*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.2. Last change: 2008 Nov 27 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval* Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|. Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and |no-eval-feature|. 1. Variables |variables| 1.1 Variable types 1.2 Function references |Funcref| 1.3 Lists |Lists| 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries| 1.5 More about variables |more-variables| 2. Expression syntax |expression-syntax| 3. Internal variable |internal-variables| 4. Builtin Functions |functions| 5. Defining functions |user-functions| 6. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names| 7. Commands |expression-commands| 8. Exception handling |exception-handling| 9. Examples |eval-examples| 10. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature| 11. The sandbox |eval-sandbox| 12. Textlock |textlock| {Vi does not have any of these commands} ============================================================================== 1. Variables *variables* 1.1 Variable types ~ *E712* There are six types of variables: Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number* Examples: -123 0x10 0177 Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float* {only when compiled with the |+float| feature} Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3 String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes). |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c' Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|. Example: function("strlen") List An ordered sequence of items |List|. Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']] Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a value. |Dictionary| Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"} The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they are used. Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of the Number. Examples: > Number 123 --> String "123" Number 0 --> String "0" Number -1 --> String "-1" Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: > String "456" --> Number 456 String "6bar" --> Number 6 String "foo" --> Number 0 String "0xf1" --> Number 241 String "0100" --> Number 64 String "-8" --> Number -8 String "+8" --> Number 0 To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: > :echo "0100" + 0 < 64 ~ To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different base, use |str2nr()|. For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE. Note that in the command > :if "foo" "foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string, use strlen(): > :if strlen("foo") < *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731* List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted. *E805* *E806* *E808* When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number. *E706* *sticky-type-checking* You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of commands: > :let l = "string" :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float :let l = "string" " error! 1.2 Function references ~ *Funcref* *E695* *E718* A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: > :let Fn = function("MyFunc") :echo Fn() < *E704* *E705* *E707* A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name. A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a Dictionary entry. Example: > :function dict.init() dict : let self.val = 0 :endfunction The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|. A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: > :call Fn() :call dict.init() The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. > :let func = string(Fn) You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the arguments: > :let r = call(Fn, mylist) 1.3 Lists ~ *List* *Lists* *E686* A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any position in the sequence. List creation ~ *E696* *E697* A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets. Examples: > :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"] :let emptylist = [] An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a List of Lists: > :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]] An extra comma after the last item is ignored. List index ~ *list-index* *E684* An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. > :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3 When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: > :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12 < A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. > :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four" To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: > :echo get(mylist, idx) :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE") List concatenation ~ Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: > :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6] :let mylist += [7, 8] To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below. Sublist ~ A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index, separated by a colon in square brackets: > :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"] Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is similar to -1. > :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"] :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3] :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error message. If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the length minus one is used: > :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3] :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3] NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed: mylist[s : e]. List identity ~ *list-identity* When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also change "bb": > :let aa = [1, 2, 3] :let bb = aa :call add(aa, 4) :echo bb < [1, 2, 3, 4] Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: > :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3] :let bb = copy(aa) :call add(aa, 4) :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa' :echo aa < [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] > :echo bb < [[1, aaa], 2, 3] To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep. The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have the same value. > :let alist = [1, 2, 3] :let blist = [1, 2, 3] :echo alist is blist < 0 > :echo alist == blist < 1 Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on variables. Example: > echo 4 == "4" < 1 > echo [4] == ["4"] < 0 Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: > :let a = 5 :let b = "5" :echo a == b < 1 > :echo [a] == [b] < 0 List unpack ~ To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in square brackets, like list items: > :let [var1, var2] = mylist When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";" and a variable name: > :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist This works like: > :let var1 = mylist[0] :let var2 = mylist[1] :let rest = mylist[2:] Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an empty list then. List modification ~ *list-modification* To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: > :let list[4] = "four" :let listlist[0][3] = item To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: > :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5] Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few examples: > :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a' :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3] :call add(list, "new") " append String item :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3 :unlet list[3] " idem :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item :unlet list[3 : ] " idem :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x' Changing the order of items in a list: > :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items For loop ~ The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set to each item in the list in sequence. Example: > :for item in mylist : call Doit(item) :endfor This works like: > :let index = 0 :while index < len(mylist) : let item = mylist[index] : :call Doit(item) : let index = index + 1 :endwhile Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of the loop. If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()| function will be a simpler method than a for loop. Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This requires the argument to be a list of lists. > :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]] : call Doit(lnum, col) :endfor This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types must remain the same to avoid an error. It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: > :for [i, j; rest] in listlist : call Doit(i, j) : if !empty(rest) : echo "remainder: " . string(rest) : endif :endfor List functions ~ *E714* Functions that are useful with a List: > :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list :if empty(list) " check if list is empty :let l = len(list) " number of items in list :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items :let s = string(list) " String representation of list :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For example, to add up all the numbers in a list: > :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+') 1.4 Dictionaries ~ *Dictionaries* *Dictionary* A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific ordering. Dictionary creation ~ *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723* A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can only appear once. Examples: > :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'} :let emptydict = {} < *E713* *E716* *E717* A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the Number will be converted to the String '4'. A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a nested Dictionary: > :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}} An extra comma after the last entry is ignored. Accessing entries ~ The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: > :let val = mydict["one"] :let mydict["four"] = 4 You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists. For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following form can be used |expr-entry|: > :let val = mydict.one :let mydict.four = 4 Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and key lookup can be repeated: > :echo dict.key[idx].key Dictionary to List conversion ~ You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|. Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: > :for key in keys(mydict) : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key] :endfor The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: > :for key in sort(keys(mydict)) To loop over the values use the |values()| function: > :for v in values(mydict) : echo "value: " . v :endfor If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: > :for [key, value] in items(mydict) : echo key . ': ' . value :endfor Dictionary identity ~ *dict-identity* Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same Dictionary: > :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2} :let adict = onedict :let adict['a'] = 11 :echo onedict['a'] 11 Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For more info see |list-identity|. Dictionary modification ~ *dict-modification* To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry, use |:let| this way: > :let dict[4] = "four" :let dict['one'] = item Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|. Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: > :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa') :unlet dict.aaa :unlet dict['aaa'] Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: > :call extend(adict, bdict) This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this. Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in adict. Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: > :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"') This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'. Dictionary function ~ *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725* When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a special way with a dictionary. Example: > :function Mylen() dict : return len(self.data) :endfunction :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")} :echo mydict.len() This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary the function was invoked from. It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then. *numbered-function* *anonymous-function* To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly assigned to a Dictionary in this way: > :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]} :function mydict.len() dict : return len(self.data) :endfunction :echo mydict.len() The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref| that references this function. The function can only be used through a |Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref| remaining that refers to it. It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function. Functions for Dictionaries ~ *E715* Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: > :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo" :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item 1.5 More about variables ~ *more-variables* If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()| function. When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|. When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are stored in the session file |session-file|. variable name can be stored where ~ my_var_6 not My_Var_6 session file MY_VAR_6 viminfo file It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. ============================================================================== 2. Expression syntax *expression-syntax* Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant: |expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else |expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR |expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND |expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal expr5 != expr5 not equal expr5 > expr5 greater than expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal expr5 < expr5 smaller than expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for matching case expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance |expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation |expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication expr7 / expr7 .. number division expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo |expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT - expr7 unary minus + expr7 unary plus |expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List| expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List| expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable |expr9| number number constant "string" string constant, backslash is special 'string' string constant, ' is doubled [expr1, ...] |List| {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary| &option option value (expr1) nested expression variable internal variable va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces $VAR environment variable @r contents of register 'r' function(expr1, ...) function call func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces ".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated. Example: > &nu || &list && &shell == "csh" All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right. expr1 *expr1* *E109* ----- expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':', otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'. Example: > :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:. Example: > :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: > :echo lnum == 1 :\ ? "top" :\ : lnum == 1000 :\ ? "last" :\ : lnum You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for use in a variable such as "a:1". expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3* --------------- *expr-barbar* *expr-&&* The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments are (converted to) Numbers. The result is: input output ~ n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~ zero zero zero zero zero non-zero non-zero zero non-zero zero non-zero zero non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero The operators can be concatenated, for example: > &nu || &list && &shell == "csh" Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: > &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh") Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: > let a = 1 echo a || b This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero, so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: > echo exists("b") && b == "yes" This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will only be evaluated if "b" has been defined. expr4 *expr4* ----- expr5 {cmp} expr5 Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1 if it evaluates to true. *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=* *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~* *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#* *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#* *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?* *expr- ># >? greater than or equal >= >=# >=? smaller than < <# 1 . 90 + 90.0 As: > (1 . 90) + 90.0 That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number 190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: > 1 . 90 * 90.0 Should be read as: > 1 . (90 * 90.0) Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this attempts to concatenate a Float and a String. When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value: 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float) >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity) <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity) (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff) When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0. None of these work for |Funcref|s. . and % do not work for Float. *E804* expr7 *expr7* ----- ! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!* - expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--* + expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+* For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one. For '-' the sign of the number is changed. For '+' the number is unchanged. A String will be converted to a Number first. These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples: !-1 == 0 !!8 == 1 --9 == 9 expr8 *expr8* ----- expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111* If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for an alternative. Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful: text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the cursor: > :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1] If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte. If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index| for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an error. Example: > :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the |List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an error. expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]* If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for computing the indexes. If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the string minus one is used. A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is the last character, -2 the last but one, etc. If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string. Examples: > :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: > :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an error. expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry* If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like: expr8[name]. The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name, but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used. There must not be white space before or after the dot. Examples: > :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"} :echo dict.one :echo dict .2 Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation. expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to. *expr9* number ------ number number constant *expr-number* Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0). *floating-point-format* Floating point numbers can be written in two forms: [-+]{N}.{M} [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp} {N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only contain digits. [-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign. {exp} is the exponent, power of 10. Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current locale is. {only when compiled with the |+float| feature} Examples: 123.456 +0.0001 55.0 -0.123 1.234e03 1.0E-6 -3.1416e+88 These are INVALID: 3. empty {M} 1e40 missing .{M} *float-pi* *float-e* A few useful values to copy&paste: > :let pi = 3.14159265359 :let e = 2.71828182846 Rationale: Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated, resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation for floating point numbers. *floating-point-precision* The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double" means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at runtime. The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()| function. Example: > :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1)) < 7.853981633974483e-01 string *expr-string* *E114* ------ "string" string constant *expr-quote* Note that double quotes are used. A string constant accepts these special characters: \... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316") \.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit) \. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit) \x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f") \x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char) \X.. same as \x.. \X. same as \x. \u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4") \U.... same as \u.... \b backspace \e escape \f formfeed \n newline \r return \t tab \\ backslash \" double quote \ Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\" for CTRL-W. Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value of 'encoding'. Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string. literal-string *literal-string* *E115* --------------- 'string' string constant *expr-'* Note that single quotes are used. This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote. Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: > if a =~ "\\s*" if a =~ '\s*' option *expr-option* *E112* *E113* ------ &option option value, local value if possible &g:option global option value &l:option local option value Examples: > echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop if &insertmode Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used anyway. register *expr-register* *@r* -------- @r contents of register 'r' The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string. Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available registers. When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it. nesting *expr-nesting* *E110* ------- (expr1) nested expression environment variable *expr-env* -------------------- $VAR environment variable The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the result is an empty string. *expr-env-expand* Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: > :echo $version :echo expand("$version") The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version variable (if your shell supports it). internal variable *expr-variable* ----------------- variable internal variable See below |internal-variables|. function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120* ------------- function(expr1, ...) function call See below |functions|. ============================================================================== 3. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121* *E461* An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|. An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command |:unlet|. Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has been destroyed results in an error. There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is specified by what is prepended: (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global |buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer. |window-variable| w: Local to the current window. |tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page. |global-variable| g: Global. |local-variable| l: Local to a function. |script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script. |function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function). |vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim. The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to delete all script-local variables: > :for k in keys(s:) : unlet s:[k] :endfor < *buffer-variable* *b:var* A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer. Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer. This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with |:bdelete|. One local buffer variable is predefined: *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick* b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when the buffer has changed. Example: > :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick : call My_Update() :endif < *window-variable* *w:var* A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It is deleted when the window is closed. *tabpage-variable* *t:var* A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page, It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled without the +windows feature} *global-variable* *g:var* Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other place if you like. *local-variable* *l:var* Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything. But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:" you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the same name. *script-variable* *s:var* In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script. They can be used in: - commands executed while the script is sourced - functions defined in the script - autocommands defined in the script - functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were defined in the script (recursively) - user defined commands defined in the script Thus not in: - other scripts sourced from this one - mappings - etc. Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names. Take this example: > let s:counter = 0 function MyCounter() let s:counter = s:counter + 1 echo s:counter endfunction command Tick call MyCounter() You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where "Tick" was defined is used. Another example that does the same: > let s:counter = 0 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for script variables is set to the script where the function or command was defined. The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a function that is defined in a script. Example: > let s:counter = 0 function StartCounting(incr) if a:incr function MyCounter() let s:counter = s:counter + 1 endfunction else function MyCounter() let s:counter = s:counter - 1 endfunction endif endfunction This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter(). When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables. They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to maintain a counter: > if !exists("s:counter") let s:counter = 1 echo "script executed for the first time" else let s:counter = s:counter + 1 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now" endif Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|. Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var* *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable* v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is. This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable* v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable* v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable* v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies, but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the highlighted text is used. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable* v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. *v:char* *char-variable* v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'. *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable* v:charconvert_from The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted. Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option. *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable* v:charconvert_to The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion. Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option. *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable* v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes: 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command. Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is set before an autocommand event for a file read/write command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it possible to append this variable directly after the read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't included here, because it will be executed anyway. 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used in 'printexpr'. *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable* v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!" was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this can only be used in autocommands. For user commands || can be used. *v:count* *count-variable* v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: > :map _x :echo "the count is " . v:count < Note: The is required to remove the line range that you get when typing ':' after a count. When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied, just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example. Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option. "count" also works, for backwards compatibility. *v:count1* *count1-variable* v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is used. *v:ctype* *ctype-variable* v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C". This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| command. See |multi-lang|. *v:dying* *dying-variable* v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases. Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't terminate normally. {only works on Unix} Example: > :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif < *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable* v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable. Example: > :let v:errmsg = "" :silent! next :if v:errmsg != "" : ... handle error < "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility. *v:exception* *exception-variable* v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|. Example: > :try : throw "oops" :catch /.*/ : echo "caught" v:exception :endtry < Output: "caught oops". *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable* v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values: deleted file no longer exists conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was changed and buffer is modified changed file contents has changed mode mode of file changed time only file timestamp changed *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable* v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to do with the affected buffer: reload Reload the buffer (does not work if the file was deleted). ask Ask the user what to do, as if there was no autocommand. Except that when only the timestamp changed nothing will happen. Nothing, the autocommand should do everything that needs to be done. The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message. *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable* v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating: option used for ~ 'charconvert' file to be converted 'diffexpr' original file 'patchexpr' original file 'printexpr' file to be printed And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|. *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable* v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while evaluating: option used for ~ 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*) 'diffexpr' output of diff 'patchexpr' resulting patched file (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary file and different from v:fname_in. *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable* v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while evaluating 'diffexpr'. *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable* v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while evaluating 'patchexpr'. *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable* v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable* v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:foldend* *foldend-variable* v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable* v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold. Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext| *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable* v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand events. Values: i Insert mode r Replace mode v Virtual Replace mode *v:key* *key-variable* v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|. Read-only. *v:lang* *lang-variable* v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES. The value is system dependent. This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| command. It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired in a different language than what is used for character encoding. See |multi-lang|. *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable* v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME. This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language| command. See |multi-lang|. *v:lnum* *lnum-variable* v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|. *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable* v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is zero when there was no mouse button click. *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable* v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The value is zero when there was no mouse button click. *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable* v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|. This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The value is zero when there was no mouse button click. *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable* v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for. The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the 'viminfo' option (default is 100). Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|. The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other than String this will cause trouble. {only when compiled with the +viminfo feature} *v:operator* *operator-variable* v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single character except for commands starting with or , in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: > :omap O :call MyMotion(v:operator) < The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus don't expect it to be empty. v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex commands. Read-only. *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable* v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command. This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then use the count, e.g.: > :vmap % :call MyFilter(v:prevcount) < Read-only. *v:profiling* *profiling-variable* v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start". See |profiling|. *v:progname* *progname-variable* v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view", "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim. Read-only. *v:register* *register-variable* v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()| *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable* v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a typed command. This can be used to find out why your script causes the hit-enter prompt. *v:servername* *servername-variable* v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any. Read-only. v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable* Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting the last search pattern, see |quote/|. Note that the value is restored when returning from a function. |function-search-undo|. Read-write. *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable* v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem. This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim. The value -1 is often used when the command could not be executed. Read-only. Example: > :!mv foo bar :if v:shell_error : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!' :endif < "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility. *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable* v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable. *v:swapname* *swapname-variable* v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of the swap file found. Read-only. *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable* v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice for handling an existing swap file: 'o' Open read-only 'e' Edit anyway 'r' Recover 'd' Delete swapfile 'q' Quit 'a' Abort The value should be a single-character string. An empty value results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty. *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable* v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r". For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r". *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable* v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV| termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only digits, ';' and '.' in between. When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is fired, so that you can react to the response from the terminal. The response from a new xterm is: "[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero. {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature} *v:this_session* *this_session-variable* v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no session file has been saved, this variable is empty. "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility. *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable* v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|. Example: > :try : throw "oops" :catch /.*/ : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint :endtry < Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2" *v:val* *val-variable* v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|. Read-only. *v:version* *version-variable* v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01) is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards compatibility. Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: > if has("patch123") < Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are completely different. *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable* v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable. ============================================================================== 4. Builtin Functions *functions* See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for. (Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.) USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~ abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr} add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list} append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum} append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum} argc() Number number of files in the argument list argidx() Number current index in the argument list argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list argv( ) List the argument list atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr} browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default}) String put up a file requester browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr} bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr} bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr} byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte} byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr} call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) any call {func} with arguments {arglist} ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up changenr() Number current change number char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr} cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum} clearmatches() None clear all matches col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]]) Number number of choice picked by user copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr} cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr} count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) Number count how many {expr} are in {list} cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]]) Number checks existence of cscope connection cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}]) Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd} cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list} deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr} delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname} did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum} diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col} empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\' eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1} expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr} feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where {string} is 0 finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) String find directory {name} in {path} findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) String find file {name} in {path} float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname} fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum} foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum} foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name} garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def} get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def} getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}]) List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr} getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr} getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character getcmdline() String return the current command-line getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type getcwd() String the current working directory getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname} getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname} getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname} getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items getmatches() List list of current matches getpid() Number process ID of Vim getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc. getqflist() List list of quickfix items getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name}) any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr} glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr} globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path} has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key} haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd| hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name} hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr} indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum} index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) Number index in {list} where {expr} appears input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) String get input from the user inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list inputrestore() Number restore typeahead inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}] isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict} join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict} len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr} libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg} libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum} lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum} localtime() Number current time log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr} maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode} mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) String check for mappings matching {name} match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) Number position where {pat} matches in {expr} matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]]) Number highlight {pattern} with {group} matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match| matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id} matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) Number position where {pat} ends in {expr} matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr} matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr} max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list} min({list}) Number minimum value of items in {list} mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]]) Number create directory {name} mode( [expr]) String current editing mode nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum} nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr} pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y} prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum} printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) List items from {expr} to {max} readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]]) List get list of lines from file {fname} reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}]) String send expression remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}]) Number check for reply string remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}]) String send key sequence remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list} remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict} rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to} repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place round( {expr}) Float round off {expr} search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) Number search for {pattern} searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) Number search for variable declaration searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]]) Number search for other end of start/end pair searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]]) List search for other end of start/end pair searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) List search for {pattern} server2client( {clientid}, {string}) Number send reply string serverlist() String