4 @comment Using viper.info instead of viper in setfilename breaks DOS.
5 @comment @setfilename viper
6 @comment @setfilename viper.info
7 @setfilename ../info/viper
11 * VIPER: (viper). The newest Emacs VI-emulation mode.
12 (also, A VI Plan for Emacs Rescue
21 @title Viper Is a Package for Emacs Rebels
22 @subtitle a Vi emulator for Emacs
23 @subtitle March 1998, Viper Version 3.02 (Polyglot)
25 @author Michael Kifer (Viper)
26 @author Aamod Sane (VIP 4.4)
27 @author Masahiko Sato (VIP 3.5)
33 @unnumbered Distribution
36 Copyright @copyright{} 1995, 1996, 1997 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
38 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
39 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
40 are preserved on all copies.
43 Permission is granted to process this file through TeX and print the
44 results, provided the printed document carries copying permission
45 notice identical to this one except for the removal of this paragraph
46 (this paragraph not being relevant to the printed manual).
49 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
50 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided that the entire
51 resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a permission
52 notice identical to this one.
54 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
55 into another language, under the same conditions as for modified versions.
58 @node Top, Overview,, (DIR)
62 We believe that one or more of the following statements are adequate
66 Viper Is a Package for Emacs Rebels;
67 it is a VI Plan for Emacs Rescue
68 and/or a venomous VI PERil.
71 Technically speaking, Viper is a Vi emulation package for Emacs. It
72 implements all Vi and Ex commands, occasionally improving on them and
73 adding many new features. It gives the user the best of both worlds: Vi
74 keystrokes for editing combined with the power of the Emacs environment.
76 Viper emulates Vi at several levels, from the one that closely follows Vi
77 conventions to the one that departs from many of them. It has many
78 customizable options, which can be used to tailor Viper to the work habits
80 This manual describes Viper, concentrating on the differences from Vi and
81 new features of Viper.
83 Viper, formerly known as VIP-19, was written by Michael Kifer. It is based
84 on VIP version 3.5 by Masahiko Sato and VIP version 4.4 by Aamod Sane.
85 Viper tries to be compatible with these packages.
87 Viper is intended to be usable without reading this manual --- the defaults
88 are set to make Viper as close to Vi as possible. At startup, Viper will
89 try to set the most appropriate default environment for you, based on
90 your familiarity with Emacs. It will also tell you the basic GNU Emacs window
91 management commands to help you start immediately.
93 Although this manual explains how to customize Viper, some basic
94 familiarity with Emacs Lisp would be a plus.
96 It is recommended that you read the Overview node. The other nodes may
99 Comments and bug reports are welcome.
100 @code{kifer@@cs.emacs.edu} is the current address for Viper bug reports.
101 Please use the Ex command @kbd{:submitReport} for this purpose.@refill
106 * Overview:: Must read to get started
107 * Improvements over Vi:: New features, Improvements
108 * Customization:: How to customize Viper
109 * Commands:: Vi and Ex Commands
111 * Key Index:: Index of Vi and Ex Commands
112 * Function Index:: Index of Viper Functions
113 * Variable Index:: Index of Viper Variables
114 * Package Index:: Index of Packages Mentioned in this Document
115 * Concept Index:: Vi, Ex and Emacs concepts
120 @unnumbered Introduction
122 We believe that one or more of the following statements are adequate
126 Viper Is a Package for Emacs Rebels;
127 it is a VI Plan for Emacs Rescue
128 and/or a venomous VI PERil.
131 Viper is a Vi emulation package for Emacs. Viper contains virtually all
132 of Vi and Ex functionality and much more. It gives you the best of both
133 worlds: Vi keystrokes for editing combined with the GNU Emacs
134 environment. Viper also fixes some common complaints with Vi commands.
135 This manual describes Viper, concentrating on the differences from Vi
136 and on the new features of Viper.
138 Viper was written by Michael Kifer. It is based on VIP version 3.5 by
139 Masahiko Sato and VIP version 4.4 by Aamod Sane. Viper tries to be
140 compatible with these packages.
142 Viper is intended to be usable out of the box, without reading this manual
143 --- the defaults are set to make Viper as close to Vi as possible. At
144 startup, Viper will attempt to set the most appropriate default environment
145 for you, based on your familiarity with Emacs. It will also tell you the
146 basic GNU Emacs window management commands to help you start immediately.
148 Although this manual explains how to customize Viper, some basic
149 familiarity with Emacs Lisp would be a plus.
151 It is recommended that you read the chapter Overview. The other chapters
152 will be useful for customization and advanced usage.
154 You should also learn to use the Info on-line hypertext manual system that
155 comes with Emacs. This manual can be read as an Info file. Try the command
156 @kbd{@key{ESC} x info} with vanilla Emacs sometime.
158 Comments and bug reports are welcome.
159 @code{kifer@@cs.sunysb.edu} is the current address for Viper bug reports.
160 Please use the Ex command @kbd{:submitReport} for this purpose.@refill
164 @node Overview,Improvements over Vi,Top,Top
165 @chapter Overview of Viper
167 Viper is a Vi emulation on top of Emacs. At the same time, Viper provides a
168 virtually unrestricted access to Emacs facilities. Perfect compatibility
169 with Vi is possible but not desirable. This chapter tells you about the
170 Emacs ideas that you should know about, how to use Viper within Emacs and
171 some incompatibilities.
173 Viper was formerly known as VIP-19, which was
174 a descendant of VIP 3.5 by Masahiko Sato and VIP 4.4 by Aamod Sane.
177 * Emacs Preliminaries:: Basic concepts in Emacs.
178 * Loading Viper:: Loading and Preliminary Configuration.
179 * States in Viper:: Viper has four states orthogonal to Emacs
181 * The Minibuffer:: Command line in Emacs.
182 * Multiple Files in Viper:: True multiple file handling.
183 * Unimplemented Features:: That are unlikely to be implemented.
186 @node Emacs Preliminaries, Loading Viper, Overview, Overview
187 @section Emacs Preliminaries
194 @cindex end (of buffer)
195 @cindex end (of line)
198 Emacs can edit several files at once. A file in Emacs is placed in a
199 @dfn{buffer} that usually has the same name as the file. Buffers are also used
200 for other purposes, such as shell interfaces, directory editing, etc.
201 @xref{Dired,,Directory Editor,emacs,The
202 Gnu Emacs Manual}, for an example.@refill
204 A buffer has a distinguished position called the @dfn{point}.
205 A @dfn{point} is always between 2 characters, and is @dfn{looking at}
206 the right hand character. The cursor is positioned on the right hand
207 character. Thus, when the @dfn{point} is looking at the end-of-line,
208 the cursor is on the end-of-line character, i.e.@: beyond the last
209 character on the line. This is the default Emacs behavior.@refill
211 The default settings of Viper try to mimic the behavior of Vi, preventing
212 the cursor from going beyond the last character on the line. By using
213 Emacs commands directly (such as those bound to arrow keys), it is possible
214 to get the cursor beyond the end-of-line. However, this won't (or
215 shouldn't) happen if you restrict yourself to standard Vi keys, unless you
216 modify the default editing style. @xref{Customization}.@refill
218 In addition to the @dfn{point}, there is another distinguished buffer
219 position called the @dfn{mark}. @xref{Mark,,Mark,emacs,The GNU Emacs
220 manual}, for more info on the mark. The text between the @dfn{point} and
221 the @dfn{mark} is called the @dfn{region} of the buffer. For the Viper
222 user, this simply means that in addition to the Vi textmarkers a--z, there
223 is another marker called @dfn{mark}. This is similar to the unnamed Vi
224 marker used by the jump commands @kbd{``} and @kbd{''}, which move the
225 cursor to the position of the last absolute jump. Viper provides access to
226 the region in most text manipulation commands as @kbd{r} and @kbd{R} suffix
227 to commands that operate on text regions, e.g., @kbd{dr} to delete region,
230 Furthermore, Viper lets Ex-style commands to work on the current region.
231 This is done by typing a digit argument before @kbd{:}. For instance,
232 typing @kbd{1:} will propmt you with something like @emph{:123,135},
233 assuming that the current region starts at line 123 and ends at line
234 135. There is no need to type the line numbers, since Viper inserts them
235 automatically in front of the Ex command.
237 @xref{Basics}, for more info.@refill
241 @cindex buffer information
244 @cindex buffer (modified)
246 Emacs divides the screen into tiled @dfn{windows}. You can see the
247 contents of a buffer through the window associated with the buffer. The
248 cursor of the screen is positioned on the character after @dfn{point}.
249 Every window has a @dfn{mode line} that displays information about the buffer.
250 You can change the format of the mode
251 line, but normally if you see @samp{**} at the beginning of a mode line it
252 means that the buffer is @dfn{modified}. If you write out the contents of
253 a buffer to a file, then the buffer will become not modified. Also if
254 you see @samp{%%} at the beginning of the mode line, it means that the file
255 associated with the buffer is write protected. The mode line will also
256 show the buffer name and current major and minor modes (see below).
257 A special buffer called @dfn{Minibuffer} is displayed as the last line
258 in a Minibuffer window. The Minibuffer window is used for command input
259 output. Viper uses Minibuffer window for @kbd{/} and @kbd{:}
265 @cindex global keymap
269 An Emacs buffer can have a @dfn{major mode} that customizes Emacs for
270 editing text of a particular sort by changing the functionality of the keys.
271 Keys are defined using a @dfn{keymap} that records the bindings between
273 functions. The @dfn{global keymap} is common to all the
274 buffers. Additionally, each buffer has its @dfn{local keymap} that determines the
275 @dfn{mode} of the buffer. If a function is bound to some key in the local
276 keymap then that function will be executed when you type the key.
277 If no function is bound to a key in the
278 local map, however, the function bound to the key in the global map
279 will be executed. @xref{Major Modes,Major Modes,Major Modes,emacs,The
280 GNU Emacs Manual}, for more information.@refill
282 A buffer can also have a @dfn{minor mode}. Minor modes are options that
283 you can use or not. A buffer in @code{text-mode} can have
284 @code{auto-fill-mode} as minor mode, which can be turned off or on at
285 any time. In Emacs, a minor mode may have it own keymap,
286 which overrides the local keymap when the minor mode is turned on. For
287 more information, @pxref{Minor Modes,Minor Modes,Minor Modes,emacs,The
288 GNU Emacs Manual} @refill
290 @cindex Viper as minor mode
294 Viper is implemented as a collection of minor modes. Different minor modes
295 are involved when Viper emulates Vi command mode, Vi insert mode, etc.
296 You can also turn Viper on and off at any time while in Vi command mode.
297 @xref{States in Viper}, for
298 more information.@refill
300 Emacs uses Control and Meta modifiers. These are denoted as C and M,
301 e.g.@: @kbd{^Z} as @kbd{C-z} and @kbd{Meta-x} as @kbd{M-x}. The Meta key is
302 usually located on each side of the Space bar; it is used in a manner
303 similar to the Control key, e.g., @kbd{M-x} means typing @kbd{x} while
304 holding the Meta key down. For keyboards that do not have a Meta key,
305 @key{ESC} is used as Meta. Thus @kbd{M-x} is typed as @kbd{@key{ESC}
306 x}. Viper uses @key{ESC} to switch from Insert state to Vi state. Therefore
307 Viper defines @kbd{C-\} as its Meta key in Vi state. @xref{Vi State}, for
310 Emacs is structured as a lisp interpreter around a C core. Emacs keys
311 cause lisp functions to be called. It is possible to call these
312 functions directly, by typing @kbd{M-x function-name}.
314 @node Loading Viper, States in Viper, Emacs Preliminaries, Overview
315 @section Loading Viper
317 The most common way to load it automatically is to include the following
318 lines (in the given order!):
326 in your @file{~/.emacs} file. The @file{.emacs} file is placed in your
327 home directory and it is be executed every time you invoke Emacs. This is
328 the place where all general Emacs customization takes place. Beginning with
329 version 20.0, Emacsen have an interactive interface, which simplifies the
330 job of customization significantly.
332 Viper also uses the file @file{~/.viper} for Viper-specific customization.
333 If you wish to be in Vi command state whenever this is deemed appropriate
334 by the author, you can include the following line in your @file{.viper}:
336 (setq viper-always t)
339 (@xref{Vi State}, for the explanation of Vi command state.)
341 The location of Viper customization file can be changed by setting the
342 variable @code{viper-custom-file-name} in @file{.emacs} @emph{prior} to loading
345 Once invoked, Viper will arrange to bring up Emacs buffers in Vi state
346 whenever this makes sense.
347 @xref{Packages that Change Keymaps}, to find out when forcing Vi command state
348 on a buffer may be counter-productive.
350 Even if your @file{.emacs} and @file{.viper} files do not contain any of the
351 above lines, you can still load Viper and enter Vi command state by typing the
352 following from within Emacs:
358 When Emacs first comes up, if you have not specified a file on the
359 command line, it will show the @samp{*scratch*} buffer, in the
360 @samp{Lisp Interaction} mode. After you invoke Viper, you can start
361 editing files by using @kbd{:e}, @kbd{:vi}, or @kbd{v} commands.
362 (@xref{File and Buffer Handling}, for more information on @kbd{v} and other
363 new commands that, in many cases, are more convenient than @kbd{:e},
364 @kbd{:vi}, and similar old-style Vi commands.)@refill
366 Finally, if at some point you would want to get de-Viperize your running
367 copy of Emacs after Viper has been loaded, the command @kbd{M-x
368 viper-go-away} will do it for you. The function @code{toggle-viper-mode}
369 toggles Viperization of Emacs on and off.
371 @node States in Viper, The Minibuffer, Loading Viper,Overview
372 @section States in Viper
380 @cindex Replace state
382 @findex @code{viper-go-away}
383 @findex @code{toggle-viper-mode}
385 Viper has four states, Emacs, Vi, Insert, and Replace.
389 This is the state plain vanilla Emacs is normally in. After you have loaded
390 Viper, @kbd{C-z} will normally take you to Vi command state. Another
391 @kbd{C-z} will take you back to Emacs state. This toggle key can be
392 changed, @pxref{Customization} You can also type @kbd{M-x viper-mode} to
393 change to Vi state.@refill
396 For users who chose to set their user level to 1 at Viper setup time,
397 switching to Emacs state is deliberately made harder in order to not
398 confuse the novice user. In this case, @kbd{C-z} will either iconify Emacs
399 (if Emacs runs as an application under X Windows) or it will stop Emacs (if
400 Emacs runs on a dumb terminal or in an Xterm window).
403 This is the Vi command mode. Any of the Vi commands, such as @kbd{i, o, a},
404 @dots{}, will take you to Insert state. All Vi commands may
405 be used in this mode. Most Ex commands can also be used.
406 For a full list of Ex commands supported by Viper, type
407 @kbd{:} and then @key{TAB}. To get help on any issue, including the Ex
408 commands, type @kbd{:help}. This will invoke Viper Info
409 (if it is installed). Then typing @kbd{i} will prompt you for a topic to
410 search in the index. Note: to search for Ex commands in the index, you
411 should start them with a ``@kbd{:}'', e.g., @kbd{:WW}.
413 In Viper, Ex commands can be made to work on the current Emacs region.
414 This is done by typing a digit argument before @kbd{:}.
415 For instance, typing @kbd{1:} will propmt you with something like
416 @emph{:123,135}, assuming that the current region starts at line 123 and
417 ends at line 135. There is no need to type the line numbers, since Viper
418 inserts them automatically in front of the Ex command.
421 Insert state is the Vi insertion mode. @key{ESC} will take you back to
422 Vi state. Insert state editing can be done, including auto-indentation. By
423 default, Viper disables Emacs keybindings in Insert state.
426 Commands like @kbd{cw} invoke the Replace state. When you cross the
427 boundary of a replacement region (usually designated via a @samp{$} sign),
428 it will automatically change to Insert state. You do not have to worry
429 about it. The key bindings remain practically the same as in Insert
430 state. If you type @key{ESC}, Viper will switch to Vi command mode, terminating the
431 replacement state.@refill
436 The modes are indicated on the @dfn{mode line} as <E>, <I>, <V>, and <R>,
437 so that the multiple modes do not confuse you. Most of your editing can be
438 done in Vi and Insert states. Viper will try to make all new buffers be in Vi
439 state, but sometimes they may come up in Emacs state. @kbd{C-z}
440 will take you to Vi state in such a case. In some major modes, like Dired,
441 Info, Gnus, etc., you should not switch to Vi state (and Viper will not
442 attempt to do so) because these modes are not intended for text editing and
443 many of the Vi keys have special meaning there. If you plan to read news,
444 browse directories, read mail, etc., from Emacs (which you should start
445 doing soon!), you should learn about the meaning of the various keys in
446 those special modes (typing @kbd{C-h m} in a buffer provides
447 help with key bindings for the major mode of that buffer).
449 If you switch to Vi in Dired or similar modes---no harm is done. It is just
450 that the special keybindings provided by those modes will be temporarily
451 overshadowed by Viper's bindings. Switching back to Viper's Emacs state
452 will revive the environment provided by the current major mode.
454 States in Viper are orthogonal to Emacs major modes, such as C mode or Dired
455 mode. You can turn Viper on and off for any Emacs state. When Viper is turned
456 on, Vi state can be used to move around. In Insert state, the bindings for
457 these modes can be accessed. For beginners (users at Viper levels 1 and 2),
458 these bindings are suppressed in Insert state, so that new users are not
459 confused by the Emacs states. Note that unless you allow Emacs bindings in
460 Insert state, you cannot do many interesting things, like language
461 sensitive editing. For the novice user (at Viper level 1), all major mode
462 bindings are turned off in Vi state as well. This includes the bindings for
463 key sequences that start with @kbd{C-c}, which practically means that all
464 major mode bindings are supported. @xref{Customization}, to find out how
465 to allow Emacs keys in Insert state.
468 * Emacs State:: This is the state you should learn more about when
469 you get up to speed with Viper.
470 * Vi State:: Vi commands are executed in this state.
471 * Insert State:: You can enter text, and also can do sophisticated
472 editing if you know enough Emacs commands.
473 * Replace State:: Like Insert mode, but it is invoked via the
474 replacement commands, such as cw, C, R, etc.
477 @node Emacs State, Vi State, States in Viper, States in Viper
478 @subsection Emacs State
484 You will be in this mode only by accident (hopefully). This is the state
485 Emacs is normally in (imagine!!). Now leave it as soon as possible by
486 typing @kbd{C-z}. Then you will be in Vi state (sigh of relief) :-).
488 Emacs state is actually a Viperism to denote all the major and minor modes
489 (@pxref{Emacs Preliminaries}) other than Viper that Emacs can be in. Emacs
490 can have several modes, such as C mode for editing C programs, LaTeX mode
491 for editing LaTeX documents, Dired for directory editing, etc. These are
492 major modes, each with a different set of key-bindings. Viper states are
493 orthogonal to these Emacs major modes. The presence of these language
494 sensitive and other modes is a major win over Vi. @xref{Improvements over
495 Vi}, for more.@refill
497 The bindings for these modes can be made available in the Viper Insert state
498 as well as in Emacs state. Unless you specify your user level as 1 (a
499 novice), all major mode key sequences that start with @kbd{C-x} and
500 @kbd{C-c} are also available in Vi state. This is important because major
501 modes designed for editing files, such as cc-mode or latex-mode, use key
502 sequences that begin with @kbd{C-x} and @kbd{C-c}.
504 There is also a key that lets you temporarily escape to Vi command state
505 from Emacs or Insert states: typing @kbd{C-c \} will let you execute a
506 single Vi command while staying in Viper's Emacs or Insert state.
507 In Insert state, the same can also be achieved by typing @kbd{C-z}.
510 @node Vi State, Insert State, Emacs State, States in Viper
515 This is the Vi command mode. When Viper is in Vi state, you will see the sign
516 <V> in the mode line. Most keys will work as in Vi. The notable
522 @kbd{C-x} is used to invoke Emacs commands, mainly those that do window
523 management. @kbd{C-x 2} will split a window, @kbd{C-x 0} will close a
524 window. @kbd{C-x 1} will close all other windows. @kbd{C-xb} is used to
525 switch buffers in a window, and @kbd{C-xo} to move through windows.
526 These are about the only necessary keystrokes.
527 For the rest, see the GNU Emacs Manual.
531 For user levels 2 and higher, this key serves as a prefix key for the key
532 sequences used by various major modes. For users at Viper level 1, @kbd{C-c}
539 These are the Emacs @samp{quit} keys.
540 There will be cases where you will have to
541 use @kbd{C-g} to quit. Similarly, @kbd{C-]} is used to exit
542 @samp{Recursive Edits} in Emacs for which there is no comparable Vi
543 functionality and no key-binding. Recursive edits are indicated by
544 @samp{[]} brackets framing the modes on the mode line.
545 @xref{Recursive Edit,Recursive
546 Edit,Recursive Edit,emacs,The GNU Emacs Manual}.
547 At user level 1, @kbd{C-g} is bound to @code{viper-info-on-file}
554 Viper uses @key{ESC} as a switch between Insert and Vi states. Emacs uses
555 @key{ESC} for Meta. The Meta key is very important in Emacs since many
556 finctions are accessible only via that key as @kbd{M-x function-name}.
557 Therefore, we need to simulate it somehow. In Viper's Vi, Insert, and
558 Replace states, the meta key is set to be @kbd{C-\}. Thus, to get
559 @kbd{M-x}, you should type @kbd{C-\ x} (if the keyboard has no Meta key).
560 This works both in the Vi command state and in the Insert and Replace
561 states. In Vi command state, you can also use @kbd{\ @key{ESC}} as the
564 Note: Emacs binds @kbd{C-\} to a function that offers to change the
565 keyboard input method in the multilingual environment. Viper overrides this
566 binding. However, it is still possible to switch the input method by typing
567 @kbd{\ C-\} in the Vi command state and @kbd{C-z \ C-\} in the Insert state.
