). {cmd} is
890 executed like with ":!{cmd}", any '!' is replaced with
891 the previous command |:!|.
893 The default [range] for the ":w" command is the whole buffer (1,$). If you
894 write the whole buffer, it is no longer considered changed. When you
895 write it to a different file with ":w somefile" it depends on the "+" flag in
896 'cpoptions'. When included, the write command will reset the 'modified' flag,
897 even though the buffer itself may still be different from its file.
899 If a file name is given with ":w" it becomes the alternate file. This can be
900 used, for example, when the write fails and you want to try again later with
901 ":w #". This can be switched off by removing the 'A' flag from the
902 'cpoptions' option.
904 *:sav* *:saveas*
905 :sav[eas][!] {file} Save the current buffer under the name {file} and set
906 the filename of the current buffer to {file}. The
907 previous name is used for the alternate file name.
908 The [!] is needed to overwrite an existing file.
909 When 'filetype' is empty filetype detection is done
910 with the new name, before the file is written.
911 When the write was successful 'readonly' is reset.
912 {not in Vi}
914 *:up* *:update*
915 :[range]up[date][!] [>>] [file]
916 Like ":write", but only write when the buffer has been
917 modified. {not in Vi}
920 WRITING WITH MULTIPLE BUFFERS *buffer-write*
922 *:wa* *:wall*
923 :wa[ll] Write all changed buffers. Buffers without a file
924 name or which are readonly are not written. {not in
925 Vi}
927 :wa[ll]! Write all changed buffers, even the ones that are
928 readonly. Buffers without a file name are not
929 written. {not in Vi}
932 Vim will warn you if you try to overwrite a file that has been changed
933 elsewhere. See |timestamp|.
935 *backup* *E207* *E506* *E507* *E508* *E509* *E510*
936 If you write to an existing file (but do not append) while the 'backup',
937 'writebackup' or 'patchmode' option is on, a backup of the original file is
938 made. The file is either copied or renamed (see 'backupcopy'). After the
939 file has been successfully written and when the 'writebackup' option is on and
940 the 'backup' option is off, the backup file is deleted. When the 'patchmode'
941 option is on the backup file may be renamed.
943 *backup-table*
944 'backup' 'writebackup' action ~
945 off off no backup made
946 off on backup current file, deleted afterwards (default)
947 on off delete old backup, backup current file
948 on on delete old backup, backup current file
950 When the 'backupskip' pattern matches with the name of the file which is
951 written, no backup file is made. The values of 'backup' and 'writebackup' are
952 ignored then.
954 When the 'backup' option is on, an old backup file (with the same name as the
955 new backup file) will be deleted. If 'backup' is not set, but 'writebackup'
956 is set, an existing backup file will not be deleted. The backup file that is
957 made while the file is being written will have a different name.
959 On some filesystems it's possible that in a crash you lose both the backup and
960 the newly written file (it might be there but contain bogus data). In that
961 case try recovery, because the swap file is synced to disk and might still be
962 there. |:recover|
964 The directories given with the 'backupdir' option is used to put the backup
965 file in. (default: same directory as the written file).
967 Whether the backup is a new file, which is a copy of the original file, or the
968 original file renamed depends on the 'backupcopy' option. See there for an
969 explanation of when the copy is made and when the file is renamed.
971 If the creation of a backup file fails, the write is not done. If you want
972 to write anyway add a '!' to the command.
974 *write-readonly*
975 When the 'cpoptions' option contains 'W', Vim will refuse to overwrite a
976 readonly file. When 'W' is not present, ":w!" will overwrite a readonly file,
977 if the system allows it (the directory must be writable).
979 *write-fail*
980 If the writing of the new file fails, you have to be careful not to lose
981 your changes AND the original file. If there is no backup file and writing
982 the new file failed, you have already lost the original file! DON'T EXIT VIM
983 UNTIL YOU WRITE OUT THE FILE! If a backup was made, it is put back in place
984 of the original file (if possible). If you exit Vim, and lose the changes
985 you made, the original file will mostly still be there. If putting back the
986 original file fails, there will be an error message telling you that you
987 lost the original file.