get a list of available servers setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val} setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line} setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}]) Number modify location list using {list} setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list} setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list} setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val} setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val} shellescape( {string} [, {special}]) String escape {string} for use as shell command argument simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr} sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word} spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]]) List spelling suggestions split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]]) List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr} sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr} str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}]) Number index of {needle} in {haystack} string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr} strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}]) String {len} characters of {src} at {start} strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) Number last index of {needle} in {haystack} strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute" substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub} synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col} synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID} synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID} synstack({lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col} system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr} tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}]) Number number of current window in tab page taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr} tagfiles() List tags files used tempname() String name for a temporary file tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr} to chars in {tostr} trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr} type( {name}) Number type of variable {name} values( {dict}) List values in {dict} virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr} wincol() Number window column of the cursor winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr} winline() Number window line of the cursor winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window winsaveview() Dict save view of current window winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr} writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}]) Number write list of lines to file {fname} abs({expr}) *abs()* Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise abs() gives an error message and returns -1. Examples: > echo abs(1.456) < 1.456 > echo abs(-5.456) < 5.456 > echo abs(-4) < 4 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} add({list}, {expr}) *add()* Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: > :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item) :call add(mylist, "woodstock") < Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|. Use |insert()| to add an item at another position. append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()* When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer. Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer. {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one. Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory), 0 for success. Example: > :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END") :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"]) < *argc()* argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the current window. See |arglist|. *argidx()* argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|. *argv()* argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one. Example: > :let i = 0 :while i < argc() : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.') : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '' : let i = i + 1 :endwhile < Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is returned. atan({expr}) *atan()* Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo atan(100) < 1.560797 > :echo atan(-4.01) < -1.326405 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} *browse()* browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default}) Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions). The input fields are: {save} when non-zero, select file to write {title} title for the requester {initdir} directory to start browsing in {default} default file name When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned. *browsedir()* browsedir({title}, {initdir}) Put up a directory requester. This only works when "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions). On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory to be used. The input fields are: {title} title for the requester {initdir} directory to start browsing in When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned. bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()* The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called {expr} exists. If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used. If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name exactly. The name can be: - Relative to the current directory. - A full path. - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile". - A URL name. Unlisted buffers will be found. Note that help files are listed by their short name in the output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their long name to be able to find them. bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1" Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate file name. *buffer_exists()* Obsolete name: buffer_exists(). buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()* The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set). The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|. bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()* The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden). The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|. bufname({expr}) *bufname()* The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the ":ls" command. If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given. Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window. If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one match an empty string is returned. "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the alternate buffer. A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the pattern. Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted buffers are searched for. If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: > :echo bufname("3" + 0) < If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty string is returned. > bufname("#") alternate buffer name bufname(3) name of buffer 3 bufname("%") name of current buffer bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches. < *buffer_name()* Obsolete name: buffer_name(). *bufnr()* bufnr({expr} [, {create}]) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted, buffer is created and its number is returned. bufnr("$") is the last buffer: > :let last_buffer = bufnr("$") < The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer. *buffer_number()* Obsolete name: buffer_number(). *last_buffer_nr()* Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr(). bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()* The result is a Number, which is the number of the first window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: > echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1)) < The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w" |:wincmd|. Only deals with the current tab page. byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()* Return the line number that contains the character at byte count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first character has byte count one. Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|. {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset| feature} byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()* Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero. This function is only useful when there are multibyte characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}. Composing characters are counted as a separate character. Example : > echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3)) < will display the fourth character. Another way to do the same: > let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3)) echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1)) < If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned. If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string is returned. call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699* Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as arguments. {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function. a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line. Returns the return value of the called function. {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function| ceil({expr}) *ceil()* Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to {expr} as a |Float| (round up). {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > echo ceil(1.456) < 2.0 > echo ceil(-5.456) < -5.0 > echo ceil(4.0) < 4.0 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} changenr() *changenr()* Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used with the |:undo| command. When a change was made it is the number of that change. After redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is one less than the number of the undone change. char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()* Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: > char2nr(" ") returns 32 char2nr("ABC") returns 65 < The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": > char2nr("á") returns 225 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195 < |nr2char()| does the opposite. cindent({lnum}) *cindent()* Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C indenting rules, as with 'cindent'. The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|. When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent| feature, -1 is returned. See |C-indenting|. clearmatches() *clearmatches()* Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. *col()* col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are: . the cursor position $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the number of characters in the cursor line plus one) 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is returned) Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is out of range then col() returns zero. To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use |getpos()|. For the screen column position use |virtcol()|. Note that only marks in the current file can be used. Examples: > col(".") column of cursor col("$") length of cursor line plus one col("'t") column of mark t col("'" . markname) column of mark markname < The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error. For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another buffer. For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: > :imap :let save_ve = &ve \:set ve=all \:echo col(".") . "\n" \let &ve = save_ve < complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785* Set the matches for Insert mode completion. Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or with an expression mapping. {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a match. {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match. See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible. Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid inserting anything that would completion to stop. The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if specified, see |ins-completion-menu|. Example: > inoremap =ListMonths() func! ListMonths() call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March', \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September', \ 'October', 'November', 'December']) return '' endfunc < This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted. complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()* Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the function specified with the 'completefunc' option. Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory), 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in the list. See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return. complete_check() *complete_check()* Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches. This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time. Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted, zero otherwise. Only to be used by the function specified with the 'completefunc' option. *confirm()* confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]]) Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first choice this is 1. Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|. {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is used (and translated). {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit. {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated by '\n', e.g. > confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel") < The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice. Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does not need to be the first letter: > confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All") < For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as the default shortcut key. The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice that is made if the user hits . Use 1 to make the first choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If {default} is omitted, 1 is used. The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used. If the user aborts the dialog by pressing , CTRL-C, or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0. An example: > :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2) :if choice == 0 : echo "make up your mind!" :elseif choice == 3 : echo "tasteful" :else : echo "I prefer bananas myself." :endif < In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included, the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm() tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems the horizontal layout is always used. *copy()* copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't different from using {expr} directly. When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means that the original |List| can be changed without changing the copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also see |deepcopy()|. cos({expr}) *cos()* Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > :echo cos(100) < 0.862319 > :echo cos(-4.01) < -0.646043 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()* Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}. If {start} is given then start with the item with this index. {start} can only be used with a |List|. When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored. *cscope_connection()* cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]]) Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no parameters are specified, then the function returns: 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or if there are no cscope connections; 1, if there is at least one cscope connection. If parameters are specified, then the value of {num} determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked: {num} Description of existence check ----- ------------------------------ 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()"). 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for {dbpath}. 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for {dbpath}. 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both {dbpath} and {prepend}. 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both {dbpath} and {prepend}. Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive! Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): > # pid database name prepend path 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local < Invocation Return Val ~ ---------- ---------- > cscope_connection() 1 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1 < cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()* cursor({list}) Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the line {lnum}. The first column is one. When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List| with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item. Does not change the jumplist. If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer, the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer. If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line. If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line, the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the line. If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column. When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a position within a or after the last character. deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698* Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't different from using {expr} directly. When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means that the original |List| can be changed without changing the copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does not change the contents of the original |List|. When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail. *E724* Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with {noref} set to 1 will fail. Also see |copy()|. delete({fname}) *delete()* Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero when the deletion failed. Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|. *did_filetype()* did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts that detect the file type. |FileType| When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax file. diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()* Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}. These are the lines that were inserted at this point in another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the display but don't exist in the buffer. {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current line, "'m" mark m, etc. Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode. diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()* Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a diff change zero is returned. {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current line, "'m" mark m, etc. {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first line. The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain syntax information about the highlighting. empty({expr}) *empty()* Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise. A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any items. A Number is empty when its value is zero. For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the length with zero. escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()* Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a backslash. Example: > :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \') < results in: > c:\\program\ files\\vim < Also see |shellescape()|. *eval()* eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to turn the result of |string()| back into the original value. This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions. eventhandler() *eventhandler()* Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character, e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned. executable({expr}) *executable()* This function checks if an executable with the name {expr} exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any arguments. executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT* On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an extension. On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and is not a directory, not if it's really executable. On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|. The result is a Number: 1 exists 0 does not exist -1 not implemented on this system *exists()* exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string, which contains one of these: &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists, not if it really works) +option-name Vim option that works. $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be done by comparing with an empty string) *funcname built-in function (see |functions|) or user defined function (see |user-functions|). varname internal variable (see |internal-variables|). Also works for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary| entries, |List| items, etc. Beware that evaluating an index may cause an error message for an invalid expression. E.g.: > :let l = [1, 2, 3] :echo exists("l[5]") < 0 > :echo exists("l[xx]") < E121: Undefined variable: xx 0 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user command or command modifier |:command|. Returns: 1 for match with start of a command 2 full match with a command 3 matches several user commands To check for a supported command always check the return value to be 2. :2match The |:2match| command. :3match The |:3match| command. #event autocommand defined for this event #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and pattern (the pattern is taken literally and compared to the autocommand patterns character by character) #group autocommand group exists #group#event autocommand defined for this group and event. #group#event#pattern autocommand defined for this group, event and pattern. ##event autocommand for this event is supported. For checking for a supported feature use |has()|. Examples: > exists("&shortname") exists("$HOSTNAME") exists("*strftime") exists("*s:MyFunc") exists("bufcount") exists(":Make") exists("#CursorHold") exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz") exists("#filetypeindent") exists("#filetypeindent#FileType") exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*") exists("##ColorScheme") < There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the name. There must be no extra characters after the name, although in a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in the future, thus don't count on it! Working example: > exists(":make") < NOT working example: > exists(":make install") < Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the variable itself. For example: > exists(bufcount) < This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable, but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists. expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()* Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}. The result is a String. When there are several matches, they are separated by characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which caused problems when a file name contains a space] If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name for a non-existing file is not included. When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated modifiers. Here is a short overview: % current file name # alternate file name #n alternate file name n file name under the cursor autocmd file name autocmd buffer number (as a String!) autocmd matched name sourced script file name word under the cursor WORD under the cursor the {clientid} of the last received message |server2client()| Modifiers: :p expand to full path :h head (last path component removed) :t tail (last path component only) :r root (one extension removed) :e extension only Example: > :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags" < Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: > :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak") < Use this: > :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak" < Also note that expanding "" and others only returns the referenced file name without further expansion. If "" is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: > :echo expand(expand("")) < There cannot be white space between the variables and the following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used to modify normal file names. When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a '/' added. When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line. 