568 Or you can use the MULE menu in the menubar.
571 Other differences are mostly improvements. The ones you should know
577 @kbd{u} will undo. Undo can be repeated by the @kbd{.} key. Undo itself
578 can be undone. Another @kbd{u} will change the direction. The presence
579 of repeatable undo means that @kbd{U}, undoing lines, is not very
580 important. Therefore, @kbd{U} also calls @code{viper-undo}.
581 @cindex multiple undo
586 Most commands, @kbd{~}, @kbd{[[}, @kbd{p}, @kbd{/}, @dots{}, etc., take counts.
588 @comment ]] Just to balance parens
590 Viper uses Emacs Regular Expressions for searches. These are a superset of
592 expressions, excepting the change-of-case escapes @samp{\u}, @samp{\L},
593 @dots{}, etc. @xref{Regular Expressions,,Regular Expressions,emacs,The
594 GNU Emacs Manual}, for details.
595 Files specified to @kbd{:e} use @code{csh} regular expressions
596 (globbing, wildcards, what have you).
597 However, the function @code{viper-toggle-search-style}, bound to @kbd{C-c /},
598 lets the user switch from search with regular expressions to plain vanilla
599 search and vice versa. It also lets one switch from case-sensitive search
600 to case-insensitive and back.
601 @xref{Viper Specials}, for more details.
602 @cindex regular expressions
603 @cindex vanilla search
604 @cindex case-sensitive search
605 @cindex case-insensitive search
610 The current working directory of a buffer is automatically inserted in the
611 minibuffer if you type @kbd{:e} then space. Absolute filenames are
612 required less often in Viper. For path names, Emacs uses a convention that
613 is slightly different from that of Unix. It is designed to minimize the
614 need for deleting path names that Emacs provides in its prompts. (This is
615 usually convenient, but occasionally the prompt may suggest a wrong path
616 name for you.) If you see a prompt @kbd{/usr/foo/} and you wish to edit the
617 file @kbd{~/.viper}, you don't have to erase the prompt. Instead, simply
618 continue typing what you need. Emacs will interpret @kbd{/usr/foo/~/.viper}
619 correctly. Similarly, if the prompt is @kbd{~/foo/} and you need to get to
620 @kbd{/bar/file}, keep typing. Emacs interprets @kbd{~/foo//bar/} as
621 @kbd{/bar/file}, since when it sees @samp{//}, it understands that
622 @kbd{~/foo/} is to be discarded.
624 The command @kbd{:cd} will change the default directory for the
625 current buffer. The command @kbd{:e} will interpret the
626 filename argument in @code{csh}. @xref{Customization}, if you
627 want to change the default shell.
628 The command @kbd{:next} takes counts from
629 @kbd{:args}, so that @kbd{:rew} is obsolete. Also, @kbd{:args} will show only
630 the invisible files (i.e., those that are not currently seen in Emacs
633 When applicable, Ex commands support file completion and history. This
634 means that by typing a partial file name and then @key{TAB}, Emacs will try
635 to complete the name or it will offer a menu of possible completions.
636 This works similarly to Tcsh and extends the behavior of Csh. While Emacs
637 is waiting for a file name, you can type @kbd{M-p} to get the previous file
638 name you typed. Repeatedly typing @kbd{M-p} and @kbd{M-n} will let you
639 browse through the file history.
641 Like file names, partially typed Ex commands can be completed by typing
642 @key{TAB}, and Viper keeps the history of Ex commands. After typing
643 @kbd{:}, you can browse through the previously entered Ex commands by
644 typing @kbd{M-p} and @kbd{M-n}. Viper tries to rationalize when it puts Ex
645 commands on the history list. For instance, if you typed @kbd{:w!@: foo},
646 only @kbd{:w!} will be placed on the history list. This is because the
647 last history element is the default that can be invoked simply by typing
648 @kbd{: @key{RET}}. If @kbd{:w!@: foo} were placed on the list, it would be all to
649 easy to override valuable data in another file. Reconstructing the full
650 command, @kbd{:w!@: foo}, from the history is still not that hard, since Viper
651 has a separate history for file names. By typing @kbd{: M-p}, you will get
652 @kbd{:w!} in the Minibuffer. Then, repeated @kbd{M-p} will get you through
653 the file history, inserting one file name after another.
655 In contrast to @kbd{:w!@: foo}, if the command were @kbd{:r foo}, the entire
656 command will appear in the history list. This is because having @kbd{:r}
657 alone as a default is meaningless, since this command requires a file
662 As Vi, Viper's destructive commands can be re-executed by typing `@kbd{.}'.
663 However, in addition, Viper keeps track of the history of such commands. This
664 history can be perused by typing @kbd{C-c M-p} and @kbd{C-c M-n}.
665 Having found the appropriate command, it can be then executed by typing
667 @xref{Improvements over Vi}, for more information.
669 @node Insert State, Replace State, Vi State, States in Viper
670 @subsection Insert State
674 To avoid confusing the beginner (at Viper level 1 and 2), Viper makes only the
675 standard Vi keys available in Insert state. The implication is that
676 Emacs major modes cannot be used Insert state.
677 It is strongly recommended that as soon as you are comfortable, make the
678 Emacs state bindings visible (by changing your user level to 3 or higher).
679 @xref{Customization},
680 to see how to do this.@refill
682 Once this is done, it is possible to do quite a bit of editing in
683 Insert state. For instance, Emacs has a @dfn{yank} command, @kbd{C-y},
684 which is similar to Vi's @kbd{p}. However, unlike @kbd{p}, @kbd{C-y} can be
685 used in Insert state of Viper. Emacs also has a kill ring where it keeps
686 pieces of text you deleted while editing buffers. The command @kbd{M-y} is
687 used to delete the text previously put back by Emacs' @kbd{C-y} or by Vi's
688 @kbd{p} command and reinsert text that was placed on the kill-ring earlier.
690 This works both in Vi and Insert states.
691 In Vi state, @kbd{M-y} is a much better alternative to the usual Vi's way
692 of recovering the 10 previously deleted chunks of text. In Insert state,
694 use this as follows. Suppose you deleted a piece of text and now you need
695 to re-insert it while editing in Insert mode. The key @kbd{C-y} will put
696 back the most recently deleted chunk. If this is not what you want, type
697 @kbd{M-y} repeatedly and, hopefully, you will find the chunk you want.
699 Finally, in Insert and Replace states, Viper provides the history of
700 pieces of text inserted in previous insert or replace commands. These
701 strings of text can be recovered by repeatedly typing @kbd{C-c M-p} or
702 @kbd{C-c M-n} while in Insert or Replace state. (This feature is disabled
703 in the minibuffer: the above keys are usually bound to other histories,
704 which are more appropriate in the minibuffer.)
709 You can call Meta functions from Insert state. As in Vi state, the Meta key
710 is @kbd{C-\}. Thus @kbd{M-x} is typed as @kbd{C-\ x}.
712 Other Emacs commands that are useful in Insert state are @kbd{C-e}
713 and @kbd{C-a}, which move the cursor to the end and the beginning of the
714 current line, respectively. You can also use @kbd{M-f} and @kbd{M-b},
715 which move the cursor forward (or backward) one word.
716 If your display has a Meta key, these functions are invoked by holding the
717 Meta key and then typing @kbd{f} and @kbd{b}, respectively. On displays
718 without the Meta key, these functions are invoked by typing
719 @kbd{C-\ f} and @kbd{C-\ b} (@kbd{C-\} simulates the Meta key in Insert
720 state, as explained above).
722 The key @kbd{C-z} is sometimes also useful in Insert state: it allows you
723 to execute a single command in Vi state without leaving the Insert state!
724 For instance, @kbd{C-z d2w} will delete the next two words without leaving
727 When Viper is in Insert state, you will see <I> in the mode line.
729 @node Replace State,, Insert State, States in Viper
730 @subsection Replace State
732 @cindex Replace state
734 This state is entered through Vi replacement commands, such as @kbd{C},
735 @kbd{cw}, etc., or by typing @kbd{R}. In Replace state, Viper puts <R> in
736 the mode line to let you know which state is in effect. If Replace state is
737 entered through @kbd{R}, Viper stays in that state until the user hits
738 @key{ESC}. If this state is entered via the other replacement commands,
739 then Replace state is in effect until you hit @key{ESC} or until you cross
740 the rightmost boundary of the replacement region. In the latter case, Viper
741 changes its state from Replace to Insert (which you will notice by the
742 change in the mode line).
744 Since Viper runs under Emacs, it is possible to switch between buffers
745 while in Replace state. You can also move the cursor using the arrow keys
746 (even on dumb terminals!)@: and the mouse. Because of this freedom (which is
747 unattainable in regular Vi), it is possible to take the cursor outside the
748 replacement region. (This may be necessary for several reasons, including
749 the need to enable text selection and region-setting with the mouse.)
751 The issue then arises as to what to do when the user
752 hits the @key{ESC} key. In Vi, this would cause the text between cursor and
753 the end of the replacement region to be deleted. But what if, as is
754 possible in Viper, the cursor is not inside the replacement region?
756 To solve the problem, Viper keeps track of the last cursor position while it
757 was still inside the replacement region. So, in the above situation, Viper
758 would delete text between this position and the end of the replacement
761 @node The Minibuffer,Multiple Files in Viper, States in Viper, Overview
762 @section The Minibuffer
766 The Minibuffer is where commands are entered in. Editing can be done
767 by commands from Insert state, namely:
777 Quote the following character
781 Emacs quit and abort keys. These may be necessary. @xref{Vi State}, for an
784 These keys are bound to functions that peruse minibuffer history. The
785 precise history to be perused depends on the context. It may be the history
786 of search strings, Ex commands, file names, etc.
789 Most of the Emacs keys are functional in the Minibuffer. While in the
790 Minibuffer, Viper tries to make editing resemble Vi's behavior when the
791 latter is waiting for the user to type an Ex command. In particular, you
792 can use the regular Vi commands to edit the Minibuffer. You can switch
793 between the Vi state and Insert state at will, and even use the replace mode.
794 Initially, the Minibuffer comes up in Insert state.
796 Some users prefer plain Emacs bindings in the Minibuffer. To this end, set
797 @code{viper-vi-style-in-minibuffer} to @code{nil} in @file{.viper}.
798 @xref{Customization}, to learn how to do this.
800 When the Minibuffer changes Viper states, you will notice that the appearance
801 of the text there changes as well. This is useful because the Minibuffer
802 has no mode line to tell which Vi state it is in.
803 The appearance of the text in the Minibuffer can be changed.
804 @xref{Viper Specials}, for more details.
806 @node Multiple Files in Viper,Unimplemented Features,The Minibuffer,Overview
807 @section Multiple Files in Viper
809 @cindex multiple files
810 @cindex managing multiple files
812 Viper can edit multiple files. This means, for example that you never need
813 to suffer through @code{No write since last change} errors.
814 Some Viper elements are common over all the files.
820 Textmarkers remember @emph{files and positions}.
821 If you set marker @samp{a} in
822 file @file{foo}, start editing file @file{bar} and type @kbd{'a}, then
823 @emph{YOU WILL SWITCH TO FILE @file{foo}}. You can see the contents of a
824 textmarker using the Viper command @kbd{[<a-z>} where <a-z> are the
825 textmarkers, e.g., @kbd{[a} to view marker @samp{a} .@refill
826 @item Repeated Commands
827 Command repetitions are common over files. Typing @kbd{!!} will repeat the
828 last @kbd{!} command whichever file it was issued from.
829 Typing @kbd{.} will repeat the last command from any file, and
830 searches will repeat the last search. Ex commands can be repeated by typing
831 @kbd{: @key{RET}}.@refill
832 Note: in some rare cases, that @kbd{: @key{RET}} may do something dangerous.
833 However, usually its effect can be undone by typing @kbd{u}.
836 Registers are common to files. Also, text yanked with @kbd{y} can be
837 put back (@kbd{p}) into any file. The Viper command @kbd{]<a-z>}, where <a-z> are
838 the registers, can be used to look at the contents of a register, e.g.,
839 type @kbd{]a} to view register @samp{a}.
841 There is one difference in text deletion that you should be
842 aware of. This difference comes from Emacs and was adopted in Viper
843 because we find it very useful. In Vi, if you delete a line, say, and then
844 another line, these two deletions are separated and are put back
845 separately if you use the @samp{p} command. In Emacs (and Viper), successive
846 series of deletions that are @emph{not interrupted} by other commands are
847 lumped together, so the deleted text gets accumulated and can be put back
848 as one chunk. If you want to break a sequence of deletions so that the
849 newly deleted text could be put back separately from the previously deleted
850 text, you should perform a non-deleting action, e.g., move the cursor one
851 character in any direction.
852 @item Absolute Filenames
853 @cindex absolute paths
854 The current directory name for a file is automatically prepended to the
856 @kbd{:e}, @kbd{:r}, @kbd{:w}, etc., command (in Emacs, each buffer has a
858 This directory is inserted in the Minibuffer once you type space after
859 @kbd{:e, r}, etc. Viper also supports completion of file names and Ex
860 commands (@key{TAB}), and it keeps track of
861 command and file history (@kbd{M-p}, @kbd{M-n}).
862 Absolute filenames are required less
865 You should be aware that Emacs interprets @kbd{/foo/bar//bla} as
866 @kbd{/bla} and @kbd{/foo/~/bar} as @kbd{~/bar}. This is designed to
867 minimize the need for erasing path names that Emacs suggests in its
868 prompts, if a suggested path name is not what you wanted.
870 The command @kbd{:cd} will change the default directory for the
871 current Emacs buffer. The Ex command @kbd{:e} will interpret the
872 filename argument in @samp{csh}, by default. @xref{Customization}, if you
877 Currently undisplayed files can be listed using the @kbd{:ar} command. The
878 command @kbd{:n} can be given counts from the @kbd{:ar} list to switch to
881 @node Unimplemented Features,,Multiple Files in Viper,Overview
882 @section Unimplemented Features
884 Unimplemented features include:
888 @kbd{:ab} and @kbd{:una} are not implemented.
889 Both @kbd{:map} and @kbd{:ab} are considered obsolete, since Emacs has much
890 more powerful facilities for defining keyboard macros and abbreviations.
892 @kbd{:set option?} is not implemented. The current
893 @kbd{:set} can also be used to set Emacs variables.
895 @kbd{:se list} requires modification of the display code for Emacs, so
896 it is not implemented.
897 A useful alternative is @code{cat -t -e file}. Unfortunately, it cannot
898 be used directly inside Emacs, since Emacs will obdurately change @samp{^I}
899 back to normal tabs.@refill
902 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
903 @node Improvements over Vi, Customization, Overview, Top
904 @chapter Improvements over Vi
906 Some common problems with Vi and Ex have been solved in Viper. This
907 includes better implementation of existing commands, new commands, and
908 the facilities provided by Emacs.
911 * Basics:: Basic Viper differences, Multi-file effects.
912 * Undo and Backups:: Multiple undo, auto-save, backups and changes
913 * History:: History for Ex and Vi commands.
914 * Macros and Registers:: Keyboard Macros (extended ".")@: @@reg execution.
915 * Completion:: Filename and Command Completion for Ex.
916 * Improved Search:: Incremental Search and Buffer Content Search.
917 * Abbreviation Facilities:: Normal Abbrevs, Templates, and Dynamic Abbrevs.
918 * Movement and Markers:: Screen Editor movements, viewing textmarkers.
919 * New Commands:: Commands that do not exist in Vi.
920 * Useful Packages:: A Sampling of some Emacs packages, and things
921 you should know about.
924 @node Basics, Undo and Backups, Improvements over Vi, Improvements over Vi
927 The Vi command set is based on the idea of combining motion commands
928 with other commands. The motion command is used as a text region
929 specifier for other commands.
930 We classify motion commands into @dfn{point commands} and
931 @dfn{line commands}.@refill
933 @cindex point commands
935 The point commands are:
938 @kbd{h}, @kbd{l}, @kbd{0}, @kbd{$}, @kbd{w}, @kbd{W}, @kbd{b}, @kbd{B},
939 @kbd{e}, @kbd{E}, @kbd{(}, @kbd{)}, @kbd{/}, @kbd{?}, @kbd{`}, @kbd{f},
940 @kbd{F}, @kbd{t}, @kbd{T}, @kbd{%}, @kbd{;}, @kbd{,}, @kbd{^}
943 @cindex line commands
945 The line commands are:
948 @kbd{j}, @kbd{k}, @kbd{+}, @kbd{-}, @kbd{H}, @kbd{M}, @kbd{L}, @kbd{@{},
949 @kbd{@}}, @kbd{G}, @kbd{'}, @kbd{[[}, @kbd{]]}, @kbd{[]}
953 @cindex region specification
954 @cindex expanding (region)
955 @cindex describing regions
956 @cindex movement commands
959 If a point command is given as an argument to a modifying command, the
960 region determined by the point command will be affected by the modifying
961 command. On the other hand, if a line command is given as an argument to a
962 modifying command, the region determined by the line command will be
963 enlarged so that it will become the smallest region properly containing the
964 region and consisting of whole lines (we call this process @dfn{expanding
965 the region}), and then the enlarged region will be affected by the modifying
967 Text Deletion Commands (@pxref{Deleting Text}), Change commands
968 (@pxref{Changing Text}), even Shell Commands (@pxref{Shell Commands})
969 use these commands to describe a region of text to operate on.
970 Thus, type @kbd{dw} to delete a word, @kbd{>@}} to shift a paragraph, or
971 @kbd{!'afmt} to format a region from @samp{point} to textmarker
974 @cindex r and R region specifiers
976 Viper adds the region specifiers @samp{r} and @samp{R}. Emacs has a
977 special marker called @dfn{mark}. The text-area between the current cursor
978 position @dfn{point} and the @dfn{mark} is called the @dfn{region}.
979 @samp{r} specifies the raw region and @samp{R} is the expanded region
980 (i.e., the minimal contiguous chunk of full lines that contains the raw
982 @kbd{dr} will now delete the region, @kbd{>r} will shift it, etc.
983 @kbd{r,R} are not motion commands, however. The special mark is set by
984 @kbd{m.} and other commands. @xref{Marking}, for more info.
986 Viper also adds counts to most commands for which it would make sense.
988 In the Overview chapter, some Multiple File issues were discussed
989 (@pxref{Multiple Files in Viper}). In addition to the files, Emacs has
990 buffers. These can be seen in the @kbd{:args} list and switched using
991 @kbd{:next} if you type @kbd{:set ex-cycle-through-non-files t}, or
992 specify @code{(setq ex-cycle-through-non-files t)} in your @file{.viper}
993 file. @xref{Customization}, for details.
995 @node Undo and Backups, History, Basics, Improvements over Vi
996 @section Undo and Backups
1000 Viper provides multiple undo. The number of undo's and the size is limited
1001 by the machine. The Viper command @kbd{u} does an undo. Undo can be
1002 repeated by typing @kbd{.} (a period). Another @kbd{u} will undo the undo,
1004 @kbd{.} will repeat it. Typing @kbd{u} does the first undo, and changes the
1007 @cindex backup files
1010 Since the undo size is limited, Viper can create backup files and
1011 auto-save files. It will normally do this automatically. It is possible
1012 to have numbered backups, etc. For details, @pxref{Backup,,Backup and
1013 Auto-Save,emacs,The GNU Emacs Manual} @refill
1015 @comment [ balance parens
1016 @cindex viewing registers and markers
1021 The results of the 9 previous changes are available in the 9 numeric
1022 registers, as in Vi. The extra goody is the ability to @emph{view} these
1023 registers, in addition to being able to access them through @kbd{p} and
1024 @kbd{M-y} (@xref{Insert State}, for details.)
1025 The Viper command @kbd{] register} will display the contents of any
1026 register, numeric or alphabetical. The related command @kbd{[ textmarker}
1027 will show the text around the textmarker. @samp{register} and @samp{textmarker}
1028 can be any letters from a through z.
1029 @comment ] balance parens
1031 @node History, Macros and Registers, Undo and Backups,Improvements over Vi
1037 History is provided for Ex commands, Vi searches, file names, pieces of
1038 text inserted in earlier commands that use Insert or Replace state, and for
1039 destructive commands in Vi state. These are
1040 useful for fixing those small typos that screw up searches and @kbd{:s},
1041 and for eliminating routine associated with repeated typing of file names
1042 or pieces of text that need to be inserted frequently.
1043 At the @kbd{:} or @kbd{/} prompts in the Minibuffer, you can do the following:
1047 To move to previous and next history items. This causes the history
1048 items to appear on the command line, where you can edit them, or
1049 simply type Return to execute.
1051 To search backward and forward through the history.
1053 Type @key{RET} to accept a default (which is displayed in the prompt).
1056 The history of insertions can be perused by
1057 typing @kbd{C-c M-p} and @kbd{C-c M-n} while in Insert or Replace state.
1058 The history of destructive Vi commands can be perused via the same keys
1059 when Viper is in Vi state. @xref{Viper Specials}, for details.
1061 All Ex commands have a file history. For instance, typing @kbd{:e}, space
1062 and then @kbd{M-p} will bring up the name of the previously typed file
1063 name. Repeatedly typing @kbd{M-p}, @kbd{M-n}, etc., will let you browse
1064 through the file history.
1066 Similarly, commands that have to do with switching buffers
1067 have a buffer history, and commands that expect strings or regular
1068 expressions keep a history on those items.
1070 @node Macros and Registers,Completion,History,Improvements over Vi
1071 @section Macros and Registers
1073 @cindex keyboard macros
1076 @cindex register execution
1078 Viper facilitates the use of Emacs-style keyboard macros. @kbd{@@#} will
1079 start a macro definition. As you type, the commands will be executed, and
1080 remembered (This is called ``learn mode'' in some editors.)