989 *DOS-format-write*
990 If the 'fileformat' is "dos", <CR> <NL> is used for <EOL>. This is default
991 for MS-DOS, Win32 and OS/2. On other systems the message "[dos format]" is
992 shown to remind you that an unusual <EOL> was used.
993 *Unix-format-write*
994 If the 'fileformat' is "unix", <NL> is used for <EOL>. On MS-DOS, Win32 and
995 OS/2 the message "[unix format]" is shown.
996 *Mac-format-write*
997 If the 'fileformat' is "mac", <CR> is used for <EOL>. On non-Mac systems the
998 message "[mac format]" is shown.
1000 See also |file-formats| and the 'fileformat' and 'fileformats' options.
1002 *ACL*
1003 ACL stands for Access Control List. It is an advanced way to control access
1004 rights for a file. It is used on new MS-Windows and Unix systems, but only
1005 when the filesystem supports it.
1006 Vim attempts to preserve the ACL info when writing a file. The backup file
1007 will get the ACL info of the original file.
1008 The ACL info is also used to check if a file is read-only (when opening the
1009 file).
1011 *read-only-share*
1012 When MS-Windows shares a drive on the network it can be marked as read-only.
1013 This means that even if the file read-only attribute is absent, and the ACL
1014 settings on NT network shared drives allow writing to the file, you can still
1015 not write to the file. Vim on Win32 platforms will detect read-only network
1016 drives and will mark the file as read-only. You will not be able to override
1017 it with |:write|.
1019 *write-device*
1020 When the file name is actually a device name, Vim will not make a backup (that
1021 would be impossible). You need to use "!", since the device already exists.
1022 Example for Unix: >
1023 :w! /dev/lpt0
1024 and for MS-DOS or MS-Windows: >
1025 :w! lpt0
1026 For Unix a device is detected when the name doesn't refer to a normal file or
1027 a directory. A fifo or named pipe also looks like a device to Vim.
1028 For MS-DOS and MS-Windows the device is detected by its name:
1029 AUX
1030 CON
1031 CLOCK$
1032 NUL
1033 PRN
1034 COMn n=1,2,3... etc
1035 LPTn n=1,2,3... etc
1036 The names can be in upper- or lowercase.
1038 ==============================================================================
1039 5. Writing and quitting *write-quit*
1041 *:q* *:quit*
1042 :q[uit] Quit the current window. Quit Vim if this is the last
1043 window. This fails when changes have been made and
1044 Vim refuses to |abandon| the current buffer, and when
1045 the last file in the argument list has not been
1046 edited.
1047 If there are other tab pages and quitting the last
1048 window in the current tab page the current tab page is
1049 closed |tab-page|.
1051 :conf[irm] q[uit] Quit, but give prompt when changes have been made, or
1052 the last file in the argument list has not been
1053 edited. See |:confirm| and 'confirm'. {not in Vi}
1055 :q[uit]! Quit without writing, also when visible buffers have
1056 changes. Does not exit when there are changed hidden
1057 buffers. Use ":qall!" to exit always.
1059 :cq[uit] Quit always, without writing, and return an error
1060 code. See |:cq|. Used for Manx's QuickFix mode (see
1061 |quickfix|). {not in Vi}
1063 *:wq*
1064 :wq Write the current file and quit. Writing fails when
1065 the file is read-only or the buffer does not have a
1066 name. Quitting fails when the last file in the
1067 argument list has not been edited.
1069 :wq! Write the current file and quit. Writing fails when
1070 the current buffer does not have a name.
1072 :wq {file} Write to {file} and quit. Quitting fails when the
1073 last file in the argument list has not been edited.
1075 :wq! {file} Write to {file} and quit.
1077 :[range]wq[!] [file] Same as above, but only write the lines in [range].
1079 *:x* *:xit*
1080 :[range]x[it][!] [file]
1081 Like ":wq", but write only when changes have been
1082 made.
1083 When 'hidden' is set and there are more windows, the
1084 current buffer becomes hidden, after writing the file.
1086 *:exi* *:exit*
1087 :[range]exi[t][!] [file]
1088 Same as :xit.
1090 *ZZ*
1091 ZZ Write current file, if modified, and quit (same as
1092 ":x"). (Note: If there are several windows for the
1093 current file, the file is written if it was modified
1094 and the window is closed).