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README" files in the current directory and below: > :echo expand("**/README") < Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|. The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in "$FOOBAR". See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command. extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()* {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both |Dictionaries|. If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}. If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then {expr2} is appended. Examples: > :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5])) :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1) < When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of items copied is equal to the original length of the List. E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item (where N is the original length of the List). Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate two lists into a new list use the + operator: > :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5] < If they are |Dictionaries|: Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}. If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is used to decide what to do: {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1} {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2} {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737* When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed. {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary make a copy of {expr1} first. {expr2} remains unchanged. Returns {expr1}. feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()* Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still being executed these characters come after them. The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in {string}. To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example, feedkeys("\") simulates pressing of the key. But feedkeys('\') pushes 5 characters. If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped. {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags: 'm' Remap keys. This is default. 'n' Do not remap keys. 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo, opening folds, etc. Return value is always 0. filereadable({file}) *filereadable()* The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist, or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any expression, which is used as a String. If you don't care about the file being readable you can use |glob()|. *file_readable()* Obsolete name: file_readable(). filewritable({file}) *filewritable()* The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2. filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()* {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|. For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|. Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item. For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item. Examples: > :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"') < Removes the items where "OLD" appears. > :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8') < Removes the items with a key below 8. > :call filter(var, 0) < Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|. Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: > :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"') < Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered. When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no further items in {expr} are processed. finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()* Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching| for the syntax of {path}. Returns the path of the first found match. When the found directory is below the current directory a relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned. If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used. If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of {name} in {path} instead of the first one. When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|. This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|. {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature} findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()* Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory. Uses 'suffixesadd'. Example: > :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;") < Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until it finds the file "tags.vim". float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()* Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the decimal point. {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number. When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results in -0x80000000. Examples: > echo float2nr(3.95) < 3 > echo float2nr(-23.45) < -23 > echo float2nr(1.0e100) < 2147483647 > echo float2nr(-1.0e150) < -2147483647 > echo float2nr(1.0e-100) < 0 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} floor({expr}) *floor()* Return the largest integral value less than or equal to {expr} as a |Float| (round down). {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. Examples: > echo floor(1.856) < 1.0 > echo floor(-5.456) < -6.0 > echo floor(4.0) < 4.0 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature} fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()* Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|' are escaped with a backslash. For most systems the characters escaped are " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'. A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit| and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|). Example: > :let fname = '+some str%nge|name' :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname) < results in executing: > edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()* Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a string of characters like it is used for file names on the command line. See |filename-modifiers|. Example: > :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h") < results in: > /home/mool/vim/vim/src < Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use |expand()| first then. foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()* The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold. If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned. foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()* The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold. If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned. foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()* The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum} in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed. When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the previous line is usually available. *foldtext()* foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables. The returned string looks like this: > +-- 45 lines: abcdef < The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//" or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring' options is removed. {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature} foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()* Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context. When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is returned. {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current line, "'m" mark m, etc. Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML. {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature} *foreground()* foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()| On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use |remote_foreground()| instead. {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the Win32 console version} function({name}) *function()* *E700* Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}. {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function. garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()* Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always freed when they become unused. This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs for a long time. When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks. get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()* Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is omitted. get({dict}, {key} [, {default}]) Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this item is not available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is omitted. *getbufline()* getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}]) Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end} (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the buffer. Otherwise a number must be used. When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned. When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer, it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned. This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned. Example: > :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$") getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()* The result is the value of option or local buffer variable {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:" must be used. When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the buffer-local variables. This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or window-local option. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above. When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is returned, there is no error message. Examples: > :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod") :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar") < getchar([expr]) *getchar()* Get a single character from the user or input stream. If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available. If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available. Return zero otherwise. If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is not consumed. Return zero if no character available. Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String. Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string "\", e.g., "\". The returned value is also a String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is not included in the character. When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a one-byte character it is the character itself as a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String. When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|, |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the mouse as it would normally happen: > let c = getchar() if c == "\" && v:mouse_win > 0 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w" exe v:mouse_lnum exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|" endif < There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the user that a character has to be typed. There is no mapping for the character. Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the key you get the code for the key, not the raw character sequence. Examples: > getchar() == "\" getchar() == "\" < This example redefines "f" to ignore case: > :nmap f :call FindChar() :function FindChar() : let c = nr2char(getchar()) : while col('.') < col('$') - 1 : normal l : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c : break : endif : endwhile :endfunction getcharmod() *getcharmod()* The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way. These values are added together: 2 shift 4 control 8 alt (meta) 16 mouse double click 32 mouse triple click 64 mouse quadruple click 128 Macintosh only: command Only the modifiers that have not been included in the character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A" without a modifier. getcmdline() *getcmdline()* Return the current command-line. Only works when the command line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Example: > :cmap eescape(getcmdline(), ' \') < Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|. getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()* Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a byte count. The first column is 1. Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise. Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|. getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()* Return the current command-line type. Possible return values are: : normal Ex command > debug mode command |debug-mode| / forward search command ? backward search command @ |input()| command - |:insert| or |:append| command Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string otherwise. Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|. *getcwd()* getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current working directory. getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()* The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the given file {fname}. If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned. If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned. If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2 is returned. getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()* Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group |hl-Normal|. With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid font name. If not then an empty string is returned. Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the GUI does not support obtaining the real name. Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this function just after the GUI has started. Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking for a valid name does not work. getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()* The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute permissions of the given file {fname}. If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an empty string is returned. The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users. If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this is replaced with the string "-". Example: > :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd") < This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------". getftime({fname}) *getftime()* The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also |localtime()| and |strftime()|. If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned. getftype({fname}) *getftype()* The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of file of the given file {fname}. If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned. Here is a table over different kinds of files and their results: Normal file "file" Directory "dir" Symbolic link "link" Block device "bdev" Character device "cdev" Socket "socket" FIFO "fifo" All other "other" Example: > getftype("/home") < Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and "file" are returned. *getline()* getline({lnum} [, {end}]) Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum} from the current buffer. Example: > getline(1) < When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number. To get the line under the cursor: > getline(".") < When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned. When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end}, including line {end}. {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}. Non-existing lines are silently omitted. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned. Example: > :let start = line('.') :let end = search("^$") - 1 :let lines = getline(start, end) < To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()| getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()* Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location list window, the displayed location list is returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|. getmatches() *getmatches()* Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()| can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Example: > :echo getmatches() < [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO', 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2', 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] > :let m = getmatches() :call clearmatches() :echo getmatches() < [] > :call setmatches(m) :echo getmatches() < [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO', 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2', 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] > :unlet m < getqflist() *getqflist()* Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each list item is a dictionary with these entries: bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use bufname() to get the name lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1) col column number (first column is 1) vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column zero: "col" is byte index nr error number pattern search pattern used to locate the error text description of the error type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc. valid non-zero: recognized error message When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero. Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and do something with them: > :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c :for d in getqflist() : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text :endfor getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()* The result is a String, which is the contents of register {regname}. Example: > :let cliptext = getreg('*') < getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression register. (For use in maps.) getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra argument is ignored, thus you can always give it. If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used. getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()* The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}. The value will be one of: "v" for |characterwise| text "V" for |linewise| text "{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text 0 for an empty or unknown register is one character with value 0x16. If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used. gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()* Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}. When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local option. Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage use |getwinvar()|. When {winnr} is zero the current window is used. This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable or buffer-local variable. When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local variables is returned. Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:". Examples: > :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list') :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar') < *getwinposx()* getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the information is not available. *getwinposy()* getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the information is not available. getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()* Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage. Examples: > :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list') :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar') < glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()* Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the use of special characters. The result is a String. When there are several matches, they are separated by characters. Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero, the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches. If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name for a non-existing file is not included. For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from any external command. Example: > :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`") :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g") < The result of the program inside the backticks should be one item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed. See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command. globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()* Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate the results. Example: > :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim") < {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed. To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it. If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no error message. Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero, the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches. The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories in 'runtimepath' and below: > :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt") < Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly. *has()* has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a string. See |feature-list| below. Also see |exists()|. has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()* The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise. haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()* The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise. hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()* The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to) and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by {mode}. When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or Command-line mode. Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current buffer are checked for a match. If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned. The following characters are recognized in {mode}: n Normal mode v Visual mode o Operator-pending mode i Insert mode l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.) c Command-line mode When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used. This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists to a function in a Vim script. Example: > :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit') : map d \ABCdoit :endif < This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't already a mapping to "\ABCdoit". histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()* Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be one of: *hist-names* "cmd" or ":" command line history "search" or "/" search pattern history "expr" or "=" typed expression history "input" or "@" input line history If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be shifted to become the newest entry. The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful, otherwise 0 is returned. Example: > :call histadd("input", str