1081 @kbd{@@register} will complete the macro, putting it into @samp{register},
1082 where @samp{register} is any character from @samp{a} through @samp{z}. Then
1083 you can execute this macro using @kbd{@@register}. It is, of course,
1084 possible to yank some text into a register and execute it using
1085 @kbd{@@register}. Typing @kbd{@@@@}, @kbd{@@RET}, or @kbd{@@C-j} will
1086 execute the last macro that was executed using @kbd{@@register}.@refill
1088 Viper will automatically lowercase the register, so that pressing the
1089 @kbd{SHIFT} key for @kbd{@@} will not create problems. This is for
1090 @kbd{@@} macros and @kbd{"p} @emph{only}. In the case of @kbd{y},
1091 @kbd{"Ayy} will append to @emph{register a}. For @kbd{[,],',`}, it
1092 is an error to use a Uppercase register name.
1094 @comment [ balance parens
1095 @cindex viewing registers and markers
1097 The contents of a register can be seen by @kbd{]register}. (@kbd{[textmarker}
1098 will show the contents of a textmarker).
1099 @comment ] balance parens
1101 @cindex last keyboard macro
1103 The last keyboard macro can also be executed using
1104 @kbd{*}, and it can be yanked into a register using @kbd{@@!register}.
1105 This is useful for Emacs style keyboard macros defined using @kbd{C-x(}
1106 and @kbd{C-x)}. Emacs keyboard macros have more capabilities.
1107 @xref{Keyboard Macros,,Keyboard Macros,emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}, for
1110 Keyboard Macros allow an interesting form of Query-Replace:
1111 @kbd{/pattern} or @kbd{n} to go to the next pattern (the query), followed by a
1112 Keyboard Macro execution @kbd{@@@@} (the replace).
1114 Viper also provides Vi-style macros. @xref{Vi Macros}, for details.
1117 @node Completion, Improved Search, Macros and Registers, Improvements over Vi
1122 Completion is done when you type @key{TAB}. The Emacs completer does not
1123 grok wildcards in filenames. Once you type a wildcard, the completer will
1124 no longer work for that path. Remember that Emacs interprets a file name
1125 of the form @kbd{/foo//bar} as @kbd{/bar} and @kbd{/foo/~/bar} as
1128 @node Improved Search, Abbreviation Facilities, Completion, Improvements over Vi
1129 @section Improved Search
1131 @cindex buffer search
1134 Viper provides buffer search, the ability to search the buffer for a region
1135 under the cursor. You have to turn this on in @file{.viper} either by calling
1138 (viper-buffer-search-enable)
1142 or by setting @code{viper-buffer-search-char} to, say, @kbd{f3}:
1144 (setq viper-buffer-search-char [f3])
1148 If the user calls @code{viper-buffer-search-enable} explicitly (the first
1149 method), then @code{viper-buffer-search-char} will be set to @kbd{g}.
1150 Regardless of how this feature is enabled, the key
1151 @code{viper-buffer-search-char} will take movement commands, like
1152 @kbd{w,/,e}, to find a region and then search for the contents of that
1153 region. This command is very useful for searching for variable names, etc.,
1154 in a program. The search can be repeated by @kbd{n} or reversed by @kbd{N}.
1156 @cindex incremental search
1158 Emacs provides incremental search. As you type the string in, the
1159 cursor will move to the next match. You can snarf words from the buffer
1160 as you go along. Incremental Search is normally bound to @kbd{C-s} and
1161 @kbd{C-r}. @xref{Customization}, to find out how to change the bindings
1162 of @kbd{C-r or C-s}.
1163 For details, @pxref{Incremental Search,,Incremental
1164 Search,emacs,The GNU Emacs Manual} @refill
1166 @cindex query replace
1168 Viper also provides a query replace function that prompts through the
1169 Minibuffer. It is invoked by the @kbd{Q} key in Vi state.
1171 @cindex mouse search
1173 On a window display, Viper supports mouse search, i.e., you can search for a
1174 word by clicking on it. @xref{Viper Specials}, for details.
1176 Finally, on a window display, Viper highlights search patterns as it finds
1177 them. This is done through what is known as @emph{faces} in Emacs. The
1178 variable that controls how search patterns are highlighted is
1179 @code{viper-search-face}. If you don't want any highlighting at all, put
1181 (copy-face 'default 'viper-search-face)
1183 @vindex @code{viper-search-face}
1185 in @file{~/.viper}. If you want to change how patterns are highlighted, you
1186 will have to change @code{viper-search-face} to your liking. The easiest
1187 way to do this is to use Emacs customization widget, which is accessible
1188 from the menubar. Viper customization group is located under the
1189 @emph{Emulations} customization group, which in turn is under the
1190 @emph{Editing} group. All Viper faces are grouped together under Viper's
1191 @emph{Highlighting} group.
1193 Try it: it is really simple!
1195 @node Abbreviation Facilities,Movement and Markers,Improved Search,Improvements over Vi
1196 @section Abbreviation Facilities
1200 It is possible in Emacs to define abbrevs based on the contents of the
1202 Sophisticated templates can be defined using the Emacs abbreviation
1203 facilities. @xref{Abbrevs,,Abbreviations,emacs,The GNU Emacs Manual}, for
1206 @cindex dynamic abbrevs
1208 Emacs also provides Dynamic Abbreviations. Given a partial word, Emacs
1209 will search the buffer to find an extension for this word. For instance,
1210 one can type @samp{Abbreviations} by typing @samp{A}, followed by a keystroke
1211 that completed the @samp{A} to @samp{Abbreviations}. Repeated typing
1212 will search further back in the buffer, so that one could get
1213 @samp{Abbrevs} by repeating the
1214 keystroke, which appears earlier in the text. Emacs binds this to
1215 @kbd{@key{ESC} /}, so you will have to find a key and bind the function
1216 @code{dabbrev-expand} to that key.
1217 Facilities like this make Vi's @kbd{:ab} command obsolete.
1219 @node Movement and Markers, New Commands, Abbreviation Facilities, Improvements over Vi
1220 @section Movement and Markers
1222 @cindex Ex style motion
1223 @cindex line editor motion
1225 Viper can be set free from the line--limited movements in Vi, such as @kbd{l}
1226 refusing to move beyond the line, @key{ESC} moving one character back,
1227 etc. These derive from Ex, which is a line editor. If your @file{.viper}
1231 @code{(setq viper-ex-style-motion nil)}
1235 the motion will be a true screen editor motion. One thing you must then
1236 watch out for is that it is possible to be on the end-of-line character.
1237 The keys @kbd{x} and @kbd{%} will still work correctly, i.e., as if they
1238 were on the last character.
1240 @vindex @code{viper-syntax-preference}
1241 @cindex syntax table
1243 The word-movement commands @kbd{w}, @kbd{e}, etc., and the associated
1244 deletion/yanking commands, @kbd{dw}, @kbd{yw}, etc., can be made to
1245 understand Emacs syntax tables. If the variable
1246 @code{viper-syntax-preference} is set to @code{strict-vi} then
1247 the meaning of @emph{word} is the same as in
1248 Vi. However, if the value is @code{reformed-vi} (the default) then the
1249 alphanumeric symbols will be those specified by the current Emacs syntax
1250 table (which may be different for different major modes) plus the
1251 underscore symbol @kbd{_}, minus some non-word symbols, like '.;,|, etc.
1252 Both @code{strict-vi} and @code{reformed-vi} work close to Vi in
1253 traditional cases, but @code{reformed-vi} does a better job when editing
1254 text in non-Latin alphabets.
1256 The user can also specify the value @code{emacs}, which would
1257 make Viper use exactly the Emacs notion of word. In particular, the
1258 underscore may not be part of a word. Finally, if
1259 @code{viper-syntax-preference} is set to @code{extended}, Viper words would
1260 consist of characters that are classified as alphanumeric @emph{or} as
1261 parts of symbols. This is convenient for writing programs and in many other
1264 @code{viper-syntax-preference} is a local variable, so it can have different
1265 values for different major modes. For instance, in programming modes it can
1266 have the value @code{extended}. In text modes where words contain special
1267 characters, such as European (non-English) letters, Cyrillic letters, etc.,
1268 the value can be @code{reformed-vi} or @code{emacs}.
1270 Changes to @code{viper-syntax-preference} should be done in the hooks to
1271 various major modes by executing @code{viper-set-syntax-preference} as in
1272 the following example:
1275 (viper-set-syntax-preference nil "emacs")
1278 @findex @code{viper-set-syntax-preference}
1280 The above discussion of the meaning of Viper's words concerns only Viper's
1281 movement commands. In regular expressions, words remain the same as in
1282 Emacs. That is, the expressions @code{\w}, @code{\>}, @code{\<}, etc., use
1283 Emacs' idea of what is a word, and they don't look into the value of
1284 variable @code{viper-syntax-preference}. This is because Viper doesn't change
1285 syntax tables in fear of upsetting the various major modes that set these
1290 Textmarkers in Viper remember the file and the position, so that you can
1291 switch files by simply doing @kbd{'a}. If you set up a regimen for using
1292 Textmarkers, this is very useful. Contents of textmarkers can be viewed
1293 by @kbd{[marker}. (Contents of registers can be viewed by @kbd{]register}).
1295 @node New Commands, Useful Packages, Movement and Markers, Improvements over Vi
1296 @section New Commands
1298 These commands have no Vi analogs.
1304 These two keys invoke many important Emacs functions. For example, if you
1305 hit @kbd{C-x} followed by @kbd{2}, then the current window will be split
1306 into 2. Except for novice users, @kbd{C-c} is also set to execute an Emacs
1307 command from the current major mode. @key{ESC} will do the same, if you
1308 configure @key{ESC} as Meta by setting @code{viper-no-multiple-ESC} to nil
1309 in @file{.viper}. @xref{Customization}. @kbd{C-\} in Insert, Replace, or Vi
1310 states will make Emacs think @kbd{Meta} has been hit.@refill
1313 Escape to Emacs to execute a single Emacs command. For instance,
1314 @kbd{\ @key{ESC}} will act like a Meta key.
1317 @cindex query replace
1318 @kbd{Q} is for query replace. By default,
1319 each string to be replaced is treated as a regular expression. You can use
1320 @code{(setq viper-re-query-replace nil)} in your @file{.emacs} file to
1321 turn this off. (For normal searches, @kbd{:se nomagic} will work. Note
1322 that @kbd{:se nomagic} turns Regexps off completely, unlike Vi).
1329 These keys are used to visit files. @kbd{v} will switch to a buffer
1330 visiting file whose name can be entered in the Minibuffer. @kbd{V} is
1331 similar, but will use a window different from the current window.
1332 @kbd{C-v} is like @kbd{V}, except that a new frame (X window) will be used
1333 instead of a new Emacs window.
1336 If followed by a certain character @var{ch}, it becomes an operator whose
1337 argument is the region determined by the motion command that follows
1338 (indicated as <move>).
1339 Currently, @var{ch} can be one of @kbd{c}, @kbd{C}, @kbd{g}, @kbd{q}, and
1340 @kbd{s}. For instance, @kbd{#qr} will prompt you for a string and then
1341 prepend this string to each line in the buffer.@refill
1343 @kindex @kbd{#c<move>}
1344 @cindex changing case
1345 Change upper-case characters in the region to lower-case
1346 (@code{downcase-region}).
1347 Emacs command @kbd{M-l} does the same for words.
1349 @kindex @kbd{#C<move>}
1350 Change lower-case characters in the region to upper-case. For instance,
1351 @kbd{# C 3 w} will capitalize 3 words from the current point
1352 (@code{upcase-region}).
1353 Emacs command @kbd{M-u} does the same for words.
1355 @kindex @kbd{#g<move>}
1356 Execute last keyboard macro for each line in the region
1357 (@code{viper-global-execute}).@refill
1359 @kindex @kbd{#q<move>}
1360 Insert specified string at the beginning of each line in the region
1361 (@code{viper-quote-region}). The default string is composed of the comment
1362 character(s) appropriate for the current major mode.
1364 @kindex @kbd{#s<move>}
1365 Check spelling of words in the region (@code{spell-region}).
1366 The function used for spelling is determined from the variable
1367 @code{viper-spell-function}.
1368 @vindex @code{viper-spell-function}
1371 Call last keyboard macro.
1373 Set mark at point and push old mark off the ring
1376 Set mark at beginning and end of buffer, respectively.
1378 Jump to mark and pop mark off the ring. @xref{Mark,,Mark,emacs,The GNU
1379 Emacs Manual}, for more info.
1381 @kindex @kbd{]<a-z>}
1382 View contents of register
1384 @kindex @kbd{[<a-z>}
1385 View filename and position of textmarker
1390 @kindex @kbd{@@<a-z>}
1392 @cindex keyboard macros
1393 @cindex register execution
1395 Begin/end keyboard macro. @@register has a different meaning when used after
1396 a @kbd{@@#}. @xref{Macros and Registers}, for details
1399 Go to end of heading.
1400 @item g <@emph{movement command}>
1401 Search buffer for text delimited by movement command. The canonical
1402 example is @kbd{gw} to search for the word under the cursor.
1403 @xref{Improved Search}, for details.@refill
1407 Quit and Abort Recursive edit. These may be necessary on occasion.
1408 @xref{Vi State}, for a reason.
1411 Hitting @kbd{C-c} followed by @kbd{g} will display the information on the
1412 current buffer. This is the same as hitting @kbd{C-g} in Vi, but, as
1413 explained above, @kbd{C-g} is needed for other purposes in Emacs.
1416 Without a prefix argument, this command toggles
1417 case-sensitive/case-insensitive search modes and plain vanilla/regular
1418 expression search. With the prefix argument 1, i.e.,
1419 @kbd{1 C-c /}, this toggles case-sensitivity; with the prefix argument 2,
1420 toggles plain vanilla search and search using
1421 regular expressions. @xref{Viper Specials}, for alternative ways to invoke
1423 @cindex vanilla search
1424 @cindex case-sensitive search
1425 @cindex case-insensitive search
1430 In the Minibuffer, these commands navigate through the minibuffer
1431 histories, such as the history of search strings, Ex commands, etc.
1433 @item C-c M-p and C-c M-n
1434 @kindex @kbd{C-c M-p}
1435 @kindex @kbd{C-c M-n}
1436 @cindex Insertion history
1437 @cindex Insertion ring
1438 @cindex Command history
1439 @cindex Command ring
1441 In Insert or Replace state, these commands let the user
1442 peruse the history of insertion strings used in previous insert or replace
1443 commands. Try to hit @kbd{C-c M-p} or @kbd{C-c M-n} repeatedly and see what
1444 happens. @xref{Viper Specials}, for more.
1446 In Vi state, these commands let the user peruse the history of Vi-style
1447 destructive commands, such as @kbd{dw}, @kbd{J}, @kbd{a}, etc.
1448 By repeatedly typing @kbd{C-c M-p} or @kbd{C-c M-n} you will cycle Viper
1449 through the recent history of Vi commands, displaying the commands one by
1451 an appropriate command is found, it can be executed by typing `@kbd{.}'.
1453 Since typing @kbd{C-c M-p} is tedious, it is more convenient to bind an
1454 appropriate function to a function key on the keyboard and use that key.
1455 @xref{Viper Specials}, for details.
1462 The commands @kbd{:args}, @kbd{:next}, @kbd{:pre} behave
1463 differently. @kbd{:pwd} exists to get current directory.
1464 The commands @kbd{:b} and @kbd{:B} switch buffers around. @xref{File and
1465 Buffer Handling}, for details.
1466 There are also the new commands @kbd{:RelatedFile} and
1467 @kbd{PreviousRelatedFile} (which abbreviate to @kbd{R} and @kbd{P},
1468 respectively. @xref{Viper Specials}, for details.
1469 @findex @kbd{:RelatedFile}
1470 @findex @kbd{:PreviousRelatedFile}
1473 Apart from the new commands, many old commands have been enhanced. Most
1474 notably, Vi style macros are much more powerful in Viper than in Vi. @xref{Vi
1475 Macros}, for details.
1477 @node Useful Packages, ,New Commands, Improvements over Vi
1478 @section Useful Packages
1480 Some Emacs packages are mentioned here as an aid to the new Viper user, to
1481 indicate what Viper is capable of.
1482 A vast number comes with the standard Emacs distribution, and many more exist
1483 on the net and on the archives.
1485 This manual also mentions some Emacs features a new user
1486 should know about. The details of these are found in the GNU Emacs
1489 The features first. For details, look up the Emacs Manual.
1496 Makes and Compiles can be done from the editor. Error messages will be
1497 parsed and you can move to the error lines.
1500 @cindex interactive shell
1501 You can talk to Shells from inside the editor. Your entire shell session
1502 can be treated as a file.
1506 Mail can be read from and sent within the editor. Several sophisticated
1508 @item Language Sensitive Editing
1509 Editing modes are written for most computer languages in existence. By
1510 controlling indentation, they catch punctuation errors.
1513 The packages, below, represents a drop in the sea of special-purpose
1514 packages that come with standard distribution of Emacs.
1517 @item Transparent FTP
1518 @cindex transparent ftp
1520 @code{ange-ftp.el} can ftp from the editor to files on other machines
1521 transparent to the user.
1522 @item RCS Interfaces
1523 @cindex version maintenance
1526 @code{vc.el} for doing RCS commands from inside the editor
1527 @item Directory Editor
1530 @code{dired.el} for editing contents of directories and for navigating in
1532 @item Syntactic Highlighting
1534 @pindex font-lock.el
1535 @code{font-lock.el} for automatic highlighting various parts of a buffer
1536 using different fonts and colors.
1537 @item Saving Emacs Configuration
1540 @code{desktop.el} for saving/restoring configuration on Emacs exit/startup.
1544 @code{ispell.el} for spell checking the buffer, words, regions, etc.
1545 @item File and Buffer Comparison
1548 @code{ediff.el} for finding differences between files and for applying
1553 Emacs Lisp archives exist on
1554 @samp{archive.cis.ohio-state.edu}
1555 and @samp{wuarchive.wustl.edu}@refill
1558 @node Customization,Commands,Improvements over Vi,Top
1559 @chapter Customization
1561 @cindex customization
1563 Customization can be done in 2 ways.
1567 @cindex initialization
1569 Elisp code in a @file{.viper} file in your home directory. Viper
1570 loads @file{.viper} just before it does the binding for mode
1571 hooks. This is the recommended method.
1574 Elisp code in your @file{.emacs} file before and after the @code{(require
1575 'viper)} line. This method is not recommended, unless you know what you are
1576 doing. Only two variables, @code{viper-mode} and
1577 @code{viper-custom-file-name} are supposed to be customized in @file{.emacs},
1578 prior to loading Viper.@refill
1582 Most of Viper's behavior can be customized via the interactive Emacs user
1583 interface. Choose "Customize" from the menubar, click on "Editing", then on
1584 "Emulations". The customization widget is self-explanatory. Once you are
1585 satisfied with your changes, save them into a file and then include the
1586 contents of that file in the Viper customization repository, @file{.viper}
1587 (except for @code{viper-mode} and @code{viper-custom-file-name}, which are
1588 supposed to go into @code{.emacs}).
1590 Some advanced customization cannot be accomplished this way, however, and
1591 has to be done in Emacs Lisp. For the common cases, examples are provided
1592 that you can use directly.
1595 * Rudimentary Changes:: Simple constant definitions.
1596 * Keybindings:: Enabling Emacs Keys, Rebinding keys, etc.
1597 * Packages that Change Keymaps:: How to deal with such beasts.
1598 * Viper Specials:: Special Viper commands.
1599 * Vi Macros:: How to do Vi style macros.
1602 @node Rudimentary Changes,Keybindings,Customization,Customization
1603 @section Rudimentary Changes
1605 @cindex setting variables
1606 @cindex variables for customization
1609 An easy way to customize Viper is to change the values of constants used in
1610 Viper. Here is the list of the constants used in Viper and their default
1611 values. The corresponding :se command is also indicated. (The symbols
1612 @code{t} and @code{nil} represent ``true'' and ``false'' in Lisp).
1614 Viper supports both the abbreviated Vi variable names and their full
1615 names. Variable completion is done on full names only. @key{TAB} and
1617 variable names. Typing `=' will complete the name and then will prompt for
1618 a value, if applicable. For instance, @kbd{:se au @key{SPC}} will complete the
1619 command to @kbd{:set autoindent}; @kbd{:se ta @key{SPC}} will complete the command
1620 and prompt further like this: @kbd{:set tabstop = }.
1621 However, typing @kbd{:se ts @key{SPC}} will produce a ``No match'' message
1622 because @kbd{ts} is an abbreviation for @kbd{tabstop} and Viper supports
1623 completion on full names only. However, you can still hit @key{RET}
1624 or @kbd{=}, which will complete the command like this: @kbd{:set ts = } and
1625 Viper will be waiting for you to type a value for the tabstop variable.
1626 To get the full list of Vi variables, type @kbd{:se @key{SPC} @key{TAB}}.
1629 @item viper-auto-indent nil
1630 @itemx :se ai (:se autoindent)
1631 @itemx :se ai-g (:se autoindent-global)
1632 If @code{t}, enable auto indentation.
1633 by @key{RET}, @kbd{o} or @kbd{O} command.
1635 @code{viper-auto-indent} is a local variable. To change the value globally, use
1636 @code{setq-default}. It may be useful for certain major modes to have their
1637 own values of @code{viper-auto-indent}. This can be achieved by using
1638 @code{setq} to change the local value of this variable in the hooks to the
1639 appropriate major modes.
1641 @kbd{:se ai} changes the value of @code{viper-auto-indent} in the current
1642 buffer only; @kbd{:se ai-g} does the same globally.