1096 *ZQ*
1097 ZQ Quit without checking for changes (same as ":q!").
1098 {not in Vi}
1100 MULTIPLE WINDOWS AND BUFFERS *window-exit*
1102 *:qa* *:qall*
1103 :qa[ll] Exit Vim, unless there are some buffers which have been
1104 changed. (Use ":bmod" to go to the next modified buffer).
1105 When 'autowriteall' is set all changed buffers will be
1106 written, like |:wqall|. {not in Vi}
1108 :conf[irm] qa[ll]
1109 Exit Vim. Bring up a prompt when some buffers have been
1110 changed. See |:confirm|. {not in Vi}
1112 :qa[ll]! Exit Vim. Any changes to buffers are lost. {not in Vi}
1113 Also see |:cquit|, it does the same but exits with a non-zero
1114 value.
1116 *:quita* *:quitall*
1117 :quita[ll][!] Same as ":qall". {not in Vi}
1119 :wqa[ll] *:wqa* *:wqall* *:xa* *:xall*
1120 :xa[ll] Write all changed buffers and exit Vim. If there are buffers
1121 without a file name, which are readonly or which cannot be
1122 written for another reason, Vim will not quit. {not in Vi}
1124 :conf[irm] wqa[ll]
1125 :conf[irm] xa[ll]
1126 Write all changed buffers and exit Vim. Bring up a prompt
1127 when some buffers are readonly or cannot be written for
1128 another reason. See |:confirm|. {not in Vi}
1130 :wqa[ll]!
1131 :xa[ll]! Write all changed buffers, even the ones that are readonly,
1132 and exit Vim. If there are buffers without a file name or
1133 which cannot be written for another reason, Vim will not quit.
1134 {not in Vi}
1136 ==============================================================================
1137 6. Dialogs *edit-dialogs*
1139 *:confirm* *:conf*
1140 :conf[irm] {command} Execute {command}, and use a dialog when an
1141 operation has to be confirmed. Can be used on the
1142 ":q", ":qa" and ":w" commands (the latter to over-ride
1143 a read-only setting).
1145 Examples: >
1146 :confirm w foo
1147 < Will ask for confirmation when "foo" already exists. >
1148 :confirm q
1149 < Will ask for confirmation when there are changes. >
1150 :confirm qa
1151 < If any modified, unsaved buffers exist, you will be prompted to save
1152 or abandon each one. There are also choices to "save all" or "abandon
1153 all".
1155 If you want to always use ":confirm", set the 'confirm' option.
1157 *:browse* *:bro* *E338* *E614* *E615* *E616* *E578*
1158 :bro[wse] {command} Open a file selection dialog for an argument to
1159 {command}. At present this works for |:e|, |:w|,
1160 |:r|, |:saveas|, |:sp|, |:mkexrc|, |:mkvimrc|,
1161 |:mksession|, |:split|, |:vsplit|, and |:tabe|.
1162 {only in Win32, Athena, Motif, GTK and Mac GUI}
1163 When ":browse" is not possible you get an error
1164 message. If the |+browse| feature is missing or the
1165 {command} doesn't support browsing, the {command} is
1166 executed without a dialog.
1167 ":browse set" works like |:options|.
1169 The syntax is best shown via some examples: >
1170 :browse e $vim/foo
1171 < Open the browser in the $vim/foo directory, and edit the
1172 file chosen. >
1173 :browse e
1174 < Open the browser in the directory specified with 'browsedir',
1175 and edit the file chosen. >
1176 :browse w
1177 < Open the browser in the directory of the current buffer,
1178 with the current buffer filename as default, and save the
1179 buffer under the filename chosen. >
1180 :browse w C:/bar
1181 < Open the browser in the C:/bar directory, with the current
1182 buffer filename as default, and save the buffer under the
1183 filename chosen.
1184 Also see the |'browsedir'| option.
1185 For versions of Vim where browsing is not supported, the command is executed
1186 unmodified.
1188 *browsefilter*
1189 For MS Windows, you can modify the filters that are used in the browse dialog.
1190 By setting the g:browsefilter or b:browsefilter variables, you can change the
1191 filters globally or locally to the buffer. The variable is set to a string in
1192 the format "{filter label}\t{pattern};{pattern}\n" where {filter label} is the
1193 text that appears in the "Files of Type" comboBox, and {pattern} is the
1194 pattern which filters the filenames. Several patterns can be given, separated
1195 by ';'.
1197 For Motif the same format is used, but only the very first pattern is actually
1198 used (Motif only offers one pattern, but you can edit it).
1200 For example, to have only Vim files in the dialog, you could use the following
1201 command: >
1203 let g:browsefilter="Vim Scripts\t*.vim\nVim Startup Files\t*vimrc\n"
1205 You can override the filter setting on a per-buffer basis by setting the
1206 b:browsefilter variable. You would most likely set b:browsefilter in a
1207 filetype plugin, so that the browse dialog would contain entries related to
1208 the type of file you are currently editing. Disadvantage: This makes it
1209 difficult to start editing a file of a different type. To overcome this, you
1210 may want to add "All Files\t*.*\n" as the final filter, so that the user can
1211 still access any desired file.
1213 ==============================================================================
1214 7. The current directory *current-directory*
1216 You may use the |:cd| and |:lcd| commands to change to another directory, so
1217 you will not have to type that directory name in front of the file names. It
1218 also makes a difference for executing external commands, e.g. ":!ls".
1220 Changing directory fails when the current buffer is modified, the '.' flag is
1221 present in 'cpoptions' and "!" is not used in the command.
1223 *:cd* *E747* *E472*
1224 :cd[!] On non-Unix systems: Print the current directory
1225 name. On Unix systems: Change the current directory
1226 to the home directory. Use |:pwd| to print the
1227 current directory on all systems.
1229 :cd[!] {path} Change the current directory to {path}.
1230 If {path} is relative, it is searched for in the
1231 directories listed in |'cdpath'|.
1232 Does not change the meaning of an already opened file,
1233 because its full path name is remembered. Files from
1234 the |arglist| may change though!
1235 On MS-DOS this also changes the active drive.
1236 To change to the directory of the current file: >
1237 :cd %:h
1238 <
1239 *:cd-* *E186*
1240 :cd[!] - Change to the previous current directory (before the
1241 previous ":cd {path}" command). {not in Vi}
1243 *:chd* *:chdir*
1244 :chd[ir][!] [path] Same as |:cd|.
1246 *:lc* *:lcd*
1247 :lc[d][!] {path} Like |:cd|, but only set the current directory for the
1248 current window. The current directory for other
1249 windows is not changed. {not in Vi}
1251 *:lch* *:lchdir*
1252 :lch[dir][!] Same as |:lcd|. {not in Vi}
1254 *:pw* *:pwd* *E187*
1255 :pw[d] Print the current directory name. {Vi: no pwd}
1256 Also see |getcwd()|.
1258 So long as no |:lcd| command has been used, all windows share the same current
1259 directory. Using a command to jump to another window doesn't change anything
1260 for the current directory.
1261 When a |:lcd| command has been used for a window, the specified directory
1262 becomes the current directory for that window. Windows where the |:lcd|
1263 command has not been used stick to the global current directory. When jumping
1264 to another window the current directory will become the last specified local
1265 current directory. If none was specified, the global current directory is
1266 used.
1267 When a |:cd| command is used, the current window will lose his local current
1268 directory and will use the global current directory from now on.
1270 After using |:cd| the full path name will be used for reading and writing
1271 files. On some networked file systems this may cause problems. The result of
1272 using the full path name is that the file names currently in use will remain
1273 referring to the same file. Example: If you have a file a:test and a
1274 directory a:vim the commands ":e test" ":cd vim" ":w" will overwrite the file
1275 a:test and not write a:vim/test. But if you do ":w test" the file a:vim/test
1276 will be written, because you gave a new file name and did not refer to a
1277 filename before the ":cd".