1643 @item viper-electric-mode t
1644 If not @code{nil}, auto-indentation becomes electric, which means that
1645 @key{RET}, @kbd{O}, and @kbd{o} indent cursor according to the current
1646 major mode. In the future, this variable may control additional electric
1649 This is a local variable: @code{setq} changes the value of this variable
1650 in the current buffer only. Use @code{setq-default} to change the value in
1652 @item viper-case-fold-search nil
1653 @itemx :se ic (:se ignorecase)
1654 If not @code{nil}, search ignores cases.
1655 This can also be toggled by quickly hitting @kbd{/} twice.
1656 @item viper-re-search nil
1658 If not @code{nil}, search will use regular expressions; if @code{nil} then
1660 This behavior can also be toggled by quickly hitting @kbd{/} trice.
1661 @item buffer-read-only
1662 @itemx :se ro (:se readonly)
1663 Set current buffer to read only. To change globally put
1664 @code{(setq-default buffer-read-only t)} in your @file{.emacs} file.
1665 @item blink-matching-paren t
1666 @itemx :se sm (:se showmatch)
1667 Show matching parens by blinking cursor.
1668 @item tab-width t (default setting via @code{setq-default})
1669 @itemx :se ts=value (:se tabstop=value)
1670 @itemx :se ts-g=value (:se tabstop-global=value)
1671 @code{tab-width} is a local variable that controls the width of the tab stops.
1672 To change the value globally, use @code{setq-default}; for local settings,
1675 The command @kbd{:se ts}
1676 sets the tab width in the current
1677 buffer only; it has no effect on other buffers.
1679 The command @kbd{:se ts-g} sets tab width globally,
1680 for all buffers where the tab is not yet set locally,
1681 including the new buffers.
1683 Note that typing @key{TAB} normally
1684 doesn't insert the tab, since this key is usually bound to
1685 a text-formatting function, @code{indent-for-tab-command} (which facilitates
1686 programming and document writing). Instead, the tab is inserted via the
1687 command @code{viper-insert-tab}, which is bound to @kbd{S-tab} (shift + tab).
1689 On some non-windowing terminals, Shift doesn't modify the @key{TAB} key, so
1690 @kbd{S-tab} behaves as if it were @key{TAB}. In such a case, you will have
1691 to bind @code{viper-insert-tab} to some other convenient key.
1693 @item viper-shift-width 8
1694 @itemx :se sw=value (:se shiftwidth=value)
1695 The number of columns shifted by @kbd{>} and @kbd{<} commands.
1696 @item viper-search-wrap-around t
1697 @itemx :se ws (:se wrapscan)
1698 If not @code{nil}, search wraps around the end/beginning of buffer.
1699 @item viper-search-scroll-threshold 2
1700 If search lands within this many lines of the window top or bottom, the
1701 window will be scrolled up or down by about 1/7-th of its size, to reveal
1702 the context. If the value is negative---don't scroll.
1703 @item viper-tags-file-name "TAGS"
1704 The name of the file used as the tag table.
1705 @item viper-re-query-replace nil
1706 If not @code{nil}, use reg-exp replace in query replace.
1707 @item viper-want-ctl-h-help nil
1708 If not @code{nil}, @kbd{C-h} is bound to @code{help-command};
1709 otherwise, @kbd{C-h} is bound as usual in Vi.
1710 @item viper-vi-style-in-minibuffer t
1711 If not @code{nil}, Viper provides a high degree of compatibility with Vi
1712 insert mode when you type text in the Minibuffer; if @code{nil}, typing in
1713 the Minibuffer feels like plain Emacs.
1714 @item viper-no-multiple-ESC t
1715 If you set this to @code{nil}, you can use @key{ESC} as Meta in Vi state.
1716 Normally, this is not necessary, since graphical displays have separate
1717 Meta keys (usually on each side of the space bar). On a dumb terminal, Viper
1718 sets this variable to @code{twice}, which is almost like @code{nil}, except
1719 that double @key{ESC} beeps. This, too, lets @key{ESC} to be used as a Meta.
1720 @item viper-ESC-keyseq-timeout 200 on tty, 0 on windowing display
1721 Escape key sequences separated by this much delay (in milliseconds) are
1722 interpreted as command, ignoring the special meaning of @key{ESC} in
1723 VI. The default is suitable for most terminals. However, if your terminal
1724 is extremely slow, you might want to increase this slightly. You will know
1725 if your terminal is slow if the @key{ESC} key sequences emitted by the
1726 arrow keys are interpreted as separately typed characters (and thus the
1727 arrow keys won't work). Making this value too large will slow you down, so
1729 @item viper-fast-keyseq-timeout 200
1730 Key sequences separated by this many milliseconds are treated as Vi-style
1731 keyboard macros. If the key sequence is defined as such a macro, it will be
1732 executed. Otherwise, it is processed as an ordinary sequence of typed keys.
1734 Setting this variable too high may slow down your typing. Setting it too
1735 low may make it hard to type macros quickly enough.
1736 @item viper-ex-style-motion t
1737 Set this to @code{nil}, if you want @kbd{l,h} to cross
1738 lines, etc. @xref{Movement and Markers}, for more info.
1739 @item viper-ex-style-editing t
1740 Set this to to @code{nil}, if you want
1741 @kbd{C-h} and @key{DEL} to not stop
1742 at the beginning of a line in Insert state, @key{X} and @key{x} to delete
1743 characters across lines in Vi command state, etc.
1744 @item viper-ESC-moves-cursor-back t
1745 It t, cursor moves back 1 character when switching from insert state to vi
1746 state. If nil, the cursor stays where it was before the switch.
1747 @item viper-always t
1748 @code{t} means: leave it to Viper to decide when a buffer must be brought
1750 Insert state, or Emacs state. This heuristics works well in virtually all
1751 cases. @code{nil} means you either has to invoke @code{viper-mode} manually
1752 for each buffer (or you can add @code{viper-mode} to the appropriate major mode
1753 hooks using @code{viper-load-hook}).
1755 This option must be set in the file @file{~/.viper}.
1756 @item viper-custom-file-name "~/.viper"
1757 File used for Viper-specific customization.
1758 Change this setting, if you want. Must be set in @file{.emacs} (not @file{.viper}!)
1759 before Viper is loaded. Note that you
1760 have to set it as a string inside double quotes.
1761 @item viper-spell-function 'ispell-region
1762 Function used by the command @kbd{#c<move>} to spell.
1763 @item ex-nontrivial-find-file-function
1764 The value of this variable is the function used to find all files that
1765 match a wildcard. This is usually done when the user types @kbd{:e} and
1766 specifies a wildcard in the file name (or if the file name contains unusual
1767 symbols (e.g., a space). Viper provides two functions for this: one for
1768 Unix-like systems (@code{viper-ex-nontrivial-find-file-unix}) and one for
1769 DOS, W95, and NT (@code{viper-ex-nontrivial-find-file-ms}). If the default
1770 function doesn't quite do what you expect or if you prefer to use ``fancy''
1771 shells, you may have to write your own version of this function and make it
1772 into the value of @code{ex-nontrivial-find-file-function}. Use
1773 @code{viper-ex-nontrivial-find-file-unix} and
1774 @code{viper-ex-nontrivial-find-file-ms} as examples.
1775 @vindex @code{ex-nontrivial-find-file-function}.
1776 @findex @code{viper-ex-nontrivial-find-file-ms}
1777 @findex @code{viper-ex-nontrivial-find-file-unix}
1778 @item ex-cycle-other-window t
1779 If not @code{nil}, @kbd{:n} and @kbd{:b} will cycle through files in another
1780 window, if one exists.
1781 @item ex-cycle-through-non-files nil
1782 @kbd{:n} does not normally cycle through buffers. Set this to get
1784 @item viper-want-emacs-keys-in-insert
1785 This is set to @code{nil} for user levels 1 and 2 and to @code{t} for user
1786 levels 3 and 4. Users who specify level 5 are allowed to set this variable
1787 as they please (the default for this level is @code{t}). If set to
1788 @code{nil}, complete Vi compatibility is provided in Insert state. This is
1789 really not recommended, as this precludes you from using language-specific
1790 features provided by the major modes.
1791 @item viper-want-emacs-keys-in-vi
1792 This is set to @code{nil} for user
1793 level 1 and to @code{t} for user levels 2--4.
1794 At level 5, users are allowed to set this variable as they please (the
1795 default for this level is @code{t}).
1796 If set to @code{nil}, complete Vi compatibility is provided
1797 in Vi command state. Setting this to @code{nil} is really a bad idea,
1798 unless you are a novice, as this precludes the use
1799 of language-specific features provided by the major modes.
1800 @item viper-keep-point-on-repeat t
1801 If not @code{nil}, point is not moved when the user repeats the previous
1802 command by typing `.' This is very useful for doing repeated changes with
1804 @item viper-repeat-from-history-key 'f12
1805 Prefix key used to invoke the macros @kbd{f12 1} and @kbd{f12 2} that repeat
1806 the second-last and the third-last destructive command.
1807 Both these macros are bound (as Viper macros) to
1808 @code{viper-repeat-from-history},
1809 which checks the second key by which it is invoked to see which of the
1810 previous commands to invoke. Viper binds @kbd{f12 1} and @kbd{f12 2} only,
1811 but the user can bind more in @file{~/.viper}. @xref{Vi Macros}, for how to do
1813 @item viper-keep-point-on-undo nil
1814 If not @code{nil}, Viper tries to not move point when undoing commands.
1815 Instead, it will briefly move the cursor to the place where change has
1816 taken place. However, if the undone piece of text is not seen in window,
1817 then point will be moved to the place where the change took place.
1818 Set it to @code{t} and see if you like it better.
1819 @item viper-delete-backwards-in-replace nil
1820 If not @code{nil}, @key{DEL} key will delete characters while moving the cursor
1821 backwards. If @code{nil}, the cursor will move backwards without deleting
1823 @item viper-replace-overlay-face 'viper-replace-overlay-face
1824 On a graphical display, Viper highlights replacement regions instead of
1825 putting a @samp{$} at the end. This variable controls the so called
1826 @dfn{face} used to highlight the region.
1828 By default, @code{viper-replace-overlay-face} underlines the replacement on
1829 monochrome displays and also lays a stipple over them. On color displays,
1830 replacement regions are highlighted with color.
1832 If you know something about Emacs faces and don't like how Viper highlights
1833 replacement regions, you can change @code{viper-replace-overlay-face} by
1834 specifying a new face. (Emacs faces are described in the Emacs Lisp
1835 reference.) On a color display, the following customization method is
1836 usually most effective:
1838 (set-face-foreground viper-replace-overlay-face "DarkSlateBlue")
1839 (set-face-background viper-replace-overlay-face "yellow")
1841 For a complete list of colors available to you, evaluate the expression
1842 @code{(x-defined-colors)}. (Type it in the buffer @code{*scratch*} and then
1843 hit the @kbd{C-j} key.
1845 @item viper-replace-overlay-cursor-color "Red"
1846 @vindex @code{viper-replace-overlay-cursor-color}
1847 Cursor color when it is inside the replacement region.
1848 This has effect only on color displays and only when Emacs runs as an X
1850 @item viper-insert-state-cursor-color nil
1851 @vindex @code{viper-insert-state-cursor-color}
1852 If set to a valid color, this will be the cursor color when Viper is in
1854 @item viper-replace-region-end-delimiter "$"
1855 A string used to mark the end of replacement regions. It is used only on
1856 TTYs or if @code{viper-use-replace-region-delimiters} is non-nil.
1857 @item viper-replace-region-start-delimiter ""
1858 A string used to mark the beginning of replacement regions. It is used
1859 only on TTYs or if @code{viper-use-replace-region-delimiters} is non-nil.
1860 @item viper-use-replace-region-delimiters
1861 If non-nil, Viper will always use @code{viper-replace-region-end-delimiter} and
1862 @code{viper-replace-region-start-delimiter} to delimit replacement regions,
1863 even on color displays (where this is unnecessary). By default, this
1864 variable is non-nil only on TTYs or monochrome displays.
1865 @item viper-allow-multiline-replace-regions t
1866 If non-nil, multi-line text replacement regions, such as those produced by
1867 commands @kbd{c55w}, @kbd{3C}, etc., will stay around until the user exits
1868 the replacement mode. In this variable is set to @code{nil}, Viper will
1869 emulate the standard Vi behavior, which supports only intra-line
1870 replacement regions (and multi-line replacement regions are deleted).
1871 @item viper-toggle-key "\C-z"
1872 Specifies the key used to switch from Emacs to Vi and back.
1873 Must be set in @file{.viper}. This variable can't be
1874 changed interactively after Viper is loaded.
1876 In Insert state, this key acts as a temporary escape to Vi state, i.e., it
1877 will set Viper up so that the very next command will be executed as if it
1878 were typed in Vi state.
1879 @item viper-ESC-key "\e"
1880 Specifies the key used to escape from Insert/Replace states to Vi.
1881 Must be set in @file{.viper}. This variable cannot be
1882 changed interactively after Viper is loaded.
1883 @item viper-buffer-search-char nil
1884 Key used for buffer search. @xref{Viper Specials}, for details.
1885 @item viper-surrounding-word-function 'viper-surrounding-word
1886 The value of this variable is a function name that is used to determine
1887 what constitutes a word clicked upon by the mouse. This is used by mouse
1889 @item viper-search-face 'viper-search-face
1890 Variable that controls how search patterns are highlighted when they are
1892 @item viper-vi-state-hook nil
1893 List of parameterless functions to be run just after entering the Vi
1895 @item viper-insert-state-hook nil
1896 Same for Insert state. This hook is also run after entering Replace state.
1897 @item viper-replace-state-hook nil
1898 List of (parameterless) functions called just after entering Replace state
1899 (and after all @code{viper-insert-state-hook}).
1900 @item viper-emacs-state-hook nil
1901 List of (parameterless) functions called just after switching from Vi state
1903 @item viper-load-hook nil
1904 List of (parameterless) functions called just after loading Viper. This is
1905 the last chance to do customization before Viper is up and running.
1908 You can reset some of these constants in Viper with the Ex command @kbd{:set}
1909 (when so indicated in the table). Or you
1910 can include a line like this in your @file{.viper} file:
1912 (setq viper-case-fold-search t)
1914 @vindex @code{viper-auto-indent}
1915 @vindex @code{viper-electric-mode}
1916 @vindex @code{viper-case-fold-search}
1917 @vindex @code{viper-re-search}
1918 @vindex @code{viper-shift-width}
1919 @vindex @code{buffer-read-only}
1920 @vindex @code{viper-search-wrap-around}
1921 @vindex @code{viper-search-scroll-threshold}
1922 @vindex @code{viper-search-face}
1923 @vindex @code{viper-tags-file-name}
1924 @vindex @code{viper-re-query-replace}
1925 @vindex @code{viper-want-ctl-h-help}
1926 @vindex @code{viper-vi-style-in-minibuffer}
1927 @vindex @code{viper-no-multiple-ESC}
1928 @vindex @code{viper-always}
1929 @vindex @code{viper-ESC-keyseq-timeout}
1930 @vindex @code{viper-fast-keyseq-timeout}
1931 @vindex @code{viper-ex-style-motion}
1932 @vindex @code{viper-ex-style-editing}
1933 @vindex @code{viper-ESC-moves-cursor-back}
1934 @vindex @code{viper-custom-file-name}
1935 @vindex @code{viper-spell-function}
1936 @vindex @code{ex-cycle-other-window}
1937 @vindex @code{ex-cycle-through-non-files}
1938 @vindex @code{viper-want-emacs-keys-in-insert}
1939 @vindex @code{viper-want-emacs-keys-in-vi}
1940 @vindex @code{viper-keep-point-on-repeat}
1941 @vindex @code{viper-keep-point-on-undo}
1942 @vindex @code{viper-delete-backwards-in-replace}
1943 @vindex @code{viper-replace-overlay-face}
1944 @vindex @code{viper-replace-region-end-symbol}
1945 @vindex @code{viper-replace-region-start-symbol}
1946 @vindex @code{viper-allow-multiline-replace-regions}
1947 @vindex @code{viper-toggle-key}
1948 @vindex @code{viper-ESC-key}
1949 @vindex @code{viper-buffer-search-char}
1950 @vindex @code{viper-surrounding-word-function}
1951 @vindex @code{viper-vi-state-hook}
1952 @vindex @code{viper-insert-state-hook}
1953 @vindex @code{viper-replace-state-hook}
1954 @vindex @code{viper-emacs-state-hook}
1956 @node Keybindings, Packages that Change Keymaps, Rudimentary Changes,Customization
1957 @section Keybindings
1962 Viper lets you define hot keys, i.e., you can associate keyboard keys
1963 such as F1, Help, PgDn, etc., with Emacs Lisp functions (that may already
1964 exist or that you will write). Each key has a "preferred form" in
1965 Emacs. For instance, the Up key's preferred form is [up], the Help key's
1966 preferred form is [help], and the Undo key has the preferred form [f14].
1967 You can find out the preferred form of a key by typing @kbd{M-x
1968 describe-key-briefly} and then typing the key you want to know about.
1970 Under X Windows, every keyboard key emits its preferred form, so you can
1974 (global-set-key [f11] 'calendar) ; L1, Stop
1975 (global-set-key [f14] 'undo) ; L4, Undo
1979 to bind L1 so it will invoke the Emacs Calendar and to bind L4 so it will
1981 However, on a dumb terminal or in an Xterm window, even the standard arrow
1983 not emit the right signals for Emacs to understand. To let Emacs know about
1984 those keys, you will have to find out which key sequences they emit
1985 by typing @kbd{C-q} and then the key (you should switch to Emacs state
1986 first). Then you can bind those sequences to their preferred forms using
1987 @code{function-key-map} as follows:
1990 (cond ((string= (getenv "TERM") "xterm")
1991 (define-key function-key-map "\e[192z" [f11]) ; L1
1992 (define-key function-key-map "\e[195z" [f14]) ; L4, Undo
1995 The above illustrates how to do this for Xterm. On VT100, you would have to
1996 replace "xterm" with "vt100" and also change the key sequences (the same
1997 key may emit different sequences on different types of terminals).
1999 The above keys are global, so they are overwritten by the local maps
2000 defined by the major modes and by Viper itself. Therefore, if you wish to
2001 change a binding set by a major mode or by Viper, read this.
2003 Viper users who wish to specify their own key bindings should be concerned
2004 only with the following three keymaps:
2005 @code{viper-vi-global-user-map} for Vi state commands,
2006 @code{viper-insert-global-user-map} for Insert state commands,
2007 and @code{viper-emacs-global-user-map} for Emacs state commands (note:
2008 customized bindings for Emacs state made to @code{viper-emacs-global-user-map}
2009 are @emph{not} inherited by Insert state).
2011 For more information on Viper keymaps, see the header of the file
2013 If you wish to change a Viper binding, you can use the
2014 @code{define-key} command, to modify @code{viper-vi-global-user-map},
2015 @code{viper-insert-global-user-map}, and @code{viper-emacs-global-user-map}, as
2016 explained below. Each of these key maps affects the corresponding Viper state.
2017 The keymap @code{viper-vi-global-user-map} also affects Viper's Replace state.
2021 bind a key, say @kbd{C-v}, to the function that scrolls
2022 page down and to make @kbd{0} display information on the current buffer,
2023 putting this in @file{.viper} will do the trick in Vi state:
2025 (define-key viper-vi-global-user-map "\C-v" 'scroll-down)
2028 To set a key globally,
2030 (define-key viper-emacs-global-user-map "\C-c m" 'smail)
2031 (define-key viper-vi-global-user-map "0" 'viper-info-on-file)
2034 Note, however, that this binding may be overwritten by other keymaps, since
2035 the global keymap has the lowest priority.
2036 To make sure that nothing will override a binding in Emacs state, you
2039 (define-key viper-emacs-global-user-map "\C-c m" 'smail)
2042 To customize the binding for @kbd{C-h} in Insert state:
2044 (define-key viper-insert-global-user-map "\C-h" 'my-del-backwards-function)
2048 Each Emacs command key calls some lisp function. If you have enabled the
2049 Help, (@pxref{Rudimentary Changes}) @kbd{C-h k} will show you the function
2050 for each specific key; @kbd{C-h b} will show all bindings, and @kbd{C-h m}
2051 will provide information on the major mode in effect. If Help is not
2052 enabled, you can still get help in Vi state by prefixing the above commands
2053 with @kbd{\}, e.g., @kbd{\ C-h k} (or you can use the Help menu in the
2054 menu bar, if Emacs runs under X Windows).
2056 Viper users can also change bindings on a per major mode basis. As with
2057 global bindings, this can be done separately for each of the three main Viper
2058 states. To this end, Viper provides the function
2059 @code{viper-modify-major-mode}.
2060 @findex @code{viper-modify-major-mode}
2062 To modify keys in Emacs state for @code{my-favorite-major-mode}, the user
2063 needs to create a sparse keymap, say, @code{my-fancy-map}, bind whatever
2064 keys necessary in that keymap, and put
2067 (viper-modify-major-mode 'dired-mode 'emacs-state my-fancy-map)
2071 in @file{~/.viper}. To do the same in Vi and Insert states, you should use
2072 @code{vi-state} and @code{insert-state}. Changes in Insert state are also
2073 in effect in Replace state. For instance, suppose that the user wants to
2074 use @kbd{dd} in Vi state under Dired mode to delete files, @kbd{u} to unmark
2075 files, etc. The following code in @file{~/.viper} will then do the job:
2078 (setq my-dired-modifier-map (make-sparse-keymap))
2079 (define-key my-dired-modifier-map "dd" 'dired-flag-file-deletion)
2080 (define-key my-dired-modifier-map "u" 'dired-unmark)
2081 (viper-modify-major-mode 'dired-mode 'vi-state my-dired-modifier-map)
2084 A Vi purist may want to modify Emacs state under Dired mode so that
2085 @kbd{k}, @kbd{l}, etc., will move around in directory buffers, as in
2086 Vi. Although this is not recommended, as these keys are bound to useful
2087 Dired functions, the trick can be accomplished via the following code:
2090 (setq my-dired-vi-purist-map (make-sparse-keymap))
2091 (define-key my-dired-vi-purist-map "k" 'viper-previous-line)
2092 (define-key my-dired-vi-purist-map "l" 'viper-forward-char)
2093 (viper-modify-major-mode 'dired-mode 'emacs-state my-dired-vi-purist-map)
2096 Yet another way to customize key bindings in a major mode is to edit the
2097 list @code{viper-major-mode-modifier-list} using the customization widget.
2098 @vindex @code{viper-major-mode-modifier-list}
2099 (This variable is in the Viper-misc customization group.)
2100 The elements of this list are triples of the form: (major-mode viper-state
2101 keymap), where the keymap contains bindings that are supposed to be active
2102 in the given major mode and the given viper-state.
2104 Effects similar to key binding changes can be achieved by defining Vi
2105 keyboard macros using the Ex commands @kbd{:map} and @kbd{:map!}. The
2106 difference is that multi-key Vi macros do not override the keys they are
2107 bound to, unless these keys are typed in quick succession. So, with macros,
2108 one can use the normal keys alongside with the macros. If per-mode
2109 modifications are needed, the user can try both ways and see which one is
2112 @xref{Vi Macros}, for details.
2114 Note: in major modes that come up in @emph{Emacs state} by default, the
2115 aforesaid modifications may not take place immediately (but only after the
2116 buffer switches to some other Viper state and then back to Emacs state). To
2117 avoid this, one should add @code{viper-change-state-to-emacs} to an
2118 appropriate hook of that major mode. (Check the function
2119 @code{viper-set-hooks} in @file{viper.el} for examples.) However, if you
2120 have set @code{viper-always} to @code{t}, chances are that you won't need to
2121 perform the above procedure, because Viper will take care of most useful
2125 Finally, Viper has a facility that lets the user define per-buffer
2126 bindings, i.e., bindings that are in effect in some specific buffers
2127 only. Unlike per-mode bindings described above, per-buffer bindings can be
2128 defined based on considerations other than the major mode. This is done
2129 via the function @code{viper-add-local-keys}, which lets one specify bindings
2130 that should be in effect in the current buffer only and for a specific Viper
2131 state. For instance,
2133 (viper-add-local-keys 'vi-state '(("ZZ" .@: TeX-command-master)
2134 ("ZQ" .@: viper-save-kill-buffer)))
2137 redefines @kbd{ZZ} to invoke @code{TeX-command-master} in @code{vi-state}
2138 and @kbd{ZQ} to save-then-kill the current buffer. These bindings take
2139 effect only in the buffer where this command is executed. The typical use
2140 of this function is to execute the above expression from within a function
2141 that is included in a hook to some major mode. For instance, the above
2143 could be called from a function, @code{my-tex-init}, which may be added to
2144 @code{tex-mode-hook} as follows:
2146 (add-hook 'tex-mode-hook 'my-tex-init)
2149 When TeX mode starts, the hook is executed and the above Lisp expression is
2150 evaluated. Then, the bindings for @kbd{ZZ} and @kbd{ZQ} are changed in Vi
2151 command mode for all buffers in TeX mode.
2153 Another useful application is to bind @kbd{ZZ} to @code{send-mail}
2154 in the Mail mode buffers (the specifics of this depend on which mail
2155 package you are using, @code{rmail}, @code{mh-e}, @code{vm}, etc.
2156 For instance, here is how to do this for @code{mh-e}, the Emacs interface
2159 (defun mh-add-vi-keys ()
2160 "Set up ZZ for MH-e and XMH."
2161 (viper-add-local-keys 'vi-state '(("ZZ" .@: mh-send-letter))))
2162 (add-hook 'mh-letter-mode-hook 'mh-add-vi-keys)
2165 You can also use @code{viper-add-local-keys} to set per buffer
2166 bindings in Insert state and Emacs state by passing as a parameter the
2167 symbols @code{insert-state} and @code{emacs-state}, respectively.
2168 As with global bindings, customized local bindings done to Emacs state
2169 are not inherited by Insert state.
2171 On rare occasions, local keys may be added by mistake. Usually this is done
2172 indirectly, by invoking a major mode that adds local keys (e.g.,
2173 @code{shell-mode} redefines @key{RET}). In such a case, exiting the wrong
2174 major mode won't rid you from unwanted local keys, since these keys are
2175 local to Viper state and the current buffer, not to the major mode.
2176 In such situations, the remedy is to type @kbd{M-x viper-zap-local-keys}.
2178 So much about Viper-specific bindings.
2179 @xref{Customization,,Customization,emacs,The GNU Emacs
2180 Manual}, and the Emacs quick reference card for the general info on key
2183 @vindex @code{function-key-map}
2184 @vindex @code{viper-vi-global-user-map}
2185 @vindex @code{viper-insert-global-user-map}
2186 @vindex @code{viper-emacs-global-user-map}
2187 @findex @code{viper-add-local-keys}
2188 @findex @code{viper-zap-local-keys}
2190 @node Packages that Change Keymaps,Viper Specials,Keybindings,Customization
2191 @subsection Packages that Change Keymaps
2192 @cindex C-c and Viper
2193 @cindex Viper and C-c
2195 Viper is designed to coexist with all major and minor modes of Emacs. This
2196 means that bindings set by those modes are generally available with Viper
2197 (unless you explicitly prohibit them by setting
2198 @code{viper-want-emacs-keys-in-vi} and @code{viper-want-emacs-keys-in-insert} to
2200 If @code{viper-always} is set to @code{t}, Viper will try to bring each buffer
2201 in the Viper state that is most appropriate for that buffer.
2202 Usually, this would be the Vi state, but sometimes it could be the Insert
2203 state or the Emacs state.
2205 Some major mode bindings will necessarily be overwritten by Viper. Indeed, in
2206 Vi state, most of the 1-character keys are used for Vi-style editing. This
2207 usually causes no problems because most packages designed for editing files
2208 typically do not bind such keys. Instead, they use key sequences that start
2209 with @kbd{C-x} and @kbd{C-c}. This is why it was so important for us to
2210 free up @kbd{C-x} and @kbd{C-c}.
2211 It is common for language-specific major modes to bind @key{TAB} and
2212 @kbd{C-j} (the line feed) keys to various formatting functions. This is
2213 extremely useful, but may require some getting used to for a Vi user. If you
2214 decide that this feature is not for you, you can re-bind these keys as
2215 explained earlier (@pxref{Customization}).
2217 Binding for @key{TAB} is one of the most unusual aspects of Viper for many
2218 novice users. In Emacs, @key{TAB} is used to format text and programs, and
2219 is extremely useful. For instance, hitting @key{TAB} causes the current
2220 line to be re-indented in accordance with the context. In programming,
2221 this is very important, since improper automatic indentation would
2222 immediately alert the programmer to a possible error. For instance, if a
2223 @kbd{)} or a @kbd{"} is missing somewhere above the current
2224 line, @key{TAB} is likely to mis-indent the line.
2226 For this reason, Viper doesn't change the standard Emacs binding of
2227 @key{TAB}, thereby sacrificing Vi compatibility
2228 (except for users at level 1). Instead, in Viper, the key
2229 @kbd{S-tab} (shift+ tab) is chosen to emulate Vi's @key{TAB}.
2231 We should note that on some non-windowing terminals, Shift doesn't modify
2232 the @key{TAB} key, so @kbd{S-tab} behaves as if it were @key{TAB}. In such
2233 a case, you will have to bind @code{viper-insert-tab} to some other
2236 Some packages, notably Dired, Gnus, Info, etc., attach special meaning to
2237 common keys like @key{SPC}, @kbd{x}, @kbd{d}, @kbd{v}, and others. This
2238 means that Vi command state is inappropriate for working with these
2239 packages. Fortunately, these modes operate on read-only buffers and are
2240 designed not for editing files, but for special-purpose browsing, reading
2241 news, mail, etc., and Vi commands are meaningless in these situations. For
2242 this reason, Viper doesn't force Vi state on such major modes---it
2243 brings them in Emacs state. You can switch to Vi state by typing @kbd{C-z}
2244 if, for instance, you want to do Vi-style search in a buffer (although,
2245 usually, incremental search, which is bound to @kbd{C-s}, is sufficient in
2246 these situations). But you should then switch back to Emacs state if you
2247 plan to continue using these major modes productively. You can also switch
2248 to Vi temporarily, to execute just one command. This is done by typing
2249 @kbd{C-c \}. (In some of these modes, @kbd{/} and @kbd{:} are bound
2250 Vi-style, unless these keys perform essential duties.)
2252 If you would like certain major modes to come up in Emacs state rather than
2253 Vi state (but Viper thinks otherwise), you should put these major modes
2254 on the @code{viper-emacs-state-mode-list} list and delete them from
2255 @code{viper-vi-state-mode-list}.
2256 Likewise, you can force Viper's Insert state on a major mode by putting it
2257 in @code{viper-insert-state-mode-list}.
2258 @vindex @code{viper-emacs-state-mode-list}
2259 @vindex @code{viper-insert-state-mode-list}
2260 @vindex @code{viper-vi-state-mode-list}
2262 It is also possible to impose Vi on some major modes, even though they may
2263 bind common keys to specialized commands. This might make sense for modes
2264 that bind only a small number of common keys. For instance, Viper subverts
2265 the Shell mode by changing the bindings for @kbd{C-m} and @kbd{C-d} using
2266 @code{viper-add-local-keys} described in section on customization
2267 (@pxref{Customization}).
2269 In some cases, some @emph{minor} modes might override certain essential
2270 bindings in Vi command state. This is not a big priblem because this
2271 can happen only in the beginning, when the minor mode kicks in. Typing
2272 @code{M-x viper-mode} will correct the situation. Viper knows about
2273 several such minor modes and takes care of them, so the above trick
2274 is usually not necessary. If you find that some minor mode, e.g.,
2275 @code{nasty-mode.el} interferes with Viper, putting the following in
2276 @file{.viper} should fix the problem:
2278 (viper-harness-minor-mode "nasty-mode")
2281 The argument to @code{viper-harness-minor-mode} is the name of the file for the
2282 offending minor mode with the suffixes @file{.el} and @file{.elc} removed.
2284 It may not be always obvious which minor mode is at fault. The only
2285 guidance here is to look into the file that defines the minor mode you are
2286 suspecting, say @code{nasty-mode.el}, and see if it has a variable called
2287 @code{nasty-mode-map}. Then check if there is a statement of the form
2289 (define-key nasty-mode-map key function)
2292 that binds the misbehaving
2293 keys. If so, use the above line to harness @code{nasty-mode}. If your
2294 suspicion is wrong, no harm is done if you harness a minor mode that
2295 doesn't need to be harnessed.
2297 @vindex @code{viper-want-emacs-keys-in-vi}
2298 @vindex @code{viper-want-emacs-keys-in-insert}
2299 @vindex @code{viper-always}
2300 @findex @code{viper-set-hooks}
2301 @findex @code{viper-mode}
2302 @findex @code{viper-harness-minor-mode}
2303 @findex @code{remove-hook}
2304 @findex @code{add-hook}
2306 @node Viper Specials,Vi Macros,Packages that Change Keymaps,Customization
2307 @section Viper Specials
2309 Viper extends Vi with a number of useful features. This includes various
2310 search functions, histories of search strings, Ex commands, insertions, and
2311 Vi's destructive commands. In addition, Viper supports file name completion
2312 and history, completion of Ex commands and variables, and many other
2313 features. Some of these features are explained in detail elsewhere in this
2314 document. Other features are explained here.
2317 @item (viper-buffer-search-enable)
2318 @item viper-buffer-search-char nil
2319 Enable buffer search. Explicit call to @code{viper-buffer-search-enable}
2320 sets @code{viper-buffer-search-char} to @kbd{g}. Alternatively, the user can
2321 set @code{viper-buffer-search-char} in @file{.viper} to a key sequence
2322 to be used for buffer search. There is no need to call
2323 @code{viper-buffer-search-enable} in that case.
2324 @findex @code{viper-buffer-search-enable}
2325 @vindex @code{viper-buffer-search-char}
2326 @item viper-toggle-search-style
2327 This function, bound to @kbd{C-c /}, lets one toggle case-sensitive and
2328 case-insensitive search, and also switch between plain vanilla search and
2329 search via regular expressions. Without the prefix argument, the user is
2330 asked which mode to toggle. With prefix argument 1, this toggles
2331 case-sensitivity. With prefix argument 2, regular expression/vanilla search
2334 However, we found that the most convenient way to toggle
2335 these options is to bind a Vi macro to
2336 bind @kbd{//} to toggles case sensitivity and to @kbd{///} to toggles
2337 vanilla search. Thus, quickly hitting @kbd{/} twice will switch Viper from
2338 case sensitive search to case-insensitive. Repeating this once again will
2339 restore the original state. Likewise, quickly hitting @kbd{/} three times
2340 will switch you from vanilla-style search to search via regular expressions.
2341 If you hit something other than @kbd{/} after the first @kbd{/} or if the
2342 second @kbd{/} doesn't follow quickly enough, then Viper will issue the
2343 usual prompt @kbd{/} and will wait for input, as usual in Vi.
2344 If you don't like this behavior, you can ``unrecord'' these macros in your
2345 @file{~/.viper} file. For instance, if you don't like the above feature, put
2346 this in @file{~/.viper}:
2348 (viper-set-searchstyle-toggling-macros 'undefine)
2350 @findex @code{viper-set-searchstyle-toggling-macros}
2352 @item Vi-isms in Emacs state
2353 Some people find it useful to use the Vi-style search key, `/', to invoke
2354 search in modes which Viper leaves in emacs-state. These modes are:
2355 @code{dired-mode}, @code{mh-folder-mode}, @code{gnus-group-mode},
2356 @code{gnus-summary-mode}, @code{Info-mode}, and @code{Buffer-menu-mode}
2357 (more may be added in the future). So, in the above modes, Viper binds `/'
2358 so that it will behave Vi-style. Furthermore, in those major modes, Viper
2359 binds `:' to invoke ex-style commands, like in vi-state. And, as described
2360 above, `//' and `///' get bound to Vi-style macros that toggle
2361 case-insensitivity and regexp-search.
2363 If you don't like these features---which I don't really understand---you
2364 can unbind `/' and `:' in @code{viper-dired-modifier-map} (for Dired) or in
2365 @code{viper-slash-and-colon-map}, for other modes.
2366 @vindex @code{viper-slash-and-colon-map}
2367 @vindex @code{viper-dired-modifier-map}
2369 To unbind the macros `//' and `///' for a major mode where you feel they
2370 are undesirable, execute @code{viper-set-emacs-state-searchstyle-macros} with a
2371 non-nil argument. This can be done either interactively, by supplying a
2372 prefix argument, or by placing
2374 (viper-set-emacs-state-searchstyle-macros 'undefine)
2376 @findex @code{viper-set-emacs-state-searchstyle-macros}
2377 in the hook to the major mode (e.g., @code{dired-mode-hook}).
2378 @xref{Vi Macros}, for more information on Vi macros.
2380 @item viper-heading-start
2381 @item viper-heading-end
2386 Regular Expressions for @kbd{[[} and @kbd{]]}. Note that Emacs defines
2387 Regexps for paragraphs and sentences. @xref{Paragraphs,,Paragraphs and
2388 Sentences,emacs,The GNU Emacs Manual}, for details.
2389 @item M-x viper-set-expert-level
2390 @findex @code{viper-set-expert-level}
2391 Change your user level interactively.
2392 @item viper-smart-suffix-list '("" "tex" "c" "cc" "el" "p")
2393 @vindex @code{viper-smart-suffix-list}
2394 Viper supports Emacs-style file completion when it prompts the user for a
2395 file name. However, in many cases, the same directory may contain files
2396 with identical prefix but different suffixes, e.g., prog.c, prog.o,
2397 paper.tex, paper.dvi. In such cases, completion will stop at the `.'.
2398 If the above variable is a list of strings representing suffixes, Viper will
2400 in the order listed and will check if the corresponding file exists.
2402 For instance, if completion stopped at `paper.'@: and the user typed
2404 then Viper will check if the files `paper.', `paper.tex', `paper.c', etc., exist.
2405 It will take the first such file. If no file exists, Viper will give a chance
2406 to complete the file name by typing the appropriate suffix. If `paper.'@: was
2407 the intended file name, hitting return will accept it.
2409 To turn this feature off, set the above variable to @code{nil}.
2411 @item viper-insertion-ring-size 14
2412 @vindex @code{viper-insertion-ring-size}
2413 @cindex Insertion ring
2414 Viper remembers what was previously inserted in Insert and Replace states.
2415 Several such recent insertions are kept in a special ring of strings of size
2416 @code{viper-insertion-ring-size}.
2417 If you enter Insert or Replace state you can reinsert strings from this
2418 ring by typing @kbd{C-c M-p} or @kbd{C-c M-n}. The former will search the
2420 the direction of older insertions, and the latter will search in
2421 the direction of newer insertions. Hitting @kbd{C-c M-p} or @kbd{C-c M-n}
2423 will undo the previous insertion from the ring and insert the next item on
2424 the ring. If a larger ring size is needed, change the value of the above
2425 variable in the @file{~/.viper} file.
2427 Since typing these sequences of keys may be tedious, it is suggested that the
2428 user should bind a function key, such as @kbd{f31}, as follows:
2430 (define-key viper-insert-global-user-map [f31]
2431 'viper-insert-prev-from-insertion-ring)
2433 This binds @kbd{f31} (which is usually @kbd{R11} on a Sun workstation)
2434 to the function that inserts the previous string in the insertion history.
2435 To rotate the history in the opposite
2436 direction, you can either bind an unused key to
2437 @code{viper-insert-next-from-insertion-ring} or hit any digit (1 to 9) then
2440 One should not bind the above functions to @kbd{M-p} or @kbd{M-n}, since
2441 this will interfere with the Minibuffer histories and, possibly, other
2444 @item viper-command-ring-size 14
2445 @vindex @code{viper-command-ring-size}
2446 @cindex Destructive command ring
2447 @cindex Destructive command history
2448 Viper keeps track of the recent history of destructive
2449 commands, such as @kbd{dw}, @kbd{i}, etc.
2451 the most recent command can be re-executed by hitting `@kbd{.}', as in Vi.
2452 However, repeated typing @kbd{C-c M-p} will cause Viper to show the
2453 previous destructive commands in the minibuffer. Subsequent hitting `@kbd{.}'
2454 will execute the command that was displayed last.
2455 The key @kbd{C-c M-n} will cycle through the command history in the
2457 Since typing @kbd{C-c M-p} may be tedious, it is more convenient to bind an
2458 appropriate function to an unused function key on the keyboard and use that
2459 key. For instance, the following
2461 (define-key viper-vi-global-user-map [f31]
2462 'viper-prev-destructive-command)
2464 binds the key @kbd{f31} (which is usually @kbd{R11} on a Sun workstation)
2465 to the function that searches the command history in the direction of older
2466 commands. To search in the opposite
2467 direction, you can either bind an unused key to
2468 @code{viper-next-destructive-command} or hit any digit (1 to 9) then @kbd{f31}.
2470 One should not bind the above functions to @kbd{M-p} or @kbd{M-n}, since
2471 this will interfere with the Minibuffer histories and, possibly, other
2474 @item viper-minibuffer-vi-face 'viper-minibuffer-vi-face
2475 @item viper-minibuffer-insert-face 'viper-minibuffer-insert-face
2476 @item viper-minibuffer-emacs-face 'viper-minibuffer-emacs-face
2477 These faces control the appearance of the minibuffer text in the
2478 corresponding Viper states. You can change the appearance of these faces
2479 through Emacs' customization widget, which is accessible through the
2482 Viper is located in this widget under the @emph{Emulations} customization
2483 subgroup of the @emph{Editing} group. All Viper faces are grouped together
2484 in Viper's @emph{Highlighting} customization subgroup.
2486 Note that only the text you type in is affected by the above faces.
2487 Prompts and Minibuffer messages are not affected.
2489 Purists who do not like adornments in the minibuffer can always zap them by
2492 (copy-face 'default 'viper-minibuffer-vi-face)
2493 (copy-face 'default 'viper-minibuffer-insert-face)
2494 (copy-face 'default 'viper-minibuffer-emacs-face)
2496 in the @file{~/.viper} file or through the customization widget, as
2497 described above. However, in that case, the user will not have any
2498 indication of the current Viper state in the minibuffer. (This is important
2499 if the user accidentally switches to another Viper state by typing @key{ESC} or
2501 @item M-x viper-go-away
2502 @findex @code{viper-go-away}
2503 Make Viper disappear from the face of your running Emacs instance. If your
2504 fingers start aching again, @kbd{M-x viper-mode} might save your day.
2505 @item M-x toggle-viper-mode
2506 @findex @code{toggle-viper-mode}
2507 Toggle Viperization of Emacs on and off.
2510 @cindex Multifile documents and programs
2512 Viper provides some support for multi-file documents and programs.
2513 If a document consists of several files we can designate one of them as a
2514 master and put the following at the end of that file:
2516 ;;; Local Variables:
2517 ;;; eval: (viper-setup-master-buffer "file1" "file2" "file3" "file5" "file5")
2521 where @code{file1} to @code{file5} are names of files related to the master
2522 file. Next time, when the master file is visited, the command
2523 @code{viper-setup-master-buffer} will be evaluated and the above files will
2524 be associated with the master file. Then, the new Ex command
2525 @kbd{:RelatedFile} (abbr.@: @kbd{:R}) will display files 1 to 5 one after
2526 another, so you can edit them. If a file is not in any Emacs buffer, it
2527 will be visited. The command @kbd{PreviousRelatedFile} (abbr., @kbd{:P})
2528 goes through the file list in the opposite direction.