1279 ==============================================================================
1280 8. Editing binary files *edit-binary*
1282 Although Vim was made to edit text files, it is possible to edit binary
1283 files. The |-b| Vim argument (b for binary) makes Vim do file I/O in binary
1284 mode, and sets some options for editing binary files ('binary' on, 'textwidth'
1285 to 0, 'modeline' off, 'expandtab' off). Setting the 'binary' option has the
1286 same effect. Don't forget to do this before reading the file.
1288 There are a few things to remember when editing binary files:
1289 - When editing executable files the number of characters must not change.
1290 Use only the "R" or "r" command to change text. Do not delete characters
1291 with "x" or by backspacing.
1292 - Set the 'textwidth' option to 0. Otherwise lines will unexpectedly be
1293 split in two.
1294 - When there are not many <EOL>s, the lines will become very long. If you
1295 want to edit a line that does not fit on the screen reset the 'wrap' option.
1296 Horizontal scrolling is used then. If a line becomes too long (more than
1297 about 32767 characters on the Amiga, much more on 32-bit systems, see
1298 |limits|) you cannot edit that line. The line will be split when reading
1299 the file. It is also possible that you get an "out of memory" error when
1300 reading the file.
1301 - Make sure the 'binary' option is set BEFORE loading the
1302 file. Otherwise both <CR> <NL> and <NL> are considered to end a line
1303 and when the file is written the <NL> will be replaced with <CR> <NL>.
1304 - <Nul> characters are shown on the screen as ^@. You can enter them with
1305 "CTRL-V CTRL-@" or "CTRL-V 000" {Vi cannot handle <Nul> characters in the
1306 file}
1307 - To insert a <NL> character in the file split up a line. When writing the
1308 buffer to a file a <NL> will be written for the <EOL>.
1309 - Vim normally appends an <EOL> at the end of the file if there is none.
1310 Setting the 'binary' option prevents this. If you want to add the final
1311 <EOL>, set the 'endofline' option. You can also read the value of this
1312 option to see if there was an <EOL> for the last line (you cannot see this
1313 in the text).
1315 ==============================================================================
1316 9. Encryption *encryption*
1318 Vim is able to write files encrypted, and read them back. The encrypted text
1319 cannot be read without the right key.
1321 Note: The swapfile and text in memory is not encrypted. A system
1322 administrator will be able to see your text while you are editing it.
1323 When filtering text with ":!filter" or using ":w !command" the text is not
1324 encrypted, this may reveal it to others.
1326 WARNING: If you make a typo when entering the key and then write the file and
1327 exit, the text will be lost!
1329 The normal way to work with encryption, is to use the ":X" command, which will
1330 ask you to enter a key. A following write command will use that key to
1331 encrypt the file. If you later edit the same file, Vim will ask you to enter
1332 a key. If you type the same key as that was used for writing, the text will
1333 be readable again. If you use a wrong key, it will be a mess.
1335 *:X*
1336 :X Prompt for an encryption key. The typing is done without showing the
1337 actual text, so that someone looking at the display won't see it.
1338 The typed key is stored in the 'key' option, which is used to encrypt
1339 the file when it is written. The file will remain unchanged until you
1340 write it. See also |-x|.
1342 The value of the 'key' options is used when text is written. When the option
1343 is not empty, the written file will be encrypted, using the value as the
1344 encryption key. A magic number is prepended, so that Vim can recognize that
1345 the file is encrypted.
1347 To disable the encryption, reset the 'key' option to an empty value: >
1348 :set key=
1350 When reading a file that has been encrypted and this option is not empty, it
1351 will be used for decryption. If the value is empty, you will be prompted to
1352 enter the key. If you don't enter a key, the file is edited without being
1353 decrypted.
1355 If want to start reading a file that uses a different key, set the 'key'
1356 option to an empty string, so that Vim will prompt for a new one. Don't use
1357 the ":set" command to enter the value, other people can read the command over
1358 your shoulder.
1360 Since the value of the 'key' option is supposed to be a secret, its value can
1361 never be viewed. You should not set this option in a vimrc file.
1363 An encrypted file can be recognized by the "file" command, if you add this
1364 line to "/etc/magic", "/usr/share/misc/magic" or wherever your system has the
1365 "magic" file: >
1366 0 string VimCrypt~ Vim encrypted file
1368 Notes:
1369 - Encryption is not possible when doing conversion with 'charconvert'.
1370 - Text you copy or delete goes to the numbered registers. The registers can
1371 be saved in the .viminfo file, where they could be read. Change your
1372 'viminfo' option to be safe.
1373 - Someone can type commands in Vim when you walk away for a moment, he should
1374 not be able to get the key.
1375 - If you make a typing mistake when entering the key, you might not be able to
1376 get your text back!
1377 - If you type the key with a ":set key=value" command, it can be kept in the
1378 history, showing the 'key' value in a viminfo file.
1379 - There is never 100% safety. The encryption in Vim has not been tested for
1380 robustness.
1381 - The algorithm used is breakable. A 4 character key in about one hour, a 6
1382 character key in one day (on a Pentium 133 PC). This requires that you know
1383 some text that must appear in the file. An expert can break it for any key.
1384 When the text has been decrypted, this also means that the key can be
1385 revealed, and other files encrypted with the same key can be decrypted.
1386 - Pkzip uses the same encryption, and US Govt has no objection to its export.
1387 Pkzip's public file APPNOTE.TXT describes this algorithm in detail.
1388 - Vim originates from the Netherlands. That is where the sources come from.
1389 Thus the encryption code is not exported from the USA.
1391 ==============================================================================
1392 10. Timestamps *timestamp* *timestamps*
1394 Vim remembers the modification timestamp of a file when you begin editing it.
1395 This is used to avoid that you have two different versions of the same file
1396 (without you knowing this).
1398 After a shell command is run (|:!cmd| |suspend| |:read!| |K|) timestamps are
1399 compared for all buffers in a window. Vim will run any associated
1400 |FileChangedShell| autocommands or display a warning for any files that have
1401 changed. In the GUI this happens when Vim regains input focus.
1403 *E321* *E462*
1404 If you want to automatically reload a file when it has been changed outside of
1405 Vim, set the 'autoread' option. This doesn't work at the moment you write the
1406 file though, only when the file wasn't changed inside of Vim.
1408 Note that if a FileChangedShell autocommand is defined you will not get a
1409 warning message or prompt. The autocommand is expected to handle this.
1411 There is no warning for a directory (e.g., with |netrw-browse|). But you do
1412 get warned if you started editing a new file and it was created as a directory
1413 later.
1415 When Vim notices the timestamp of a file has changed, and the file is being
1416 edited in a buffer but has not changed, Vim checks if the contents of the file
1417 is equal. This is done by reading the file again (into a hidden buffer, which
1418 is immediately deleted again) and comparing the text. If the text is equal,
1419 you will get no warning.
1421 If you don't get warned often enough you can use the following command.
1423 *:checkt* *:checktime*
1424 :checkt[ime] Check if any buffers were changed outside of Vim.
1425 This checks and warns you if you would end up with two
1426 versions of a file.
1427 If this is called from an autocommand, a ":global"
1428 command or is not typed the actual check is postponed
1429 until a moment the side effects (reloading the file)
1430 would be harmless.
1431 Each loaded buffer is checked for its associated file
1432 being changed. If the file was changed Vim will take
1433 action. If there are no changes in the buffer and
1434 'autoread' is set, the buffer is reloaded. Otherwise,
1435 you are offered the choice of reloading the file. If
1436 the file was deleted you get an error message.
1437 If the file previously didn't exist you get a warning
1438 if it exists now.
1439 Once a file has been checked the timestamp is reset,
1440 you will not be warned again.
1442 :[N]checkt[ime] {filename}
1443 :[N]checkt[ime] [N]
1444 Check the timestamp of a specific buffer. The buffer
1445 may be specified by name, number or with a pattern.
1448 Before writing a file the timestamp is checked. If it has changed, Vim will
1449 ask if you really want to overwrite the file:
1451 WARNING: The file has been changed since reading it!!!
1452 Do you really want to write to it (y/n)?
1454 If you hit 'y' Vim will continue writing the file. If you hit 'n' the write is
1455 aborted. If you used ":wq" or "ZZ" Vim will not exit, you will get another
1456 chance to write the file.