2529 @findex @kbd{:RelatedFile}
2530 @findex @kbd{:PreviousRelatedFile}
2532 These commands are akin to @kbd{:n} and @kbd{:N}, but they allow the user to
2533 focus on relevant files only.
2535 Note that only the master file needs to have the aforementioned block of
2536 commands. Also, ";;;" above can be replaced by some other
2537 markers. Semicolon is good for Lisp programs, since it is considered a
2538 comment designator there. For LaTeX, this could be "%%%", and for C the
2539 above block should be commented out.
2541 Even though these commands are sometimes useful, they are no substitute for
2542 the powerful @emph{tag table} facility of Emacs. Viper's @kbd{:tag} command
2543 in a primitive interface to Emacs tags. @xref{Tags,Tags,Tags,emacs,
2544 The Gnu Emacs Manual}, for more information on tags.
2546 The following two commands are normally bound to a mouse click and are part
2547 of Viper. They work only if Emacs runs as an application under X
2548 Windows (or under some other window system for which a port of GNU Emacs 20
2549 is available). Clicking the mouse when Emacs is invoked in an Xterm window
2550 (using @code{emacs -nw}) will do no good.
2554 @cindex mouse-search
2555 @item viper-mouse-search-key (meta shift 1)
2556 @vindex @code{viper-mouse-insert-key}
2557 This variable controls the @emph{mouse-search} feature of Viper. The
2559 states that holding Meta and Shift keys while clicking mouse button 1
2560 should initiate search for a region under the mouse pointer (defined
2561 below). This command can take a prefix argument, which indicates the
2562 occurrence of the pattern to search for.
2564 Note: while loading initially, Viper binds this mouse action only if it is
2565 not already bound to something else. If you want to use the mouse-search
2566 feature and the Meta-Shift-button-1 mouse action is already bound to
2567 something else you can rebind the mouse-search feature by setting
2568 @code{viper-mouse-search-key} to something else in your @code{~/.viper}
2571 (setq viper-mouse-search-key '(meta 1))
2573 This would bind mouse search to the action invoked by pressing the
2574 Meta key and clicking mouse button 1. The allowed values of
2575 @code{viper-mouse-search-key} are lists that contain a mouse-button number
2576 (1,2, or 3) and any combination of the words `control', `meta', and
2579 If the requested mouse action (e.g., (meta 1)) is already taken for other
2580 purposes then you have to confirm your intention by placing the following
2581 command in @code{~/.viper} after setting @code{viper-mouse-search-key}:
2583 (viper-bind-mouse-search-key 'force)
2586 You can also change this setting interactively, through the customization
2587 widget of Emacs (choose option "Customize.Customize Group" from the
2590 The region that is chosen as a pattern to search for is determined as
2591 follows. If search is invoked via a single click, Viper chooses the region
2592 that lies between the beginning of the ``word'' under the pointer (``word''
2593 is understood in Vi sense) and the end of that word. The only difference
2594 with Vi's words is that in Lisp major modes `-' is considered an
2595 alphanumeric symbol. This is done for the convenience of working with Lisp
2596 symbols, which often have an `-' in them. Also, if you click on a
2597 non-alphanumeric character that is not a word separator (in Vi sense) then
2598 this character will also be considered alphanumeric, provided that it is
2599 adjacent (from either side) to an alphanumeric character. This useful
2600 feature gives added control over the patterns selected by the mouse click.
2602 On a double-click, the region is determined by the beginning of the current
2603 Vi's ``Word'' (i.e., the largest non-separator chunk of text) and the End
2604 of that ``Word'' (as determined by the @kbd{E} command).
2606 On a triple-click, the region consists of the entire line where the click
2607 occurred with all leading and trailing spaces and tabs removed.
2609 @cindex mouse-insert
2610 @item viper-mouse-insert-key (meta shift 2)
2611 @vindex @code{viper-mouse-insert-key}
2612 This variable controls the @emph{mouse-insert} feature of Viper.
2613 The above default value states that
2614 holding Meta and Shift keys while clicking mouse button 2
2615 should insert the region surrounding the
2616 mouse pointer. The rules defining this region are the same as for
2617 mouse-search. This command takes an optional prefix argument, which
2618 indicates how many such regions to snarf from the buffer and insert. (In
2619 case of a triple-click, the prefix argument is ignored.)
2621 Note: while loading initially, Viper binds this mouse action only if it not
2622 already bound to something else. If you want to use this feature and the
2623 default mouse action is already bound, you can rebind mouse-insert by
2624 placing this command in @code{~/.viper}:
2626 (setq viper-mouse-insert-key '(meta 2))
2628 If you want to bind mouse-insert to an action even if this action is
2629 already taked for other purposes in Emacs, then you should add this command
2630 to @code{~/.viper}, after setting @code{viper-mouse-insert-key}:
2632 (viper-bind-mouse-insert-key 'force)
2635 This value can also be changed via the Emacs customization widget at the
2638 @item viper-multiclick-timeout
2639 This variable controls the rate at which double-clicking must occur for the
2640 purpose of mouse search and mouse insert. By default, this is set to
2641 @code{double-click-time}.
2643 @kindex @kbd{S-mouse-1}
2644 @kindex @kbd{S-mouse-2}
2645 @kindex @kbd{meta shift button1up}
2646 @kindex @kbd{meta shift button2up}
2647 @vindex @code{viper-multiclick-timeout}
2648 @findex @code{viper-mouse-click-insert-word}
2649 @findex @code{viper-mouse-click-search-word}
2651 Note: The above functions search and insert in the selected window of
2652 the latest active frame. This means that you can click in another window or
2653 another frame and have search or insertion done in the frame and window you
2654 just left. This lets one use these functions in a multi-frame
2655 configuration. However, this may require some getting used to. For
2656 instance, if you are typing in a frame, A, and then move the mouse to frame
2657 B and click to invoke mouse search, search (or insertion) will be performed
2658 in frame A. To perform search/insertion in frame B, you will first have to
2659 shift focus there, which doesn't happen until you type a character or
2660 perform some other action in frame B---mouse search doesn't shift focus.
2662 If you decide that you don't like the above feature and always want
2663 search/insertion be performed in the frame where the click occurs, don't
2664 bind (and unbind, if necessary) @code{viper-mouse-catch-frame-switch} from
2665 the mouse event it is bound to.
2667 Mouse search is integrated with Vi-style search, so you can
2668 repeat it with @kbd{n} and @kbd{N}. It should be also noted that, while
2669 case-sensitivity of search in Viper is controlled by the variable
2670 @code{viper-case-fold-search}, the case of mouse search is
2671 controlled by the Emacs variable @code{case-fold-search}, which may be set
2672 differently from @code{viper-case-fold-search}. Therefore, case-sensitivity
2673 of mouse search may be different from that of the usual Vi-style search.
2675 Finally, if the way Viper determines the word to be searched for or to be
2676 inserted is not what you want, there is a variable,
2677 @code{viper-surrounding-word-function}, which can be changed to indicate
2678 another function for snarfing words out of the buffer. The catch is that
2679 you will then have to write such a function and make it known to your
2680 Emacs. The function @code{viper-surrounding-word} in @file{viper.el} can be
2681 used as a guiding example.
2683 @node Vi Macros, ,Viper Specials,Customization
2688 Viper supports much enhanced Vi-style macros and also facilitates the use
2689 of Emacs-style macros. To define a temporary macro, it is generally more
2690 convenient to use Emacs keyboard macro facility. Emacs keyboard macros are
2691 usually defined anonymously, and the latest macro can be executed by typing
2692 @kbd{C-x e} (or @kbd{*}, if Viper is in Vi state). If you need to use several
2693 temporary macros, Viper lets you save them to a
2694 register (a lowercase letter); such macros can then be executed by typing
2695 @kbd{@@a} in Vi state (if a macro was previously saved in register
2697 @xref{Macros and Registers}, for details.
2699 If, however, you need to use a macro regularly, it must be given a
2700 permanent name and saved. Emacs manual explains how to do this, but
2701 invocation of named Emacs macros is quite different from Vi's. First,
2702 invocation of permanent Emacs macros takes time because of the extra keys.
2703 Second, binding such macros to function keys, for
2704 fast access, hogs valuable real estate on the keyboard.
2706 Vi-style macros are better in that respect, since Vi lets the user overload
2707 the meaning of key sequences: keys typed in fast succession are treated
2708 specially, if this key sequence is bound to a macro.
2710 Viper provides keyboard macros through the usual Ex commands, @kbd{:map} and
2711 @kbd{:map!}. Vi-style macros are much more powerful in Viper than
2712 they are in the original Vi and in other emulators. This is because Viper
2713 implements an enhanced vi-style
2714 interface to the powerful Emacs keyboard macro facility.
2717 command can be executed while defining a macro, not just the Vi
2718 commands. In particular, the user can invoke Emacs commands via @kbd{M-x
2719 command-name} or by pressing various function keys on the keyboard. One
2720 can even use the mouse, although this is usually not useful and is not
2721 recommended (and macros defined with the use of the mouse cannot be saved in
2722 command history and in the startup file, for future use).
2724 Macros defined by mixing Vi and Emacs commands are represented as
2725 vectors. So, don't be confused when you see one (usually through the
2726 history of Ex commands). For instance, if @kbd{gg} is defined by typing
2727 @kbd{l}, the up-arrow key and @kbd{M-x next-line}, its definition will look
2728 as follows in Emacs:
2731 [l up (meta x) n e x t - l i n e return]
2734 Second, Viper macros are defined in a WYSIWYG style. This means that
2735 commands are executed as you type them, so you can see precisely what is
2736 being defined. Third, macros can be bound to arbitrary sequences of keys,
2737 not just to printable keys. For instance, one can define a macro that will
2738 be invoked by hitting @kbd{f3} then @kbd{f2} function keys. (The keys
2739 @kbd{delete} and @kbd{backspace} are excluded; also, a macro invocation
2740 sequence can't start with @key{ESC}. Some other keys, such as @kbd{f1} and
2741 @kbd{help}, can't be bound to macros under Emacs, since they
2742 are bound in @code{key-translation-map}, which overrides any other binding
2743 the user gives to keys. In general, keys that have a binding in
2744 @code{key-translation-map} can't be bound to a macro.)
2746 Fourth, in Viper, one can define macros that are specific to a given
2747 buffer, a given major mode, or macros that are defined for all buffers. In
2748 fact, the same macro name can have several different definitions: one
2749 global, several definitions for various major modes, and
2750 definitions for various specific buffers. Buffer-specific definitions
2751 override mode-specific definitions, which, in turn, override global
2754 As if all that is not enough, Viper (through its interface to Emacs
2755 macros) lets the user define keyboard macros that ask for confirmation or
2756 even prompt the user for input and then continue. To do this, one should
2757 type @kbd{C-x q} (for confirmation) or @kbd{C-u C-x q} (for prompt).
2758 For details, @pxref{Kbd Macro Query,,Customization,emacs,The GNU Emacs
2761 When the user finishes defining a macro (which is done by typing @kbd{C-x)} ---
2762 a departure from Vi), you will be asked whether you want this
2763 macro to be global, mode-specific, or buffer-specific. You will also be
2764 given a chance to save the macro in your @file{~/.viper} file.
2765 This is the easiest way to save a macro and make
2766 it permanently available. If you work your startup files with bare hands,
2767 here is how Viper saves the above macro so that it will be
2768 available in Viper's Insert state (and Replace state) in buffer @code{my-buf}
2772 (viper-record-kbd-macro "gg" 'insert-state
2773 [l up (meta x) n e x t - l i n e return]
2778 To do the same for Vi state and all buffers with the major mode
2779 @code{cc-mode}, use:
2782 (viper-record-kbd-macro "gg" 'vi-state
2783 [l up (meta x) n e x t - l i n e return]
2788 Both macro names and macro definitions are vectors of symbols that denote
2789 keys on the keyboard. Some keys, like @kbd{\}, @kbd{ }, or digit-keys must
2790 be escaped with a backslash. Modified keys are represented as lists. For
2791 instance, holding Meta and Control and pressing @kbd{f4} is represented as
2792 @kbd{(control meta f4)}.
2793 If all members of a vectors are printable characters (or sequences, such as
2794 @kbd{\e}, @kbd{\t}, for @key{ESC} and @key{TAB}), then they can also be represented as
2798 (viper-record-kbd-macro "aa" 'vi-state "aaa\e" "my-buffer")
2802 Thus, typing @kbd{aa} fast in Vi state will switch Viper to Insert state
2803 (due to the first @kbd{a}), insert @kbd{aa}, and then it will switch back to Vi
2804 state. All this will take effect only in the buffer named @code{my-buffer}.
2806 Note that the last argument to @code{viper-record-kbd-macro} must be either a
2807 string (a buffer name), a symbol representing a major mode, or @code{t};
2808 the latter says that the macro is to be defined for all buffers
2809 (which is how macros are defined in original Vi).
2811 For convenience, Viper also lets you define Vi-style macros in its Emacs
2812 state. There is no Ex command, like @kbd{:map} and @kbd{:map!} for doing
2813 this, but the user can include such a macro in the @file{~/.viper} file. The
2814 only thing is that the @code{viper-record-kbd-macro} command should specify
2815 @code{emacs-state} instead of @code{vi-state} or @code{insert-state}.
2817 The user can get rid of a macro either by using the Ex commands @kbd{:unmap}
2818 and @kbd{:unmap!} or by issuing a call to @code{viper-unrecord-kbd-macro}.
2819 The latter is more powerful, since it can delete macros even in
2820 @code{emacs-state}. However, @code{viper-unrecord-kbd-macro} is usually
2821 needed only when the user needs to get rid of the macros that are already
2822 predefined in Viper.
2824 @findex @code{viper-unrecord-kbd-macro}
2826 (viper-unrecord-kbd-macro macro state)
2829 The second argument must be @code{vi-state}, @code{insert-state}, or
2830 @code{emacs-state}. The first argument is a name of a macro. To avoid
2831 mistakes in specifying names of existing macros, type @kbd{M-x
2832 viper-describe-kbd-macros} and use a name from the list displayed by this
2835 If an error occurs during macro definition, Emacs
2836 aborts the process, and it must be repeated. This is analogous to Vi,
2837 except that in Vi the user doesn't know there is an error until the macro is
2838 actually run. All that means that in order for a definition to be
2839 successful, the user must do some simple planning of the process in
2840 advance, to avoid errors. For instance, if you want to map @kbd{gg} to
2841 @kbd{llll} in Vi state, you must make sure that there is enough room on the
2842 current line. Since @kbd{l} moves the cursor forward, it may signal an
2843 error on reaching the end of line, which will abort the definition.
2845 These precautions are necessary only when defining macros; they will help
2846 avoid the need to redo the job. When macros are actually run, an error
2847 during the execution will simply terminate the current execution
2848 (but the macro will remain mapped).
2850 A macro name can be a string of characters or a vector of keys.
2851 The latter makes it possible to define macros bound to, say, double-hits
2852 on a function key, such as @kbd{up} or @kbd{f13}.
2853 This is very useful if you run out of function keys on your keyboard; it
2854 makes Viper macro facility a @emph{keyboard doubler}, so to speak.
2856 Elsewhere (@xref{Keybindings}, for details), we review
2857 the standard Emacs mechanism for binding function keys to commands.
2861 (global-set-key [f13] 'repeat-complex-command)
2865 binds the key f13 to the Emacs function that repeats the last minibuffer
2866 command. Under Viper, however, you may still use this key for additional
2867 purposes, if you bind, say, a double-hitting action for that key to some
2868 other function. Emacs doesn't allow the user to do that, but Viper does
2869 this through its keyboard macro facility. To do this, type @kbd{:map }
2870 first. When you are asked to enter a macro name, hit f13 twice, followed by
2871 @key{RET} or @key{SPC}.
2873 Emacs will now start the mapping process by actually executing
2874 Vi and Emacs commands, so that you could see what will happen each time the
2875 macro is executed. Suppose now we wanted to bind the key sequence
2876 @kbd{f13 f13} to the command @code{eval-last-sexp}. To accomplish this, we
2877 can type @kbd{M-x eval-last-sexp} followed by @kbd{C-x )}.
2878 If you answer positively to Viper's offer to save this macro in @file{~/.viper}
2879 for future uses, the following will be inserted in that file:
2882 (viper-record-kbd-macro [f16 f16] 'vi-state
2883 [(meta x) e v a l - l a s t - s e x p]
2884 'lisp-interaction-mode)
2887 To illustrate the above point, Viper provides two canned macros, which, by
2888 default, are bound to @kbd{[f12 \1]} and @kbd{[f12 \2]} (invoked by typing
2889 @kbd{f12} then @kbd{1} and @kbd{2}, respectively). These macros are useful
2890 shortcuts to Viper's command ring history. The first macro will execute the
2891 second-last destructive command (the last one is executed by @kbd{.}, as
2892 usual). The second macro executes the third-last command.
2894 If you need to go deeper into the command history, you will have to use
2895 other commands, as described earlier in this section; or you can bind,
2896 say, @kbd{f12 \3} like this:
2899 (viper-record-kbd-macro [f12 \3] 'vi-state
2900 [(meta x) r e p e a t - f r o m - h i s t o r y]
2905 Note that even though the macro uses the function key @kbd{f12}, the key is
2906 actually free and can still be bound to some Emacs function via
2907 @code{define-key} or @code{global-set-key}.
2910 Viper allows the user to define macro names that are prefixes of other macros.
2911 For instance, one can define @kbd{[[} and @kbd{[[[[} to be macros.
2912 If you type the exact sequence of such keys and then pause, Viper will
2913 execute the right macro. However, if you don't pause and, say, type
2914 @kbd{[[[[text} then the conflict is resolved as follows. If only one of the
2915 key sequences, @kbd{[[} or @kbd{[[[[} has a definition applicable to the
2916 current buffer, then, in fact, there is no conflict and the right macro
2917 will be chosen. If both have applicable definitions, then the first one
2918 found will be executed. Usually this is the macro with a shorter name. So,
2919 in our case, @kbd{[[[[text} will cause the macro @kbd{[[} to be executed
2920 twice and then the remaining keys, @kbd{t e x t}, will be processed.
2922 When defining macros using @kbd{:map} or @kbd{:map!}, the user enters the
2923 actually keys to be used to invoke the macro. For instance, you should hit
2924 the actual key @kbd{f6} if it is to be part of a macro name; you do
2925 @emph{not} write `f 6'. When entering keys, Viper displays them as strings or
2926 vectors (e.g., "abc" or [f6 f7 a]). The same holds for unmapping. Hitting
2927 @key{TAB} while typing a macro name in the @kbd{:unmap} or @kbd{:unmap!} command
2928 will cause name completion. Completions are displayed as strings or vectors.
2929 However, as before, you don't actually type ``"'', ``['', or ``]'' that
2930 appear in the completions. These are meta-symbols that indicate whether
2931 the corresponding macro name is a vector or a string.
2933 One last difference from Vi: Vi-style keyboard macros cannot be defined in
2934 terms of other Vi-style keyboard macros (but named Emacs macros are OK).
2935 More precisely, while defining or executing a macro, the special meaning
2936 of key sequences (as Vi macros) is ignored.
2937 This is because it is all too easy to create an infinite loop in this way.
2938 Since Viper macros are much more powerful than Vi's it is impossible to
2939 detect such loops. In practice, this is not really a limitation but,
2942 We should also note that Vi macros are disabled in the Minibuffer, which
2943 helps keep some potential troubles away.
2945 The rate at which the user must type keys in order for them to be
2946 recognized as a timeout macro is controlled by the variable
2947 @code{viper-fast-keyseq-timeout}, which defaults to 200 milliseconds.
2949 For the most part, Viper macros defined in @file{~/.viper} can be shared
2950 between X and TTY modes.
2951 The problem with TTY may be that the function keys there generate sequences
2952 of events instead of a single event (as under a window system).
2953 Emacs maps some of these sequences back to the logical keys
2954 (e.g., the sequences generated by the arrow keys are mapped to @kbd{up},
2955 @kbd{left}, etc.). However, not all function keys are mapped in this way.
2956 Macros that are bound to key sequences that contain such unmapped function
2957 keys have to be redefined for TTY's (and possibly for every type of TTY you
2958 may be using). To do this, start Emacs on an appropriate TTY device and
2959 define the macro using @kbd{:map}, as usual.
2961 @findex @code{viper-describe-kbd-macros}
2962 Finally, Viper provides a function that conveniently displays all macros
2963 currently defined. To see all macros along with their definitions, type
2964 @kbd{M-x viper-describe-kbd-macros}.
2966 @node Commands,,Customization,Top
2969 This section is a semi-automatically bowdlerized version of the Vi
2970 reference created by @* @samp{maart@@cs.vu.nl} and others. It can be
2971 found on the Vi archives. This reference has been adapted for Viper.@refill
2974 * Groundwork:: Textual Conventions and Viper basics
2975 * Text Handling:: Moving, Editing, Undoing.
2976 * Display:: Scrolling.
2977 * File and Buffer Handling:: Editing, Writing and Quitting.
2978 * Mapping:: Mapping Keys, Keyboard Macros
2979 * Shell Commands:: Accessing Shell Commands, Processing Text
2980 * Options:: Ex options, the @kbd{:set} commands
2981 * Emacs Related Commands:: Meta Keys, Windows
2982 * Mouse-bound Commands:: Search and insertion of text
2985 @node Groundwork, Text Handling, Commands, Commands
2986 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
2989 The VI command set is based on the idea of combining motion commands
2990 with other commands. The motion command is used as a text region
2991 specifier for other commands.
2992 We classify motion commands into @dfn{point commands} and
2993 @dfn{line commands}.@refill
2995 @cindex point commands
2997 The point commands are:
3000 @kbd{h}, @kbd{l}, @kbd{0}, @kbd{$}, @kbd{w}, @kbd{W}, @kbd{b}, @kbd{B},
3001 @kbd{e}, @kbd{E}, @kbd{(}, @kbd{)}, @kbd{/}, @kbd{?}, @kbd{`}, @kbd{f},
3002 @kbd{F}, @kbd{t}, @kbd{T}, @kbd{%}, @kbd{;}, @kbd{,}, @kbd{^}
3005 @cindex line commands
3007 The line commands are:
3010 @kbd{j}, @kbd{k}, @kbd{+}, @kbd{-}, @kbd{H}, @kbd{M}, @kbd{L}, @kbd{@{},
3011 @kbd{@}}, @kbd{G}, @kbd{'}, @kbd{[[}, @kbd{]]}, @kbd{[]}
3015 Text Deletion Commands (@pxref{Deleting Text}), Change commands
3016 (@pxref{Changing Text}), even Shell Commands (@pxref{Shell Commands})
3017 use these commands to describe a region of text to operate on.
3019 @cindex r and R region specifiers
3021 Viper adds two region descriptors, @kbd{r} and @kbd{R}. These describe
3022 the Emacs regions (@pxref{Basics}), but they are not movement commands.
3024 The command description uses angle brackets @samp{<>} to indicate
3025 metasyntactic variables, since the normal conventions of using simple
3026 text can be confusing with Viper where the commands themselves are
3027 characters. Watch out where @kbd{<} shift commands and @kbd{<count>} are
3028 mentioned together!!!
3038 @samp{<move>} refers to the above movement commands, and @samp{<a-z>}
3039 refers to registers or textmarkers from @samp{a} to @samp{z}. Note
3040 that the @samp{<move>} is described by full move commands, that is to
3041 say they will take counts, and otherwise behave like normal move commands.
3042 @cindex Ex addresses
3043 @samp{<address>} refers to Ex line addresses, which include
3046 @item .@: <No address>
3049 Add or subtract for current line
3051 Actual line number, use @kbd{.=} to get the line number
3057 Where x and y are one of the above
3059 @cindex % (Ex address)
3060 For the whole file, same as (1,$).
3063 Next or previous line with pattern <pat>.
3065 Note that the pattern is allowed to contain newline character (inserted as
3066 @kbd{C-qC-j}). Therefore, one can search for patterns that span several
3070 @cindex % (Current file)
3071 Note that @samp{%} is used in Ex commands to mean current file. If you
3072 want a @samp{%} in your command, it must be escaped as @samp{\%}.
3073 @cindex # (Previous file)
3074 Similarly, @samp{#} expands to the previous file. The previous file is
3075 the first file in @kbd{:args} listing. This defaults to previous window
3076 in the VI sense if you have one window only.
3083 Others like @samp{<args> -- arguments}, @samp{<cmd> -- command} etc.
3084 should be fairly obvious.
3087 Common characters referred to include:
3112 We also use @samp{word} for alphanumeric/non-alphanumeric words, and
3113 @samp{WORD} for whitespace delimited words. @samp{char} refers to any
3114 ASCII character, @samp{CHAR} to non-whitespace character.
3115 Brackets @samp{[]} indicate optional parameters; @samp{<count>} also
3116 optional, usually defaulting to 1. Brackets are elided for
3117 @samp{<count>} to eschew obfuscation.
3119 Viper's idea of Vi's words is slightly different from Vi. First, Viper
3120 words understand Emacs symbol tables. Therefore, all symbols declared to be
3121 alphanumeric in a symbol table can automatically be made part of the Viper
3122 word. This is useful when, for instance, editing text containing European,
3123 Cyrillic, Japanese, etc., texts.
3125 Second, Viper lets you depart from Vi's idea of a word by changing the a
3126 syntax preference via the customization widget (the variable
3127 @code{viper-syntax-preference}) or by executing
3128 @code{viper-set-syntax-preference} interactively.
3130 By default, Viper syntax preference is @code{reformed-vi}, which means that
3131 Viper considers only those symbols to be part of a word that are specified
3132 as word-symbols by the current Emacs syntax table (which may be different
3133 for different major modes) plus the underscore symbol @kbd{_}, minus the
3134 symbols that are not considered words in Vi (e.g., `,',;, etc.), but may be
3135 considered as word-symbols by various Emacs major modes. Reformed-Vi works
3136 very close to Vi, and it also recognizes words in other
3137 alphabets. Therefore, this is the most appropriate mode for editing text
3138 and is likely to fit all your needs.
3140 You can also set Viper syntax preference to @code{strict-vi}, which would
3141 cause Viper to view all non-English letters as non-word-symbols.
3143 You can also specify @code{emacs} as your preference, which would
3144 make Viper use exactly the same notion of a word as Emacs does. In
3145 particular, the underscore may not be part of a word in some major modes.
3147 Finally, if @code{viper-syntax-preference} is set to @code{extended}, Viper
3148 words would consist of characters that are classified as alphanumeric
3149 @emph{or} as parts of symbols. This is convenient for editing programs.
3151 @code{viper-syntax-preference} is a local variable, so it can have different
3152 values for different major modes. For instance, in programming modes it can
3153 have the value @code{extended}. In text modes where words contain special
3154 characters, such as European (non-English) letters, Cyrillic letters, etc.,
3155 the value can be @code{reformed-vi} or @code{emacs}.
3156 If you consider using different syntactic preferences for different major
3157 modes, you should execute, for example,
3160 (viper-set-syntax-preference nil "extended")
3163 in the appropriate major mode hooks.
3165 @vindex @code{viper-syntax-preference}
3166 @findex @code{viper-set-syntax-preference}
3167 @cindex syntax table
3171 The above discussion concerns only the movement commands. In regular
3172 expressions, words remain the same as in Emacs. That is, the expressions
3173 @code{\w}, @code{\>}, @code{\<}, etc., use Emacs' idea of what is a word,
3174 and they don't look into the value of variable
3175 @code{viper-syntax-preference}. This is because Viper avoids changing
3176 syntax tables in order to not thwart the various major modes that set these
3179 The usual Emacs convention is used to indicate Control Characters, i.e
3180 C-h for Control-h. @emph{Do not confuse this to mean the separate
3181 characters C - h!!!} The @kbd{^} is itself, never used to indicate a
3184 Finally, we note that Viper's Ex-style commands can be made to work on the
3185 current Emacs region. This is done by typing a digit argument before
3186 @kbd{:}. For instance, typing @kbd{1:} will propmt you with something like
3187 @emph{:123,135}, assuming that the current region starts at line 123 and
3188 ends at line 135. There is no need to type the line numbers, since Viper
3189 inserts them automatically in front of the Ex command.
3192 @node Text Handling, Display, Groundwork, Commands
3193 @section Text Handling
3196 * Move Commands:: Moving, Searching
3197 * Marking:: Textmarkers in Viper and the Emacs Mark.
3198 * Appending Text:: Text insertion, Shifting, Putting
3199 * Editing in Insert State:: Autoindent, Quoting etc.
3200 * Deleting Text:: Deleting
3201 * Changing Text:: Changing, Replacement, Joining
3202 * Search and Replace:: Searches, Query Replace, Pattern Commands
3203 * Yanking:: Yanking, Viewing Registers
3204 * Undoing:: Multiple Undo, Backups
3207 @node Move Commands,Marking,,Text Handling
3208 @subsection Move Commands
3210 @cindex movement commands
3214 @cindex column movement
3219 @cindex matching parens
3220 @cindex paren matching
3224 <count> chars to the left.
3225 @item <count> j <lf> C-n
3226 <count> lines downward.
3227 @item <count> l <sp>
3228 <count> chars to the right.
3230 <count> lines upward.
3232 To the end of line <count> from the cursor.
3234 To the first CHAR <count> - 1 lines lower.
3236 To the first CHAR <count> lines higher.
3237 @item <count> + <cr>
3238 To the first CHAR <count> lines lower.
3240 To the first char of the line.
3243 @item <count> f<char>
3244 <count> <char>s to the right (find).
3245 @item <count> t<char>
3246 Till before <count> <char>s to the right.
3247 @item <count> F<char>
3248 <count> <char>s to the left.
3249 @item <count> T<char>
3250 Till after <count> <char>s to the left.
3252 Repeat latest @kbd{f t F T} <count> times.
3254 Repeat latest @kbd{f t F T}
3255 <count> times in opposite direction.
3257 <count> words forward.
3259 <count> WORDS forward.
3261 <count> words backward.
3263 <count> WORDS backward.
3265 To the end of word <count> forward.
3267 To the end of WORD <count> forward.
3269 Go to line <count> (default end-of-file).
3271 To line <count> from top of the screen (home).
3273 To line <count> from bottom of the screen (last).
3275 To the middle line of the screen.
3277 <count> sentences forward.
3279 <count> sentences backward.
3281 <count> paragraphs forward.
3283 <count> paragraphs backward.
3285 To the <count>th heading.
3287 To the <count>th previous heading.
3289 To the end of <count>th heading.
3291 Mark the cursor position with a letter.
3295 To the first CHAR of the line with the mark.
3297 Show contents of textmarker.
3299 Show contents of register.
3301 To the cursor position before the latest absolute
3302 jump (of which are examples @kbd{/} and @kbd{G}).
3304 To the first CHAR of the line on which the cursor
3305 was placed before the latest absolute jump.
3306 @item <count> /<string>
3307 To the <count>th occurrence of <string>.
3309 To the <count>th occurrence of <string> from previous @kbd{/ or ?}.
3310 @item <count> ?<string>
3311 To the <count>th previous occurrence of <string>.
3313 To the <count>th previous occurrence of <string> from previous @kbd{?@: or /}.
3315 Repeat latest @kbd{/} @kbd{?} (next).
3317 Repeat latest search in opposite direction.
3319 Without a prefix argument, this command toggles
3320 case-sensitive/case-insensitive search modes and plain vanilla/regular
3321 expression search. With the prefix argument 1, i.e.,
3322 @kbd{1 C-c /}, this toggles case-sensitivity; with the prefix argument 2,
3323 toggles plain vanilla search and search using
3324 regular expressions. @xref{Viper Specials}, for alternative ways to invoke
3326 @cindex vanilla search
3327 @cindex case-sensitive search
3328 @cindex case-insensitive search
3330 Find the next bracket/parenthesis/brace and go to its match.
3331 By default, Viper ignores brackets/parentheses/braces that occur inside
3332 parentheses. You can change this by setting
3333 @code{viper-parse-sexp-ignore-comments} to nil in your @file{.viper} file.
3334 This option can also be toggled interactively if you quickly hit @kbd{%%%}.
3336 This latter feature is implemented as a vi-style keyboard macro. If you
3337 don't want this macro, put
3340 (viper-set-parsing-style-toggling-macro 'undefine)
3342 @findex @code{viper-set-parsing-style-toggling-macro}
3344 in your @file{~/.viper} file.
3353 @kindex @kbd{?<string>}
3354 @kindex @kbd{/<string>}
3357 @kindex @kbd{]<a-z>}
3358 @kindex @kbd{[<a-z>}
3359 @kindex @kbd{'<a-z>}
3360 @kindex @kbd{`<a-z>}
3361 @kindex @kbd{m<a-z>}
3381 @kindex @kbd{T<char>}
3382 @kindex @kbd{F<char>}
3383 @kindex @kbd{t<char>}
3384 @kindex @kbd{f<char>}
3401 @vindex @code{viper-parse-sexp-ignore-comments}
3403 @node Marking,Appending Text,Move Commands,Text Handling
3406 Emacs mark is referred to in the region specifiers @kbd{r} and @kbd{R}.
3407 @xref{Emacs Preliminaries}, and @xref{Basics}, for explanation. Also
3408 see @ref{Mark,,Mark,emacs,The GNU Emacs manual}, for an explanation of
3409 the Emacs mark ring.
3415 Mark the current file and position with the specified letter.
3417 Set the Emacs mark (@pxref{Emacs Preliminaries}) at point.
3419 Set the Emacs mark at beginning of buffer.
3421 Set the Emacs mark at end of buffer.
3423 Jump to the Emacs mark.
3425 Mark position with text marker named <char>. This is an Ex command.
3427 Same as @kbd{:mark}.
3429 Exchange point and mark.
3431 Exchange point and mark and go to the first CHAR on line.
3433 Go to specified Viper mark.
3435 Go to specified Viper mark and go to the first CHAR on line.
3437 @kindex @kbd{m<a-z>}
3446 @kindex @kbd{`<a-z>}
3447 @kindex @kbd{'<a-z>}
3449 @node Appending Text, Editing in Insert State, Marking,Text Handling
3450 @subsection Appending Text
3452 @xref{Options}, to see how to change tab and shiftwidth size. See the GNU
3453 Emacs manual, or try @kbd{C-ha tabs} (If you have turned Emacs help on).
3454 Check out the variable @code{indent-tabs-mode} to put in just spaces.
3455 Also see options for word-wrap.
3464 <count> times after the cursor.
3466 <count> times at the end of line.
3468 <count> times before the cursor (insert).
3470 <count> times before the first CHAR of the line
3472 On a new line below the current (open).
3473 The count is only useful on a slow terminal.
3475 On a new line above the current.
3476 The count is only useful on a slow terminal.
3477 @item <count> ><move>
3478 Shift the lines described by <count><move> one
3479 shiftwidth to the right (layout!).
3481 Shift <count> lines one shiftwidth to the right.
3482 @item <count> ["<a-z1-9>]p
3483 Put the contents of the (default undo) buffer
3484 <count> times after the cursor. The register will
3485 be automatically down-cased.
3486 @item <count> ["<a-z1-9>]P
3487 Put the contents of the (default undo) buffer
3488 <count> times before the cursor. The register will
3490 Show contents of textmarker.
3492 Show contents of register.
3494 Repeat previous command <count> times. For destructive
3495 commands as well as undo.
3497 While @kbd{.} repeats the last destructive command,
3498 these two macros repeat the second-last and the third-last destructive
3499 commands. @xref{Vi Macros}, for more information on Vi macros.
3500 @item C-c M-p and C-c M-n
3502 these commands help peruse the history of Vi's destructive commands.
3503 Successive typing of @kbd{C-c M-p} causes Viper to search the history in
3505 of older commands, while hitting @kbd{C-c M-n} does so in reverse
3506 order. Each command in the history is displayed in the Minibuffer. The
3507 displayed command can
3508 then be executed by typing `@kbd{.}'.
3510 Since typing the above sequences of keys may be tedious, the
3511 functions doing the perusing can be bound to unused keyboard keys in the
3512 @file{~/.viper} file. @xref{Viper Specials}, for details.
3514 @kindex @kbd{C-c M-p}
3515 @kindex @kbd{C-c M-n}
3517 @kindex @kbd{]<a-z>}
3518 @kindex @kbd{[<a-z>}
3521 @kindex @kbd{"<a-z1-9>p}
3522 @kindex @kbd{"<a-z1-9>P}
3524 @kindex @kbd{><move>}
3531 @node Editing in Insert State, Deleting Text, Appending Text,Text Handling
3532 @subsection Editing in Insert State
3534 Minibuffer can be edited similarly to Insert state, and you can switch
3535 between Insert/Replace/Vi states at will.
3536 Some users prefer plain Emacs feel in the Minibuffer. To this end, set
3537 @var{viper-vi-style-in-minibuffer} to @code{nil}.
3539 @cindex Insert state
3543 Deprive the next char of its special meaning (quoting).
3549 Back to the begin of the change on the
3557 @node Deleting Text, Changing Text, Editing in Insert State, Text Handling
3558 @subsection Deleting Text
3561 There is one difference in text deletion that you should be
3562 aware of. This difference comes from Emacs and was adopted in Viper
3563 because we find it very useful. In Vi, if you delete a line, say, and then
3564 another line, these two deletions are separated and are put back
3565 separately if you use the @samp{p} command. In Emacs (and Viper), successive
3566 series of deletions that are @emph{not interrupted} by other commands are
3567 lumped together, so the deleted text gets accumulated and can be put back
3568 as one chunk. If you want to break a sequence of deletions so that the
3569 newly deleted text could be put back separately from the previously deleted
3570 text, you should perform a non-deleting action, e.g., move the cursor one
3571 character in any direction.
3573 @cindex shifting text
3577 Delete <count> chars under and after the cursor.
3579 Delete <count> chars before the cursor.
3580 @item <count> d<move>
3581 Delete from point to endpoint of <count><move>.
3583 Delete <count> lines.
3585 The rest of the line.
3586 @item <count> <<move>
3587 Shift the lines described by <count><move> one
3588 shiftwidth to the left (layout!).
3590 Shift <count> lines one shiftwidth to the left.
3593 @kindex @kbd{<<move>}
3596 @kindex @kbd{d<move>}
3600 @node Changing Text, Search and Replace, Deleting Text,Text Handling
3601 @subsection Changing Text
3603 @cindex joining lines
3604 @cindex changing case
3605 @cindex quoting regions
3606 @cindex substitution
3609 @item <count> r<char>
3610 Replace <count> chars by <char> - no <esc>.
3612 Overwrite the rest of the line,
3613 appending change @var{count - 1} times.
3615 Substitute <count> chars.
3617 Change <count> lines.
3618 @item <count> c<move>
3619 Change from begin to endpoint of <count><move>.
3621 Change <count> lines.
3623 The rest of the line and <count> - 1 next lines.
3624 @item <count> =<move>
3625 Reindent the region described by move.
3627 Switch lower and upper cases.
3629 Join <count> lines (default 2).
3630 @item :[x,y]s/<pat>/<repl>/<f>
3631 Substitute (on lines x through y) the pattern
3632 <pat> (default the last pattern) with <repl>. Useful
3633 flags <f> are @samp{g} for @samp{global} (i.e.@: change every
3634 non-overlapping occurrence of <pat>) and @samp{c} for
3635 @samp{confirm} (type @samp{y} to confirm a particular
3636 substitution, else @samp{n} ). Instead of @kbd{/} any
3637 punctuation CHAR unequal to <space> <tab> and <lf> can be used as
3640 In Emacs, @samp{\&} stands for the last matched expression, so
3641 @kbd{s/[ab]+/\&\&/} will double the string matched by @kbd{[ab]}.
3642 Viper doesn't treat @samp{&} specially, unlike Vi: use @samp{\&} instead.
3644 Note: @emph{The newline character (inserted as @kbd{C-qC-j})
3645 can be used in <repl>}.
3646 @item :[x,y]copy [z]
3647 Copy text between @kbd{x} and @kbd{y} to the position after @kbd{z}.
3649 Same as @kbd{:copy}.
3650 @item :[x,y]move [z]
3651 Move text between @kbd{x} and @kbd{y} to the position after @kbd{z}.
3653 Repeat latest Ex substitute command, e.g.
3654 @kbd{:s/wrong/right}.
3656 Toggle case-sensitive search. With prefix argument, toggle vanilla/regular
3659 Change upper-case characters in the region to lower-case.
3661 Change lower-case characters in the region to upper-case.
3663 Insert specified string at the beginning of each line in the region
3664 @item C-c M-p and C-c M-n
3665 In Insert and Replace states, these keys are bound to commands that peruse
3666 the history of the text
3667 previously inserted in other insert or replace commands. By repeatedly typing
3668 @kbd{C-c M-p} or @kbd{C-c M-n}, you will cause Viper to
3669 insert these previously used strings one by one.
3670 When a new string is inserted, the previous one is deleted.
3672 In Vi state, these keys are bound to functions that peruse the history of
3673 destructive Vi commands.
3674 @xref{Viper Specials}, for details.
3676 @kindex @kbd{C-c M-p}
3677 @kindex @kbd{C-c M-n}
3678 @kindex @kbd{#q<move> }
3679 @kindex @kbd{#C<move>}
3680 @kindex @kbd{#c<move>}
3683 @findex @kbd{:substitute/<pat>/<repl>/<f>}
3684 @findex @kbd{:s/<pat>/<repl>/<f>}
3685 @findex @kbd{:copy [z]}
3686 @findex @kbd{:t [z]}
3687 @findex @kbd{:move [z]}
3690 @kindex @kbd{=<move>}
3693 @kindex @kbd{c<move>}
3697 @kindex @kbd{r<char>}
3699 @node Search and Replace, Yanking, Changing Text,Text Handling
3700 @subsection Search and Replace
3702 @xref{Groundwork}, for Ex address syntax. @xref{Options}, to see how to
3703 get literal (non-regular-expression) search and how to stop search from
3707 @item <count> /<string>
3708 To the <count>th occurrence of <string>.
3709 @item <count> ?<string>
3710 To the <count>th previous occurrence of <string>.
3711 @item <count> g<move>
3712 Search for the text described by move. (off by default)
3714 Repeat latest @kbd{/} @kbd{?} (next).
3716 Idem in opposite direction.
3718 Find the next bracket and go to its match
3719 @item :[x,y]g/<string>/<cmd>
3720 @cindex text processing
3721 Search globally [from line x to y] for <string>
3722 and execute the Ex <cmd> on each occurrence.
3723 @item :[x,y]v/<string>/<cmd>
3724 Execute <cmd> on the lines that don't match.
3726 Execute the last keyboard macro for each line in the region.
3727 @xref{Macros and Registers}, for more info.
3731 Search in the tags file where <name> is defined (file, line), and go to it.
3732 @item :[x,y]s/<pat>/<repl>/<f>
3733 Substitute (on lines x through y) the pattern <pat> (default the last
3734 pattern) with <repl>. Useful
3735 flags <f> are @samp{g} for @samp{global} (i.e.@: change every
3736 non-overlapping occurrence of <pat>) and @samp{c} for
3737 @samp{confirm} (type @samp{y} to confirm a particular
3738 substitution, else @samp{n}). Instead of @kbd{/} any
3739 punctuation character other than <space> <tab> and <lf> can be used as
3742 Note: @emph{The newline character (inserted as @kbd{C-qC-j})
3743 can be used in <repl>}.
3745 Repeat latest Ex substitute command, e.g.@: @kbd{:s/wrong/right}.
3746 @item :global /<pattern>/<ex-command>
3747 @itemx :g /<pattern>/<ex-command>
3748 Execute <ex-command> on all lines that match <pattern>.
3749 @item :vglobal /<pattern>/<ex-command>
3750 @itemx :v /<pattern>/<ex-command>
3751 Execute <ex-command> on all lines that do not match <pattern>.
3754 @findex @kbd{:substitute/<pat>/<repl>/<f>}
3756 @kindex @kbd{#g<move>}
3759 @findex @kbd{:global}
3760 @findex @kbd{:vglobal}
3761 @findex @kbd{:tag <name>}
3765 @kindex @kbd{g<move>}
3766 @kindex @kbd{?<string>}
3767 @kindex @kbd{/<string>}
3769 @node Yanking,Undoing,Search and Replace,Text Handling
3772 @cindex cut and paste
3776 @item <count> y<move>
3777 Yank from begin to endpoint of <count><move>.
3778 @item <count> "<a-z>y<move>
3779 Yank from begin to endpoint of <count><move> to register.
3780 @item <count> "<A-Z>y<move>
3781 Yank from begin to endpoint of <count><move> and append
3786 Idem (should be equivalent to @kbd{y$} though).
3788 Mark the cursor position with a letter.
3790 Show contents of textmarker.
3792 Show contents of register.
3793 @item <count> ["<a-z1-9>]p
3794 Put the contents of the (default undo) buffer
3795 <count> times after the cursor. The register will
3796 be automatically down-cased.
3797 @item <count> ["<a-z1-9>]P
3798 Put the contents of the (default undo) buffer
3799 <count> times before the cursor. The register will
3803 @kindex @kbd{"<a-z1-9>p}
3804 @kindex @kbd{"<a-z1-9>P}
3805 @kindex @kbd{]<a-z>}
3806 @kindex @kbd{[<a-z>}
3807 @kindex @kbd{m<a-z>}
3810 @kindex @kbd{"<A-Z>y<move>}
3811 @kindex @kbd{"<a-z>y<move>}
3812 @kindex @kbd{y<move>}
3816 @node Undoing,, Yanking,Text Handling
3820 @cindex backup files
3824 Undo the latest change.
3828 Quit Vi without writing.
3830 Re-edit a messed-up file.
3832 Recover file from autosave. Viper also creates backup files
3833 that have a @samp{~} appended to them.
3842 @node Display, File and Buffer Handling, Text Handling, Commands
3850 give file name, status, current line number
3851 and relative position.@*
3852 At user levels 2 and higher, abort the current command.
3854 Give file name, status, current line number and relative position -- all
3859 Expose <count> more lines at bottom, cursor stays put (if possible).
3861 Expose <count> more lines at top, cursor stays put (if possible).
3863 Scroll <count> lines downward (default the number of the previous scroll;
3864 initialization: half a page).
3866 Scroll <count> lines upward (default the number of the previous scroll;
3867 initialization: half a page).
3869 <count> pages forward.
3871 <count> pages backward (in older versions @kbd{C-b} only works without count).
3874 Put line <count> at the top of the window (default the current line).
3877 Put line <count> at the bottom of the window
3878 (default the current line).
3881 Put line <count> in the center of the window
3882 (default the current line).
3901 @node File and Buffer Handling, Mapping, Display,Commands
3902 @section File and Buffer Handling
3904 @cindex multiple files
3906 In all file handling commands, space should be typed before entering the file
3907 name. If you need to type a modifier, such as @kbd{>>} or @kbd{!}, don't
3908 put any space between the command and the modifier.
3912 Quit buffer except if modified.
3914 Quit buffer without checking. In Viper, these two commands
3915 are identical. Confirmation is required if exiting modified buffers that
3921 Write the file. Viper makes sure that a final newline is always added to
3922 any file where this newline is missing. This is done by setting Emacs
3923 variable @code{require-final-newline} to @code{t}. If you don't like this
3924 feature, use @code{setq-default} to set @code{require-final-newline} to
3925 @code{nil}. This must be done in @file{.viper} file.
3926 @item :[x,y] w <name>
3927 Write to the file <name>.
3928 @item :[x,y] w>> <name>
3929 Append the buffer to the file <name>. There should be no space between
3930 @kbd{w} and @kbd{>>}. Type space after the @kbd{>>} and see what happens.
3932 Overwrite the file <name>. In Viper, @kbd{:w} and @kbd{:w!} are identical.
3933 Confirmation is required for writing to an existing file (if this is not
3934 the file the buffer is visiting) or to a read-only file.
3936 Write lines x through y to the file <name>.
3938 Write the file and kill buffer.
3939 @item :r <file> [<file> ...]
3940 Read file into a buffer, inserting its contents after the current line.
3945 Save all unsaved buffers, asking for confirmation.
3948 Like @kbd{W}, but without asking for confirmation.
3950 Save current buffer and kill it. If user level is 1, then save all files
3951 and kill Emacs. Killing Emacs is the wrong way to use it, so you should
3952 switch to higher user levels as soon as possible.
3954 Save and kill buffer.
3955 @item :x!@: [<file>]
3956 @kbd{:w![<file>]} and @kbd{:q}.
3958 Preserve the file -- autosave buffers.
3960 Recover file from autosave.
3962 Print file name and lines.
3964 Set the working directory to <dir> (default home directory).
3966 Print present working directory.
3967 @item :e [+<cmd>] <files>
3968 Edit files. If no filename is given, edit the file visited by the current
3969 buffer. If buffer was modified or the file changed on disk, ask for
3970 confirmation. Unlike Vi, Viper allows @kbd{:e} to take multiple arguments.
3971 The first file is edited the same way as in Vi. The rest are visited
3972 in the usual Emacs way.
3973 @item :e!@: [+<cmd>] <files>
3974 Re-edit file. If no filename, re-edit current file.
3975 In Viper, unlike Vi, @kbd{e!} is identical to @kbd{:e}. In both cases, the
3976 user is asked to confirm if there is a danger of discarding changes to a
3979 Quit Vi without writing.
3981 Edit the alternate (normally the previous) file.
3985 List files not shown anywhere with counts for next
3986 @item :n [count] [+<cmd>] [<files>]
3987 Edit <count> file, or edit files. The count comes from @kbd{:args}.
3988 @item :N [count] [+<cmd>] [<files>]
3989 Like @kbd{:n}, but the meaning of the variable
3990 @var{ex-cycle-other-window} is reversed.
3992 Switch to another buffer. If @var{ex-cycle-other-window} is @code{t},
3993 switch in another window. Buffer completion is supported.
3995 Like @kbd{:b}, but the meaning of @var{ex-cycle-other-window} is reversed.
3996 @item :<address>r <name>
3997 Read the file <name> into the buffer after the line <address>.
3999 Edit a file in current or another window, or in another frame. File name
4000 is typed in Minibuffer. File completion and history are supported.
4007 @findex @kbd{:e!@: [<files>]}
4008 @findex @kbd{:e [<files>]}
4009 @findex @kbd{:edit [<files>]}
4010 @findex @kbd{:edit!@: [<files>]}
4014 @findex @kbd{:quit!}
4022 @findex @kbd{:w <file>}
4023 @findex @kbd{:w!@: <file>}
4024 @findex @kbd{:w >> <file>}
4025 @findex @kbd{:write <file>}
4026 @findex @kbd{:write!@: <file>}
4027 @findex @kbd{:write >> <file>}
4030 @findex @kbd{:Write}
4031 @findex @kbd{:WWrite}
4032 @findex @kbd{:WWrite}
4035 @findex @kbd{:suspend}
4037 @findex @kbd{:n [<count> | <file>]}
4038 @findex @kbd{:cd [<dir>]}
4041 @node Mapping, Shell Commands, File and Buffer Handling, Commands
4049 Start defining a Vi-style keyboard macro.
4050 For instance, typing
4051 @kbd{:map www} followed by @kbd{:!wc %} and then typing @kbd{C-x )}
4052 will cause @kbd{www} to run wc on
4053 current file (Vi replaces @samp{%} with the current file name).
4055 Finish defining a keyboard macro.
4056 In Viper, this command completes the process of defining all keyboard
4057 macros, whether they are Emacs-style or Vi-style.
4058 This is a departure from Vi, needed to allow WYSIWYG mapping of
4059 keyboard macros and to permit the use of function keys and arbitrary Emacs
4060 functions in the macros.
4061 @item :unmap <string>
4062 Deprive <string> of its mappings in Vi state.
4063 @item :map!@: <string>
4064 Map a macro for Insert state.
4065 @item :unmap!@: <string>
4066 Deprive <string> of its mapping in Insert state (see @kbd{:unmap}).
4069 execute the contents of register as a command.
4072 repeat last register command.
4075 begin keyboard macro. End with @@<a-z>. This will
4076 put the macro in the proper register. Register will
4077 be automatically down-cased.
4078 @xref{Macros and Registers}, for more info.
4081 yank anonymous macro to register
4084 execute anonymous macro (defined by C-x( and C-x )).
4086 Like @kbd{*}, but works in all Viper states.
4088 Execute the last keyboard macro for each line in the region.
4089 @xref{Macros and Registers}, for more info.
4091 Show contents of textmarker.
4093 Show contents of register.
4095 @kindex @kbd{]<a-z>}
4096 @kindex @kbd{[<a-z>}
4097 @kindex @kbd{#g<move>}
4099 @kindex @kbd{@@!<a-z>}
4102 @kindex @kbd{@@<a-z>}
4103 @findex @kbd{:unmap <char>}
4104 @findex @kbd{:map <char> <seq>}
4105 @findex @kbd{:unmap!@: <char>}
4106 @findex @kbd{:map!@: <char> <seq>}
4108 @node Shell Commands, Options, Mapping, Commands
4109 @section Shell Commands
4111 @cindex % (Current file)
4113 Note that % is used in Ex commands to mean current file. If you want a %
4114 in your command, it must be escaped as @samp{\%}.
4115 @cindex % (Ex address)
4117 first character, it stands as the address for the whole file.
4118 @cindex # (Previous file)
4119 Similarly, @samp{#} expands to the previous file. The previous file is
4120 the first file in @kbd{:args} listing. This defaults
4121 to the previous file in the VI sense if you have one window.@refill
4123 @cindex shell commands
4127 Execute a subshell in another window
4129 Execute a shell <cmd> [on lines x through y;
4130 % is replace by current file, \% is changed to %
4131 @item :[x,y]!!@: [<args>]
4132 Repeat last shell command [and append <args>].
4134 Just execute command and display result in a buffer.
4136 Repeat last shell command and append <args>
4137 @item <count> !<move><cmd>
4138 The shell executes <cmd>, with standard
4139 input the lines described by <count><move>,
4140 next the standard output replaces those lines
4141 (think of @samp{cb}, @samp{sort}, @samp{nroff}, etc.).
4142 @item <count> !!<cmd>
4143 Give <count> lines as standard input to the
4144 shell <cmd>, next let the standard output
4145 replace those lines.
4146 @item :[x,y] w !<cmd>
4147 Let lines x to y be standard input for <cmd>
4148 (notice the <sp> between @kbd{w} and @kbd{!}).
4149 @item :<address>r !<cmd>
4150 Put the output of <cmd> after the line <address> (default current).
4151 @item :<address>r <name>
4152 Read the file <name> into the buffer after the line <address> (default
4155 @findex @kbd{:<address>r <name>}
4156 @findex @kbd{:<address>r !<cmd>}
4157 @findex @kbd{!<cmd>}
4158 @findex @kbd{!!<cmd>}
4159 @findex @kbd{!<move><cmd>}
4160 @findex @kbd{:w !<cmd>}
4161 @findex @kbd{:x,y w !<cmd>}
4162 @findex @kbd{:!!@: <args>}
4163 @findex @kbd{:!<cmd>}
4166 @node Options,Emacs Related Commands,Shell Commands,Commands
4175 autoindent -- In append mode after a <cr> the
4176 cursor will move directly below the first
4177 character on the previous line.
4178 This setting affects the current buffer only.
4179 @item autoindent-global
4181 Same as `autoindent', but affects all buffers.
4185 @item noautoindent-global
4187 Cancel autoindent-global.
4190 @cindex case and searching
4191 ignorecase -- No distinction between upper and lower cases when searching.
4197 @cindex literal searching
4198 Regular expressions used in searches; nomagic means no regexps.
4204 @cindex readonly files
4205 readonly -- The file is not to be changed.
4206 If the user attempts to write to this file, confirmation will be requested.
4210 @item shell=<string>
4213 shell -- The program to be used for shell escapes
4214 (default @samp{$SHELL} (default @file{/bin/sh})).
4215 @item shiftwidth=<count>
4218 @cindex shifting text
4219 shiftwidth -- Gives the shiftwidth (default 8 positions).
4222 @cindex paren matching
4223 @cindex matching parens
4224 showmatch -- Whenever you append a @kbd{)}, Vi shows
4225 its match if it's on the same page; also with
4226 @kbd{@{} and @kbd{@}}. If there's no match, Vi will beep.
4230 @item tabstop=<count>
4232 @cindex changing tab width
4234 tabstop -- The length of a <ht>; warning: this is
4235 only IN the editor, outside of it <ht>s have
4236 their normal length (default 8 positions).
4237 This setting affects the current buffer only.
4238 @item tabstop-global
4240 Same as `tabstop', but affects all buffers.
4241 @item wrapmargin=<count>
4245 wrapmargin -- In append mode Vi automatically
4246 puts a <lf> whenever there is a <sp> or <ht>
4247 within <wm> columns from the right margin.
4251 wrapscan -- When searching, the end is
4252 considered @samp{stuck} to the begin of the file.
4258 @item :set no<option>
4260 @item :set <option>=<value>
4261 Set <option> to <value>.
4263 @findex @kbd{:set <option>=<value>}
4264 @findex @kbd{:set no<option>}
4265 @findex @kbd{:set <option>}
4266 @findex @kbd{:set ws}
4267 @findex @kbd{:set wrapscan}
4268 @findex @kbd{:set wm=<count>}
4269 @findex @kbd{:set wrapmargin=<count>}
4270 @findex @kbd{:set ts=<count>}
4271 @findex @kbd{:set tabstop=<count>}
4272 @findex @kbd{:set tab-stop-local=<count>}
4273 @findex @kbd{:set sm}
4274 @findex @kbd{:set showmatch}
4275 @findex @kbd{:set sw=<count>}
4276 @findex @kbd{:set shiftwidth=<count>}
4277 @findex @kbd{:set sh=<string>}
4278 @findex @kbd{:set shell=<string>}
4279 @findex @kbd{:set ro}
4280 @findex @kbd{:set readonly}
4281 @findex @kbd{:set magic}
4282 @findex @kbd{:set ic}
4283 @findex @kbd{:set ignorecase}
4284 @findex @kbd{:set ai}
4285 @findex @kbd{:set autoindent}
4287 @node Emacs Related Commands,,Options,Commands
4288 @section Emacs Related Commands
4292 Begin Meta command in Vi or Insert states. Most often used as C-\ x (M-x).
4294 Note: Emacs binds @kbd{C-\} to a function that offers to change the
4295 keyboard input method in the multilingual environment. Viper overrides this
4296 binding. However, it is still possible to switch the input method by typing
4297 @kbd{\ C-\} in the Vi command state and @kbd{C-z \ C-\} in the Insert state.
4298 Or you can use the MULE menu on the menubar.
4300 In Insert and Replace states, prepare Viper to accept the next command and
4301 execute it as if Viper was in Vi state. Then return to Insert state.
4303 In Vi state, switch to Emacs state; in Emacs state, switch to Vi state.
4305 Switches to Vi state for the duration of a single command. Then goes back
4306 to the original Viper state. Works from Vi, Insert, Replace, and Emacs states.
4316 Emacs find-file, useful in Insert state
4318 Put back the last killed text. Similar to Vi's @kbd{p}, but also works in
4319 Insert and Replace state. This command doesn't work in Vi command state,
4320 since this binding is taken for something else.
4322 Undoes the last @kbd{C-y} and puts another kill from the kill ring.
4323 Using this command, you can try may different kills until you find the one
4328 @kindex @kbd{C-xC-f}
4337 @node Mouse-bound Commands,,,Commands
4338 @section Mouse-bound Commands
4340 The following two mouse actions are normally bound to to special search and
4341 insert commands in of Viper:
4345 Holding Shift and clicking mouse button 1 will
4347 a region under the mouse pointer.
4348 This command can take a prefix argument. Note: Viper sets this
4349 binding only if this mouse action is not
4350 already bound to something else.
4351 @xref{Viper Specials}, for more information.@refill
4354 Holding Shift and clicking button 2 of the mouse will
4355 insert a region surrounding the mouse pointer.
4356 This command can also take a prefix argument.
4357 Note: Viper sets this binding only if this mouse action is not
4358 already bound to something else.
4359 @xref{Viper Specials}, for more details.@refill
4361 @kindex @kbd{S-mouse-1}
4362 @kindex @kbd{S-mouse-2}
4363 @kindex @kbd{meta button1up}
4364 @kindex @kbd{meta button2up}
4366 @node Acknowledgments,,,Top
4367 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
4368 @unnumbered Acknowledgments
4370 Viper, formerly known as VIP-19, was written by Michael Kifer. Viper is
4371 based on the original VIP package by Masahiko Sato and on its enhancement,
4372 VIP 4.4, by Aamod Sane. This manual is an adaptation of the manual for VIP
4373 4.4, which, in turn, was based on Sato's manual for VIP 3.5.
4375 Many contributors on the net pointed out bugs and suggested a number of
4376 useful features. Here is a (hopefully) complete list of contributors:
4379 ahg@@panix.com (Al Gelders),
4380 amade@@diagram.fr (Paul-Bernard Amade),
4381 ascott@@fws214.intel.com (Andy Scott),
4382 cook@@biostat.wisc.edu (Tom Cook),
4383 csdayton@@midway.uchicago.edu (Soren Dayton),
4384 dave@@hellgate.utah.edu,
4385 dominik@@strw.LeidenUniv.nl (Carsten Dominik),
4386 dwallach@@cs.princeton.edu (Dan Wallach),
4387 dwight@@toolucky.llnl.gov (Dwight Shih),
4388 edmonds@@edmonds.home.cs.ubc.ca (Brian Edmonds),
4389 gviswana@@cs.wisc.edu (Guhan Viswanathan),
4390 gvr@@halcyon.com (George V.@: Reilly),
4391 hatazaki@@bach.convex.com (Takao Hatazaki),
4392 hpz@@ibmhpz.aug.ipp-garching.mpg.de (Hans-Peter Zehrfeld),
4393 jackr@@dblues.engr.sgi.com (Jack Repenning),
4394 jamesm@@bga.com (D.J.@: Miller II),
4395 jjm@@hplb.hpl.hp.com (Jean-Jacques Moreau),
4396 jl@@cse.ogi.edu (John Launchbury),
4397 jobrien@@hchp.org (John O'Brien),
4398 johnw@@borland.com (John Wiegley),
4399 kanze@@gabi-soft.fr (James Kanze),
4400 kin@@isi.com (Kin Cho),
4401 kwzh@@gnu.org (Karl Heuer),
4402 lindstro@@biostat.wisc.edu (Mary Lindstrom),
4403 Mark.Bordas@@East.Sun.COM (Mark Bordas),
4404 meyering@@comco.com (Jim Meyering),
4405 mrb@@Eng.Sun.COM (Martin Buchholz),
4406 mveiga@@dit.upm.es (Marcelino Veiga Tuimil),
4407 paulk@@summit.esg.apertus.com (Paul Keusemann),
4408 pfister@@cs.sunysb.edu (Hanspeter Pfister),
4409 phil_brooks@@MENTORG.COM (Phil Brooks),
4410 pogrell@@informatik.hu-berlin.de (Lutz Pogrell),
4411 pradyut@@cs.uchicago.edu (Pradyut Shah),
4412 roderick@@argon.org (Roderick Schertler),
4413 rxga@@ulysses.att.com,
4414 sawdey@@lcse.umn.edu (Aaron Sawdey),
4415 simonb@@prl.philips.co.uk (Simon Blanchard),
4416 stephen@@farrell.org (Stephen Farrell),
4417 sudish@@MindSpring.COM (Sudish Joseph),
4418 schwab@@issan.informatik.uni-dortmund.de (Andreas Schwab)
4419 terra@@diku.dk (Morten Welinder),
4420 thanh@@informatics.muni.cz (Han The Thanh),
4421 toma@@convex.convex.com,
4422 vrenjak@@sun1.racal.com (Milan Vrenjak),
4423 whicken@@dragon.parasoft.com (Wendell Hicken),
4424 zapman@@cc.gatech.edu (Jason Zapman II),
4428 @node Key Index,Function Index,,Top
4429 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
4430 @unnumbered Key Index
4434 @node Function Index,Variable Index,Key Index,Top
4435 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
4436 @unnumbered Function Index
4440 @node Variable Index,Package Index,Function Index,Top
4441 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
4442 @unnumbered Variable Index
4446 @node Package Index,Concept Index,Variable Index,Top
4447 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
4448 @unnumbered Package Index
4452 @node Concept Index,,Package Index,Top
4453 @comment node-name, next, previous, up
4454 @unnumbered Concept Index