1458 The message would normally mean that somebody has written to the file after
1459 the edit session started. This could be another person, in which case you
1460 probably want to check if your changes to the file and the changes from the
1461 other person should be merged. Write the file under another name and check for
1462 differences (the "diff" program can be used for this).
1464 It is also possible that you modified the file yourself, from another edit
1465 session or with another command (e.g., a filter command). Then you will know
1466 which version of the file you want to keep.
1468 There is one situation where you get the message while there is nothing wrong:
1469 On a Win32 system on the day daylight saving time starts. There is something
1470 in the Win32 libraries that confuses Vim about the hour time difference. The
1471 problem goes away the next day.
1473 ==============================================================================
1474 11. File Searching *file-searching*
1476 {not available when compiled without the |+path_extra| feature}
1478 The file searching is currently used for the 'path', 'cdpath' and 'tags'
1479 options, for |finddir()| and |findfile()|.
1481 There are three different types of searching:
1483 1) Downward search: *starstar*
1484 Downward search uses the wildcards '*', '**' and possibly others
1485 supported by your operating system. '*' and '**' are handled inside Vim, so
1486 they work on all operating systems.
1488 The usage of '*' is quite simple: It matches 0 or more characters. In a
1489 search pattern this would be ".*". Note that the "." is not used for file
1490 searching.
1492 '**' is more sophisticated:
1493 - It ONLY matches directories.
1494 - It matches up to 30 directories deep, so you can use it to search an
1495 entire directory tree
1496 - The maximum number of levels matched can be given by appending a number
1497 to '**'.
1498 Thus '/usr/**2' can match: >
1499 /usr
1500 /usr/include
1501 /usr/include/sys
1502 /usr/include/g++
1503 /usr/lib
1504 /usr/lib/X11
1505 ....
1506 < It does NOT match '/usr/include/g++/std' as this would be three
1507 levels.
1508 The allowed number range is 0 ('**0' is removed) to 255.
1509 If the given number is smaller than 0 it defaults to 30, if it's
1510 bigger than 255 then 255 is used.
1511 - '**' can only be at the end of the path or be followed by a path
1512 separator or by a number and a path separator.
1514 You can combine '*' and '**' in any order: >
1515 /usr/**/sys/*
1516 /usr/*/sys/**
1517 /usr/**2/sys/*
1519 2) Upward search:
1520 Here you can give a directory and then search the directory tree upward for
1521 a file. You could give stop-directories to limit the upward search. The
1522 stop-directories are appended to the path (for the 'path' option) or to
1523 the filename (for the 'tags' option) with a ';'. If you want several
1524 stop-directories separate them with ';'. If you want no stop-directory
1525 ("search upward till the root directory) just use ';'. >
1526 /usr/include/sys;/usr
1527 < will search in: >
1528 /usr/include/sys
1529 /usr/include
1530 /usr
1531 <
1532 If you use a relative path the upward search is started in Vim's current
1533 directory or in the directory of the current file (if the relative path
1534 starts with './' and 'd' is not included in 'cpoptions').
1536 If Vim's current path is /u/user_x/work/release and you do >
1537 :set path=include;/u/user_x
1538 < and then search for a file with |gf| the file is searched in: >
1539 /u/user_x/work/release/include
1540 /u/user_x/work/include
1541 /u/user_x/include
1543 3) Combined up/downward search:
1544 If Vim's current path is /u/user_x/work/release and you do >
1545 set path=**;/u/user_x
1546 < and then search for a file with |gf| the file is searched in: >
1547 /u/user_x/work/release/**
1548 /u/user_x/work/**
1549 /u/user_x/**
1550 <
1551 BE CAREFUL! This might consume a lot of time, as the search of
1552 '/u/user_x/**' includes '/u/user_x/work/**' and
1553 '/u/user_x/work/release/**'. So '/u/user_x/work/release/**' is searched
1554 three times and '/u/user_x/work/**' is searched twice.
1556 In the above example you might want to set path to: >
1557 :set path=**,/u/user_x/**
1558 < This searches: >
1559 /u/user_x/work/release/**
1560 /u/user_x/**
1561 < This searches the same directories, but in a different order.
1564 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: